Could Solomon (as) speak with animals?

The description of Solomon’s (as) kingdom is meant figuratively. Taken literally, animals would have to understand human speech and be wiser than humans, and that does not fit the unchanging way God has dealt with all His prophets.

Many people read the story of Solomon (as) word for word. That produces a strange picture of his time. Yet the Holy Qur’an reminds us again and again that all prophets follow the same way of God, as the last verse above says. If Solomon (as) alone had spoken with animals as one speaks with people, he would stand entirely outside that way.

Something important is often overlooked. In the story, it is not only Solomon (as) who speaks to the animals. The animals also answer him. Hudhud travels to the court of Sheba, hears everything said there, understands it and reports on it precisely. Taken literally, this bird would have abilities that no human except Solomon (as) possessed. It would be superior to people in understanding.

Some say that Solomon (as) had simply learned the language of animals. But in Hudhud’s case it would have to be the other way round. The bird would have to understand human language and grasp people’s conversations about faith and rule. That would turn the whole order between humans and animals upside down.

This is why the description of Solomon’s (as) kingdom should be understood figuratively. The Holy Qur’an often speaks in parables so that the reader reflects on the meaning. Read in this way, the story shows the greatness and order of a kingdom that God granted to a prophet, without setting aside the laws of His creation.