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 Sulaiman was Dawood's heir, and he said: O men! we have been taught the language of birds, and we have been given all things; most surely this is manifest grace. 16 And there were gathered before Sulaiman (Solomon) his hosts of jinns and men, and birds, and they all were set in battle order (marching forwards). 17 till, when they came on the Valley of Ants, an ant said, 'Ants, enter your dwelling-places, lest Solomon and his hosts crush you, being unaware!' 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 attendance of the birds and said, "Why do I not see the hoopoe - or is he among the absent? 20 [If so,] I will punish him most severely or will kill him unless he bring me a convincing excuse!" 21 But he was not long in coming, and he said: I have found out (a thing) that thou apprehendest not, and I come unto thee from Sheba with sure tidings. 22 Indeed, I found [there] a woman ruling them, and she has been given of all things, and she has 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 god but He!- Lord of the Throne Supreme!" ۩ 26 ۞ (Solomon) said: We shall see whether thou speakest truth or whether thou art of 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 [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 God, the Merciful, the Compassionate. 30 Do not rise against me, but come to me in submission.' 31