And We indeed bestowed great knowledge to Dawud and Sulaiman; and they both said, “All praise is to Allah, Who bestowed us superiority over many of His believing bondmen.” 15 And Sulaiman (Solomon) inherited (the knowledge of) Dawud (David). He said: "O mankind! We have been taught the language of birds, and on us have been bestowed all things. This, verily, is an evident grace (from Allah)." 16 And before Solomon were marshalled his hosts,- of Jinns and men and birds, and they were all kept in order and ranks. 17 Until when they came to the valley of the Naml, a Namlite said: O Naml! enter your houses, (that) Sulaiman and his hosts may not crush you while they do not know. 18 He smiled, and laughed at its words, and said: 'My Lord, inspire me that I should be thankful for Your blessing with which You have blessed me and my parents, and that I may do good works that will please You. Admit me, by Your Mercy, among Your righteous worshipers' 19 When he reviewed the Tair, he said: "How is it I do not see Hud-hud? Is he absent? 20 "I will surely punish him with a severe torment, or slaughter him, unless he brings me a clear reason." 21 But he was not long in coming, and reported: "I have been around where you have not been. I come from Saba with positive news. 22 "Behold, I found there a woman ruling over them; and she has been given [abundance] of all [good] things, and hers is a mighty throne, 23 I found her and her people adoring the sun instead of Allah, and the Shaitan has made their deeds fair-seeming to them and thus turned them from the way, so they do not go aright 24 “Why do they not prostrate to Allah, Who brings forth the things hidden in the heavens and the earth, and knows all what you hide and all what you disclose?” 25 God is the only Lord and master of the Great Throne." ۩ 26 ۞ Solomon said: "Soon shall we see whether you have spoken the truth or are one of those that lie. 27 Take my letter, and drop it to them. Then turn aside and see what they shall return' 28 She said, "O eminent ones, indeed, to me has been delivered a noble letter. 29 It is from Solomon. It reads, "In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful, 30 Rise not up against me, but come to me in surrender." ' 31