And We verily gave knowledge unto David and Solomon, and they said: Praise be to Allah, Who hath preferred us above many of His believing slaves! 15 And Sulaiman became Dawud’s heir; and he said, “O people, we have indeed been taught the language of birds, and have been given from all things; this surely is a manifest favour.” 16 And gathered for Solomon were his soldiers of the jinn and men and birds, and they were [marching] in rows. 17 Till they reached the Valley of Naml. Said the lady of Naml: "O Naml, go into your dwellings lest Solomon and his hordes should crush you unawares." 18 But he smiled, laughing at its words, and he said, 'My Lord, dispose me that I may be thankful for Thy blessing wherewith Thou hast blessed me and my father and mother, and that I may do righteousness well-pleasing to Thee; and do Thou admit me, by Thy mercy, amongst Thy righteous servants.' 19 (Solomon) inspected the birds and said, "How is it that I cannot see the hoopoe. Is he absent? 20 "I will surely punish him with a severe torment, or slaughter him, unless he brings me a clear reason." 21 But he tarried not far, and he said: I have encompassed that which thou hast not encompassed, and I come unto thee from Saba with a tidings sure. 22 Verily I have found a woman ruling over them and she hath been vouchsafed somewhat of everything, and hers is 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 To worship God who brings to light what is hidden in the heavens and the earth, and is cognisant of what you hide and what you disclose. 25 Allah, La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the Lord of the Supreme Throne! ۩ 26 ۞ He replied: 'We shall see if what you have said is true or whether you are among those who lie. 27 Take this my letter and hand it over to them, then turn away from them and see what (answer) they return. 28 (The queen) said: "Ye chiefs! here is delivered to me - a letter worthy of respect. 29 Lo! it is from Solomon, and lo! it is: In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful; 30 (It says): "Do not act towards me with defiance, but come to me in submission." 31