AND, INDEED, We granted [true] knowledge unto David and Solomon [as well]; and both were wont to say: All praise is due to God, who has [thus] favoured us above many of His believing servants!" 15 And Solomon was David's heir. He said: "O ye people! We have been taught the speech of birds, and on us has been bestowed (a little) of all things: this is indeed Grace manifest (from Allah.)" 16 And his hosts of the jinn and the men and the birds were gathered to him, and they were formed into groups. 17 When they arrived in the valley of the ants, one ant said to the others, "Enter your dwellings lest you be carelessly crushed by Soloman and his army." 18 (Solomon) smiled, amused at her speech, and said: "O Lord grant me that I should be grateful for the favours You have bestowed on me and my parents, and do good things of Your pleasing; and admit me among Your righteous devotees by Your grace." 19 And he sought after the birds and said: what aileth me that I see not the hoopoe; is he among the absentees? 20 I will most certainly punish him with a severe punishment, or kill him, or he shall bring to me a clear plea. 21 But he tarried not long, and said, 'I have comprehended that which thou hast not comprehended, and I have come from Sheba to thee with a sure tiding. 22 I found a woman ruling the people there and she possessed something of (almost) everything and a great throne. 23 But she and her people prostrate to the sun instead of Allah. And satan has made their deeds seem pleasing to them and barred them from the Path, and therefore they are not guided. 24 So that they worship not Allah, Who bringeth forth the hidden in the heavens and the earth, and knoweth what ye hide and what ye proclaim, 25 Allah - there is no deity except Him, Lord of the Great Throne." ۩ 26 ۞ Said Sulaiman, “We shall now see whether you spoke the truth or are among the liars.” 27 "Go you with this letter of mine, and deliver it to them, then draw back from them, and see what (answer) they return." 28 (The queen) said: "Ye chiefs! here is delivered to me - a letter worthy of respect. 29 It is from Solomon. It reads, "In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful, 30 Do not rise against me, but come to me in submission.' 31