AND, INDEED, We granted [true] knowledge unto David and Solomon [as well]; and both were wont to say: All praise is due to God, who has [thus] favoured us above many of His believing servants!" 15 Solomon became the heir to David. He said, "People, we have been taught the language of the birds and have been granted a share of everything. This indeed is a manifest favor (from God)". 16 And before Solomon were marshalled his hosts,- of Jinns and men and birds, and they were all kept in order and ranks. 17 Till, when they came to the valley of the ants, one of the ants said: "O ants! Enter your dwellings, lest Sulaiman (Solomon) and his hosts crush you, while they perceive not." 18 Smiling at the ant's utterance, Solomon burst into laughter and said: "My Lord! Hold me under (Your) control that I may render thanks for the favour which You have bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may act righteously in a manner that would please You. Include me, out of Your Mercy, among Your righteous servants." 19 And he reviewed the birds, then said: How is it I see not the hoopoe or is it that he is of the absentees? 20 “I will indeed punish him severely or slay him, or he must bring to me some clear evidence.” 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 there a woman ruling over them, one who has been endowed with all things and has a mighty throne. 23 I found that she and her people prostrate themselves before the sun rather than Allah. " Satan has made their deeds appear attractive to them and has, thus, debarred them from the Right Path so they do not find true guidance 24 "(Kept them away from the Path), that they should not worship Allah, Who brings to light what is hidden in the heavens and the earth, and knows what ye hide and what ye reveal. 25 Allah! there is no God but he, the Lord of the Magnificent Throne. ۩ 26 ۞ [Sulaiman (Solomon)] said: "We shall see whether you speak the truth or you are (one) of the liars. 27 Go with this my letter and convey it to them; and thereafter withdraw from them 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 It is from Solomon, and it is: "In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate." 30 do not exalt yourselves above me, but come to me in all submission." 31