And We indeed bestowed great knowledge to Dawud and Sulaiman; and they both said, “All praise is to Allah, Who bestowed us superiority over many of His believing bondmen.” 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 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 upon a valley [full] of ants, an ant exclaimed: "O you ants! Get into your dwellings, lest Solomon and his hosts crush you without [even] being aware [of you]!" 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 (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 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 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 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 Do they not prostrate themselves to Allah who brings forth all that is concealed in the heavens and earth and He knows what they hide and what they reveal? 25 God: there is no god but 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 Go with this my letter and throw it down unto them; then turn away and see what (answer) they return, 28 The Queen of Sheba said, "O Counsellors, an honourable letter has been delivered to me. 29 It is from Solomon. It reads, "In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful, 30 Do not rise against me, but come to me in submission.' 31