We gave David and Solomon knowledge; and they said: "All praise be to God who has favoured us over many of His creatures who believe." 15 And Solomon was David's heir. And he said: O mankind! Lo! we have been taught the language of birds, and have been given (abundance) of all things. This surely is evident favour. 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 So he smiled, amused at her speech; and he said: "O my Lord! so order me that I may be grateful for Thy favours, which thou hast bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may work the righteousness that will please Thee: And admit me, by Thy Grace, to the ranks of Thy righteous Servants." 19 When he reviewed the Tair, he said: "How is it I do not see Hud-hud? Is he absent? 20 "I will certainly punish him with a severe penalty, or execute him, unless he bring me a clear reason (for absence)." 21 Not before long the hoopoe came up and said: "I have obtained a knowledge which you could not. I have brought for you sure news about Sheba. 22 "I found a woman ruling over them, and she has been given all things that could be possessed by any ruler of the earth, and she has a great throne. 23 But she and her people prostrate to the sun instead of Allah. And satan has made their deeds seem pleasing to them and barred them from the Path, and therefore 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 God: There is no god but He, the Lord of the glorious throne." ۩ 26 ۞ Solomon said: "Soon shall we see whether you have spoken the truth or are one of those that lie. 27 Take this letter from me, and deliver it to them and withdraw, then see what reply they give in return." 28 (The Queen of Sheba) said (when she received the letter): O chieftains! Lo! there hath been thrown unto me a noble letter. 29 "Verily! It is from Sulaiman (Solomon), and verily! It (reads): In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful; 30 “That ‘Do not wish eminence above me, and present yourselves humbly to me, with submission.’” 31