And We gave David and Solomon knowledge and they said, 'Praise belongs to God who has preferred us over many of His believing servants.' 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 Solomon's hosts of jinn and men and birds, were all gathered together in his presence and were ranged in battle order, 17 At length, when they came to a (lowly) valley of ants, one of the ants said: "O ye ants, get into your habitations, lest Solomon and his hosts crush you (under foot) without knowing it." 18 (Solomon) smiled, amused at her speech, and said: "O Lord grant me that I should be grateful for the favours You have bestowed on me and my parents, and do good things of Your pleasing; and admit me among Your righteous devotees by Your grace." 19 And he surveyed the birds – he therefore said, “What is to me that I do not see the Hudhud (hoopoe), or is he really 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 But the Hoopoe tarried not far: he (came up and) said: "I have compassed (territory) which thou hast not compassed, and I have come to thee from Saba with tidings true. 22 Lo! I found a woman ruling over them, and she hath been given (abundance) of all things, and hers is 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 that they would prostrate themselves before Allah Who brings to light all that is hidden in the heavens and the earth and knows all that you conceal and all that you reveal. 25 Allah, there is no god except He, the Lord of the Mighty Throne' ۩ 26 ۞ Solomon said, "We shall see whether you are truthful or a liar. 27 Take this letter of mine and deliver it to them, then return and see what their reply will be." 28 The woman said, “O chieftains, indeed a noble letter has been dropped upon me.” 29 Behold, it is from Solomon, and it says, 'In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Dispenser of Grace: 30 (It says): "Do not act towards me with defiance, but come to me in submission." 31