Who were the 'divers' mentioned in Surah Sad?

The 'divers' in Surah Sad (38:37) were a group of the Shayatin (devils) or Jinn who were subjugated by Allah to serve Prophet Solomon. According to classical commentators like Ibn Kathir, their specific task was to dive into the sea to extract pearls, jewels, and other valuable treasures.

What did the jinn divers get for Prophet Solomon?

Islamic scholars, including Al-Qurtubi, state that the jinn divers retrieved precious items from the depths of the sea for Prophet Solomon. These treasures included pearls, jewels, and other valuables that were difficult for humans to obtain, showcasing the unique nature of this divinely granted miracle.

How could Prophet Solomon control the jinn divers?

Prophet Solomon's control over the jinn divers was not through his own power but was a direct miracle and gift from Allah in response to his prayer for a unique kingdom. The Quran states that Allah 'subjected' the Shayatin to him, indicating a divine compulsion that they could not disobey.

Divers in Islam: The Subjugated Jinn of Prophet Solomon

Divers

Explore Verses Related to Divers

🕋Sad38:37

At a Glance

According to search-discovered classical Islamic scholarship, the 'divers' (ghawwas) mentioned in Surah Sad, verse 37, were a contingent of the Shayatin (devils) or Jinn, who were subjugated by the will of Allah to serve Prophet Solomon (Sulaiman). The renowned exegete Ibn Kathir explains that this group was specifically tasked with plunging into the depths of the seas to retrieve precious treasures such as pearls and jewels. This interpretation is supported by other major commentators like Al-Qurtubi, who highlight this as a unique miracle, marking Prophet Solomon as the first to have such underwater treasures collected for him. The Arabic term 'ghawwas' itself, with its root meaning 'to dive,' and its morphological pattern indicating an expert or habitual actor, underscores the specialized nature of this subjugated workforce. This event is a profound demonstration of Allah's absolute power and a specific fulfillment of Prophet Solomon's prayer for a kingdom unlike any other.

📖 Quranic Context

A specific and unique miracle granted to Prophet Solomon (Sulaiman), highlighting the extent of his dominion.

A manifestation of Allah's power to subjugate even the rebellious Jinn for the service of His prophets.

References: 38:37

💭 Theological Perspective

not applicable

Serves as a sign (ayah) of Allah's omnipotence and the truthfulness of His prophets.

A point of reflection on the concepts of power, subjugation, and the ultimate authority of Allah.

📜 Hadith Perspective

While the specific term 'divers' is not extensively elaborated in Hadith, the broader context of Prophet Solomon's power over the Jinn is supported by prophetic narrations.

Prophet Solomon's unique kingdom
The power and abilities of the Jinn
The subjugation of the unseen world to the prophets of Allah

Universal agreement among scholars that the 'divers' were a group of Jinn under Prophet Solomon's command.

💎 Deeper Insights

The term 'ghawwas' implies not just diving, but expertise and habitual practice. This suggests that the subjugated Jinn were not just forced into a single act, but that their inherent, specialized skills were harnessed, highlighting the precision and depth of Allah's control.

— Linguistic Analysis, Ibn Kathir

Al-Qurtubi's insight that Prophet Solomon was the *first* to have pearls extracted for him in this manner elevates the miracle beyond mere subjugation. It establishes a divine precedent, marking a new chapter in the interaction between the seen and unseen worlds under prophetic authority.

— Al-Qurtubi