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 Solomon succeeded David. He said, "Know, my people, that we have been taught the speech of birds and endowed with all good things. Surely this is God's manifest grace." 16 Solomon's hosts of jinn and men and birds, were all gathered together in his presence and were ranged in battle order, 17 Until when they came to the valley of the ants, a she ant exclaimed, “O ants, enter your houses – may not Sulaiman and his armies crush you, unknowingly.” 18 Smiling at the ant's utterance, Solomon burst into laughter and said: "My Lord! Hold me under (Your) control that I may render thanks for the favour which You have bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may act righteously in a manner that would please You. Include me, out of Your Mercy, among Your righteous servants." 19 He inspected the birds, and said: "What is the matter that I see not the hoopoe? Or is he among the absentees? 20 I shall surely punish him severely or order him to be executed, unless he gives me a good reason for his absence." 21 He was not long in coming, and said: 'I know what you do not know. I come to you from Sheba with certain news. 22 I found a woman ruling over them, and she has been given of everything, and she possesses a mighty throne. 23 I found that she and her people prostrate themselves before the sun rather than Allah. " Satan has made their deeds appear attractive to them and has, thus, debarred them from the Right Path so they do not find true guidance 24 that they would prostrate themselves before Allah Who brings to light all that is hidden in the heavens and the earth and knows all that you conceal and all that you reveal. 25 “Allah – there is no True God except Him, the Owner of the Great Throne.” (Command of Prostration # 8) ۩ 26 ۞ Sulaiman said: we shall see now whether thou hast spoken the truth or whether thou art of the liars. 27 Take this letter of mine, and cast it unto them, then turn back from them and see what they shall 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 is from Solomon. It reads, "In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful, 30 Exalt not yourselves against me, but come unto me as those who surrender. 31