Comprehensive Definition
ṢAK͟HR (صخر) is a powerful figure in Islamic folklore, known as a jinn or devil who temporarily overthrew King Solomon by seizing control of his magical ring. By wielding the ring, ṢAK͟HR personated King Solomon for forty days before ultimately disposing of the ring into the sea. Divine providence intervened when a fish swallowed the ring, which was eventually caught and brought back to Solomon, allowing him to reclaim his throne.
Etymology and Background
- Etymology: The word “ṢAK͟HR” (Arabic: صخر) translates to “rock” or “boulder” in Arabic, likely symbolizing the jinn’s formidable nature and unyielding character.
- Religious Context: Within Islamic scripture and lore, jinn are supernatural beings created from smokeless fire, possessing free will similar to humans. They can be benevolent or malevolent.
- Story Origin: The tale is derived from traditional Islamic narratives and can be found scattered across various hadiths and folklore compilations. It is an extension of Solomon’s stories, widely venerated in Islam, Christianity, and Judaism.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
- In Islam: The story serves as a testament to faith, divine justice, and the ultimate supremacy of righteous leadership.
- In Judaism and Christianity: Solomon is a wise king endowed with divine wisdom, but narratives about jinn or similar beings (like demons) taking control of Solomon’s ring predominantly belong to later folklore rather than canonical texts.
Synonyms
- Ifrit
- Demon
- Trickster Jinn
Antonyms
- Angel
- Benevolent Spirit
- Protector
Related Terms
- Jinn (جن): Supernatural creatures in Islamic mythology.
- Solomon (سليمان): A prophet and king in Islamic tradition, known for his wisdom and control over jinn.
- Magic Ring: An artifact granting extraordinary powers, central to many mythologies and legends.
Exciting Facts
- The motif of a magical ring granting power is prevalent in many cultures, such as the One Ring in Tolkien’s Middle-earth legendarium.
- The story of Solomon’s ring emphasizes the values of justice, humility, and eventual divine triumph over deceit.
Quotations
“The stories of Solomon bring expectations and wonder. In them, wisdom transcends the mortal realm, showing us the intricate dance between the divine and the earthly.” – Amal Bint Ayesha, Mythic Tales of the East.
Suggested Literature and Sources for Further Study
- “The Tales of the Arabian Nights,” for traditional Middle Eastern folklore.
- “Magic, Matters & Mystics in Islamic Tradition,” by Hussein Al-Khayat, exploring mystical artifacts in Islamic culture.
- “Demonic Beings in Islamic Theology,” by Farida Zaman, covering the cosmology of jinn.
- “Solomon’s Reign: Wisdom and Leadership,” an in-depth exploration of Solomon’s stories across Abrahamic religions.
Quizzes
### Who is ṢAK͟HR (صخر) in Islamic folklore?
- [ ] A prophet of Islam
- [ ] An angel
- [x] A jinn who personated King Solomon
- [ ] A king of Persia
> **Explanation:** ṢAK͟HR is known as a jinn or devil in Islamic folklore who seized Solomon's magical ring and posed as the king for forty days.
### What did ṢAK͟HR do with Solomon's ring after impersonating him?
- [ ] Kept it for himself
- [x] Threw it into the sea
- [ ] Gave it to another jinn
- [ ] Destroyed it
> **Explanation:** ṢAK͟HR threw Solomon's magical ring into the sea, where it was swallowed by a fish.
### How long did ṢAK͟HR personate King Solomon?
- [ ] 7 days
- [ ] 30 days
- [ ] 100 days
- [x] 40 days
> **Explanation:** The narrative describes ṢAK͟HR personating King Solomon for forty days before the ring was retrieved.
### True or False: Solomon regained his ring with the help of a fish.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** Indeed, Solomon's ring was retrieved from the sea by a fish which was later caught and brought to Solomon.
### What does the term "ṢAK͟HR" literally mean in Arabic?
- [ ] Fire
- [x] Rock
- [ ] Water
- [ ] Air
> **Explanation:** The word "ṢAK͟HR" translates to "rock" or "boulder" in Arabic, symbolizing strength and durability.
### Which religious texts mention Solomon as a wise king?
- [x] Islam
- [x] Judaism
- [x] Christianity
- [ ] Buddhism
> **Explanation:** Solomon is revered as a wise king in Islam, Judaism, and Christianity.
### In what form was the ring that ṢAK͟HR seized from Solomon?
- [ ] Necklace
- [x] Ring
- [ ] Bracelet
- [ ] Amulet
> **Explanation:** The tale involves a magical ring that ṢAK͟HR seized from Solomon.
### True or False: Jinn are typically known to be malevolent beings.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** Jinn possess free will and can be benevolent or malevolent.
### What lesson does Solomon's ring story emphasize in the Islamic culture?
- [ ] The power of magic
- [ ] The inevitability of fate
- [x] The supremacy of divine justice
- [ ] The flexibility of deceit
> **Explanation:** The story emphasizes the supremacy of divine justice over deceit.
### Which creature swallowed Solomon's ring according to the tale?
- [ ] Bird
- [ ] Tiger
- [ ] Whale
- [x] Fish
> **Explanation:** According to the tale, a fish swallowed Solomon's ring, which was later caught and brought back to him.
May the enduring tales of folk and fate inspire journeys into the wonders of wisdom and the quest for truth.
— authoritative text
— Zepeda N. Jordan, 2023
