And We had certainly given to David and Solomon knowledge, and they said, "Praise [is due] to Allah, who has favored us over many of His believing servants." 15 And Solomon succeeded David and said: "O people, we have been taught the speech of birds and we have been endowed with all kinds of things. Surely this is a conspicuous favour (from Allah)." 16 And his hosts were mustered to Solomon, jinn, men and birds, duly disposed; 17 and when they came to the Valley of the Ants, one ant said, "Ants! Go into your dwellings, in case Solomon and his hosts inadvertently crush you." 18 He therefore smiled beamingly at her speech*, and submitted, “My Lord, bestow me guidance so that I thank you for the favour which You bestowed upon me and my parents, and so that I may perform the good deeds which please You, and by Your mercy include me among Your bondmen who are worthy of Your proximity.” (Prophet Sulaiman heard the voice of the she ant from far away.) 19 And he reviewed the birds; then he said, 'How is it with me, that I do not see the hoopoe? Or is he among the absent? 20 I will punish him severely, or cut his throat, unless he bring a valid excuse." 21 Not before long the hoopoe came up and said: "I have obtained a knowledge which you could not. I have brought for you sure news about Sheba. 22 I found there a woman ruling over them, one who has been endowed with all things and has a mighty throne. 23 I found her and her people worshipping the sun instead of Allah; and Satan maketh their works fairseeming unto them, and debarreth them from the way (of Truth), so that they go not aright; 24 Should they not worship God who brings forth what is hidden in the heavens and earth and knows both what you conceal and what you make known? 25 God: There is no god but He, the Lord of the glorious throne." ۩ 26 ۞ (Solomon) said: 'We shall see if you speak the truth or you are a liar. 27 Take this letter of mine and deliver it to them. Then leave them and see what [answer] they will return." 28 (The Queen of Sheba) said (when she received the letter): O chieftains! Lo! there hath been thrown unto me a noble letter. 29 It reads, 'From Soloman. In the Name of God, the Beneficent and the Merciful. 30 Do not consider yourselves superior to me but come to me as Muslims (in submission)". 31