The story of Prophet Sulayman (Solomon) is found in Islamic traditions but is also present in Jewish and Christian scriptures. Let's explore how the story is depicted in these different beliefs:

Islamic Belief: In Islam, the story of Prophet Solomon is primarily detailed in the Quran. It emphasizes Solomon's wisdom, the ability to communicate with animals and jinn, and his role as a just ruler. The narrative includes the interaction with the Queen of Sheba (Bilqis) and her eventual submission to God.

Jewish Belief: In the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh), Solomon is considered one of the great kings of Israel. His story is most prominently found in the books of Kings and Chronicles. The biblical narrative includes Solomon's construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem, his reputation for wisdom, and his alliances through marriage with foreign princesses. However, there are differences in the details when compared to the Islamic narrative.

Christian Belief: Christianity acknowledges Solomon as a historical figure and the son of King David. His story is found in the Old Testament, and he is often remembered for his wisdom and the construction of the First Temple. In Christian tradition, Solomon is sometimes seen as a foreshadowing of Christ's wisdom, but his role is not as prominent as in Judaism or Islam.

Rabbinic and Talmudic Tradition: In addition to the Hebrew Bible, Jewish traditions found in the Talmud and Midrash expand on Solomon's story. These traditions may include further details about Solomon's dealings with demons, his building projects, and his interactions with other biblical figures.

Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church: In the Ethiopian Orthodox tradition, the story of Solomon is elaborated upon in the Kebra Nagast, an important religious text. The Kebra Nagast connects the lineage of Solomon and the Queen of Sheba to the Ethiopian royal line, making a claim for the Ark of the Covenant.

Islamic Folklore and Mystical Traditions: In various Islamic cultures, especially in Sufi and mystical traditions, additional stories and details about Solomon's life, teachings, and miracles have been developed. These stories may include elements not explicitly mentioned in the Quran. While the core narrative of Solomon's wisdom and his interactions with Bilqis is consistent across these beliefs, variations and additional details exist based on the religious tradition and the specific texts considered authoritative within each faith.

Let's delve into the full story of the kingdom of Prophet Sulayman (Solomon) according to various beliefs:

Prophet Solomon is credited with the construction of Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem, one of the holiest sites in Islam. The Quran emphasizes the significance of this mosque as a place of worship and a symbol of God's blessings. Solomon's ability to control and command the jinn is a prominent feature in Islamic belief. The jinn served him and undertook various tasks. Solomon's exceptional wisdom is demonstrated in the famous incident involving two women claiming to be the mother of the same child. His judgment revealed his deep insight. Similar to other traditions, Islamic belief acknowledges Solomon's ability to communicate with animals, another sign of his prophethood. The Quran narrates the story of the Queen of Sheba (Bilqis) visiting Solomon after receiving his letter. Witnessing Solomon's kingdom, she converts to the worship of one God. Islamic tradition includes the story of Solomon's army, consisting of humans, jinn, and birds. Birds played a role in his military strategies and were considered part of his formidable forces (Quranic Reference: Surah Sad 38:19-20). These aspects highlight the magnificence of Solomon's kingdom in Islamic belief, with an emphasis on his wisdom, the construction of Masjid al-Aqsa, and his interactions with various creatures. The Quranic narrative focuses on the spiritual and prophetic dimensions of Solomon's reign.

In the jewish and Christian Beliefs, Solomon is credited with building the First Temple in Jerusalem. This temple became a central place of worship for the Israelites. Solomon is renowned for his wisdom, famously displayed in the judgment between two women claiming to be the mother of a child. His reign is associated with great wealth and prosperity. Solomon formed alliances with neighboring nations through marriage, a strategy aimed at maintaining peace. The visit of the Queen of Sheba is also present in Jewish and Christian traditions, emphasizing her journey to witness Solomon's wisdom and wealth. Rabbinic sources expand on Solomon's construction projects, suggesting that Solomon built not only the First Temple in Jerusalem but also various other edifices and structures. Some sources even attribute the construction of the walls of Jerusalem to Solomon. The Talmudic tradition provides additional details about the encounter between Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. It is said that the Queen of Sheba brought a series of challenging riddles to test Solomon's wisdom, and Solomon, with divine insight, was able to answer them all. Rabbinic traditions describe Solomon's throne as a marvel of craftsmanship. According to some accounts, the throne had the ability to transport Solomon through the air to different locations. Animals and birds would accompany Solomon, emphasizing his dominion over creation. Rabbinic literature introduces the idea that Solomon had control over various supernatural entities, including demons and spirits. It is said that Solomon used a magical ring inscribed with the name of God to command these entities and enlist their help in his building projects.

In Ethiopian tradition, the Kebra Nagast connects the lineage of Solomon and the Queen of Sheba to the Ethiopian royal line, asserting a claim to the Ark of the Covenant. The most prominent element in Ethiopian tradition is the relationship between Solomon and the Queen of Sheba (Makeda in Ethiopian tradition). According to Ethiopian lore, the Queen of Sheba visited Solomon, and their union resulted in the birth of a son, Menelik I. The Ethiopian tradition asserts that Menelik I, the son of Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, traveled to visit his father in Jerusalem. During his stay, he is said to have taken the Ark of the Covenant from the Temple, bringing it to Ethiopia. The Ark is believed to have been housed in the Church of St. Mary of Zion in Axum. Ethiopian monarchs claim their lineage directly from the union of Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, specifically through Menelik I. This belief forms the foundation for the Solomonic dynasty, which historically ruled Ethiopia for centuries until the overthrow of Emperor Haile Selassie in 1974. Axum, an ancient city in Ethiopia, is considered a significant historical and religious center in Ethiopian tradition. It is associated with the Ark of the Covenant and is regarded as a sacred place. Lalibela, another Ethiopian city, is renowned for its rock-hewn churches, and there are legends connecting its construction to divine and angelic influences. The Ethiopian tradition, with its emphasis on the union between Solomon and the Queen of Sheba and the subsequent connection to the Ark of the Covenant, reflects a distinctive and cherished aspect of Ethiopian Christian identity and history. These beliefs have played a crucial role in shaping Ethiopia's cultural and religious landscape.