And We gave David and Solomon knowledge and they said, 'Praise belongs to God who has preferred us over 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 And gathered for Solomon were his soldiers of the jinn and men and birds, and they were [marching] in rows. 17 Until when they came unto the valley of the ants, an ant said: O ants! enter your habitations lest Sulaiman and his hosts crush you while they perceive not. 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 inflict a severe punishment on him or maybe even slaughter him unless he comes forth with a convincing reason (for his absence)." 21 And he tarried not long, then said: I comprehend that which you do not comprehend and I have brought to you a sure information from Sheba. 22 There I found a woman ruling over them. She possess everything and has a great 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 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 - none is worthy of worship save He; He is 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 deliver it to them. Then leave them and see what [answer] they will return." 28 (The Queen said): "O nobles, a venerable letter has been delivered to me. 29 It is from Solomon and it is "In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most Merciful. 30 Saying: exalt not yourselves against me and come to me in submission. 31