The Holy Quran 27:20 — Surah An-Naml

Arabic text

وَتَفَقَّدَ ٱلطَّيْرَ فَقَالَ مَا لِىَ لَآ أَرَى ٱلْهُدْهُدَ أَمْ كَانَ مِنَ ٱلْغَآئِبِينَ

Translation

When he (Sulaymaan عليه الصلاة والسلام) inspected (took count of) the birds (of his army and could not find a bird called Hudhud) he said, "Why do I not see Hudhud (the hoopoe bird)? Is he among the absentees?"

Tafsir (excerpt) — Tafsir Usmani

The question about the hoopoe: for some need Sulayman ﵇ reviewed the flying army. The hoopoe was not to be seen among them. He said, “What is the matter, that I do not see the hoopoe? Have I failed to notice it in the flock of birds, or is it really absent?” (Caution)

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