And assuredly We vouchsafed unto Daud and Sulaiman a knowledge, and the twain said: praise unto Allah Who hath preferred us above many of His believing bondmen! 15 Solomon inherited David. He said: 'Know, my people, we have been taught the speech of birds and given everything. Surely, this is a clear bounty' 16 Hosts of jinn and humans and birds were marshalled for Solomon and were kept under full control. 17 and when they came to the Valley of the Ants, one ant said, "Ants! Go into your dwellings, in case Solomon and his hosts inadvertently crush you." 18 Solomon smiled broadly at its words and said, "Lord, inspire me to be thankful for the blessings You have granted me and my parents, and to do good deeds that please You; and include me, by Your grace, among Your righteous servants!" 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 most certainly punish him with a severe punishment, or kill him, or he shall bring to me a clear plea. 21 But he was not long in coming, and said, "I have learnt something you did not know. I have come to you from Sheba with reliable news. 22 Surely I found a woman ruling over them, and she has been given abundance and she has a mighty throne: 23 "I found her and her people worshipping the sun instead of Allah, and Shaitan (Satan) has made their deeds fair-seeming to them, and has barred them from (Allah's) Way, so they have no guidance," 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 Allah, there is no god except He, the Lord of the Mighty Throne' ۩ 26 ۞ He said: We will see whether you have told the truth or whether you are of the liars: 27 Take my letter, and drop it to them. Then turn aside and see what they shall return' 28 She said, 'O Council, see, a letter honourable has been cast unto me. 29 It is from Solomon, and it is "In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate. 30 [God says:] Exalt not yourselves against Me, but come unto Me in willing surrender!'" 31