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 Soloman's army, consisting of human beings, jinn, and birds were gathered together in his presence in ranks. 17 Till they reached the Valley of Naml. Said the lady of Naml: "O Naml, go into your dwellings lest Solomon and his hordes should crush you unawares." 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 sought among the birds and said: How is it that I see not the hoopoe, or is he among the absent? 20 [If so,] I will punish him most severely or will kill him unless he bring me a convincing excuse!" 21 But the hoopoe stayed not long, he (came up and) said: "I have grasped (the knowledge of a thing) which you have not grasped and I have come to you from Saba' (Sheba) with true news. 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 her and her people worshipping the sun besides Allah: Satan has made their deeds seem pleasing in their eyes, and has kept them away from the Path,- so they receive no guidance,- 24 That they do not make obeisance to Allah, Who brings forth what is hidden in the heavens and the earth and knows what you hide and what you make manifest: 25 "Allah!- there is no god but He!- Lord of the Throne Supreme!" ۩ 26 ۞ He said: We will see whether you have told the truth or whether you are of the liars: 27 Take this letter of mine and deliver it to them. Then leave them and see what [answer] they will return." 28 She said: O chief! surely an honorable letter has been delivered to me 29 Behold, it is from Solomon, and it says, 'In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Dispenser of Grace: 30 "Be you not exalted against me, but come to me as Muslims (true believers who submit to Allah with full submission)' " 31