We gave (in the past) knowledge to David and Solomon: And they both said: "Praise be to Allah, Who has favoured us above many of his servants who believe!" 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 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, an ant said: 'Ants, go into your dwellings lest Solomon and his army should, unknowingly, crush you' 18 Thereupon [Solomon] smiled joyously at her words, and said: "O my Sustainer! Inspire me so that I may forever be grateful for those blessings of Thine with which Thou hast graced me and my parents, and that I may do what is right [in a manner] that will please Thee; and include me, by Thy grace, among Thy 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 shall surely punish him severely or order him to be executed, unless he gives me a good reason for his absence." 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 Indeed, I found [there] a woman ruling them, and she has been given of all things, and she has a great 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 Should they not worship God who brings forth what is hidden in the heavens and earth and knows both what you conceal and what you make known? 25 "Allah!- there is no god but He!- Lord of the Throne Supreme!" ۩ 26 ۞ [Solomon] said, "We will see whether you were truthful or were of the liars. 27 Go thou with this epistle of mine, and cast it down unto them, and turn aside from them, and see how they return. 28 (The Queen said): "O nobles, a venerable letter has been delivered to me. 29 "Verily! It is from Sulaiman (Solomon), and verily! It (reads): In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful; 30 Exalt not yourselves against me, but come unto me as those who surrender. 31