We bestowed knowledge on David and Solomon and they both said, "Praise be to God who has exalted us above many of His believing servants." 15 And Solomon inherited David. He said, "O people, we have been taught the language of birds, and we have been given from all things. Indeed, this is evident bounty." 16 Soloman's army, consisting of human beings, jinn, and birds were gathered together in his presence in ranks. 17 (Solomon was once on the move with them) until when they reached a valley of ants one of the ants said: "O ants, get into your holes, lest Solomon and his hosts crush you (under their feet) without even knowing." 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 took attendance of the birds and said, "Why do I not see the hoopoe - or is he among the absent? 20 I will surely punish him with a severe punishment or slaughter him unless he brings me clear authorization." 21 Not long after the hoopoe came forward and said, "I have information which you do not have. I have come from the land of Sheba with a true report. 22 I found a woman ruling over them, who has been given everything and she has a mighty throne. 23 "I found her and her people worshipping the sun besides Allah: Satan has made their deeds seem pleasing in their eyes, and has kept them away from the Path,- so they receive no guidance,- 24 [for they have come to believe] that they ought not to adore God [although it is He] who brings forth all that is hidden in the heavens and on earth, and knows all that you would conceal as well as all that you bring into the open: 25 He is God: there is no deity but He, the Lord of the mighty throne." ۩ 26 ۞ [Sulaiman (Solomon)] said: "We shall see whether you speak the truth or you are (one) 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 She said: O chief! surely an honorable letter has been delivered to me 29 It is from Solomon, and it is "In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate. 30 "'Be ye not arrogant against me, but come to me in submission (to the true Religion).'" 31