Title: Regarding the prayers of Solomon and Abraham (pbut) Question: I have some doubts which trouble my mind. According to the Quran, Prophet Solomon (pbuh) prayed that God should give him Kingdom that no one will ever be given? Why did he make such a prayer? Is it not against humility? Also, Prophet Abraham prayed that he must be remembered in the coming generations. Why did he make such a prayer when his sacrifice was only for God? Hope you will understand my questions and clarify it. Thanks. Answer: Both these supplications are, in fact, indicative of the humility and submissiveness of the two prophets of God. Solomon's (pbuh) prayer relates to the time when God put him through a trial in which his kingdom was surrounded by advancing enemies from all sides and his rule was practically restricted to an extremely small area. The verse tells us that this was a great trial for Solomon (pbuh) which entailed such trying circumstances that it rendered him a lifeless body on his great throne. Consequently, as a model of humility and submission to God, Solomon (pbuh) considered this trial to be God's recompense for a mistake that he may have committed. Thus, he repented and asked for God's forgiveness and then prayed that as a sign of His forgiveness, He may grant him incomparable rule. The 'incomparability' of the rule that Solomon sought, was not merely from the perspective of its material prowess, but from the perspective basically of the quality of that rule and its ability to be the witnesses of God's justice on humankind. As for Abraham's (pbuh) supplication, it is only an earnest request to be remembered in good words, in latter times. Being remembered is a natural human desire. However, for the prophet of God the supplication was not to be remembered for his achievements, bravery or conquests, but for his piety, goodness and his submission to the Almighty. I hope this helps. Moiz Amjad April 15, 2005