While discussing the above point, the subject of Solomon’s Hoopoe came up. A persistent questioner from among our brothers1 asked: “What is the reason for the Hoopoe describing Almighty God with a relatively insignificant attribute in the sentence, “Who brings to light what is hidden in the heavens and the earth,”(27:25) while there are more significant divine attributes?
T h e A n s w e r : One aspect of eloquence is to make understood the occupation or craft with which the speaker is mostly employed. Like the nomad diviners who intuitively discover the places where water is to be found in the Arabian Peninsula, Solomon’s Hoopoe, a diviner from among birds and animals, was a blessed bird who was employed in various duties and also found water for Solomon (Upon whom be peace), so it could be used. It is stating through the measure of its own art that Almighty God proves His fitness to be worshipped and prostrated before by making known the things hidden in the heavens and earth.
Yes, the Hoopoe understood it well, for the natural inclination of the incalculable numbers of seeds and minerals under the earth is not to emerge upwards from below. Because since such beings lack life and will, they cannot go upwards of their own accord; on their own, they can only tumble downwards. A body concealed under the heaviness of the earth certainly could not shake that heavy load off its shoulders on its own and emerge upwards. It means that it does so through a wondrous power.
The Hoopoe understood through his divining this most hidden and important of the proofs of divine fitness to be worshipped, so that the All-Wise Qur’an imparted a miraculousness to its statement concerning it.
This refers to Re’fet, who is diligent in asking questions but lazy when it comes to writing!