We gave knowledge to David and Solomon. They said: 'Praise be to Allah who has preferred us above many of His believing worshipers' 15 And [in this insight] Solomon was [truly] David's heir; and he would say: "O you people! We have been taught the speech of birds, and have been given [in abundance] of all [good] things: this, behold, is indeed a manifest favour [from God]!" 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, an ant said: 'Ants, go into your dwellings lest Solomon and his army should, unknowingly, crush you' 18 (Solomon) smiled at the ant's remarks and said, "Lord, inspire me to thank you for Your favors to me and my parents and to act righteously so as to please you. Admit me, by your mercy into the company of Your righteous servants". 19 And he took a muster of the Birds; and he said: "Why is it I see not the Hoopoe? Or is he among the absentees? 20 I verily will punish him with hard punishment or I verily will slay him, or he verily shall bring me a plain excuse. 21 But he was not long in coming, and said, "I have learnt something you did not know. I have come to you from Sheba with reliable news. 22 Verily I have found a woman ruling over them and she hath been vouchsafed somewhat of everything, and hers is a mighty throne. 23 I found her and her people prostrating to the sun instead of Allah, and Satan has made their deeds pleasing to them and averted them from [His] way, so they are not guided, 24 Do they not prostrate themselves to Allah who brings forth all that is concealed in the heavens and earth and He knows what they hide and what they reveal? 25 He is God: there is no deity but He, the Lord of the mighty throne." ۩ 26 ۞ Said [Solomon]: "We shall see whether thou hast told the truth or art one of the liars! 27 Take this my letter and hand it over to them, then turn away from them and see what (answer) they return. 28 [When the Queen had read Solomon's letter,] she said: "O you nobles! A truly distinguished letter has been conveyed unto me. 29 It is from Solomon and it is "In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most Merciful. 30 Do not rise up against me, but come to me in surrender (Muslims)." 31