(On the other hand), We granted knowledge to David and Solomon and they said: "All praise be to Allah Who has exalted us above many of His believing servants!" 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 Hosts of jinn and humans and birds were marshalled for Solomon and were kept under full control. 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 He smiled, and laughed at its words, and said: 'My Lord, inspire me that I should be thankful for Your blessing with which You have blessed me and my parents, and that I may do good works that will please You. Admit me, by Your Mercy, among Your righteous worshipers' 19 And he sought among the birds and said: How is it that I see not the hoopoe, or is he among the absent? 20 I shall surely punish him severely or order him to be executed, unless he gives me a good reason for his absence." 21 So Hudhud did not stay absent for long, and presenting himself submitted, “I have witnessed a matter that your majesty has not seen, and I have brought definite information to you from the city of Saba.” 22 I found a woman ruling over them, who has been given everything and she has a mighty throne. 23 I have found her and her people adoring the sun instead of Allah, and the Satan hath made their works fairseeming unto them, and hath barred them from the way, so they are not guided. 24 (Satan has done this) so that they will not worship God who brings forth whatever is hidden in the heavens and the earth and knows whatever you conceal or reveal. 25 God: there is no god but He, the Lord of the Mighty Throne.' ۩ 26 ۞ Said he, 'Now We will see whether thou hast spoken truly, or whether thou art amongst those that lie. 27 Go with this my letter and throw it down unto them; then turn away and see what (answer) they return, 28 She (the Queen of Sheba) said: 'O Council, look, an honorable letter has been dropped to me. 29 "Verily! It is from Sulaiman (Solomon), and verily! It (reads): In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful; 30 Do not rise up against me, but come to me in surrender (Muslims)." 31