And We had certainly given to David and Solomon knowledge, and they said, "Praise [is due] to Allah, who has favored us over many of His believing servants." 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 And there were gathered before Sulaiman (Solomon) his hosts of jinns and men, and birds, and they all were set in battle order (marching forwards). 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 So he smiled, amused at her speech, and said: my Lord! arouse me that I should be thankful for Thy favour wherewith Thou hast favoured me and my parents, and that I should work righteously pleasing Thee, and out of Thy mercy enter me among Thine righteous bondmen. 19 (Solomon) inspected the birds and said, "How is it that I cannot see the hoopoe. Is he absent? 20 I will inflict a severe punishment on him or maybe even slaughter him unless he comes forth with a convincing reason (for his absence)." 21 But he was not long in coming, and he said: I have found out (a thing) that thou apprehendest not, and I come unto thee from Sheba with sure tidings. 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 found her and her people prostrating before the sun instead of God. Satan has made their deeds attractive to them. He has kept them away from the right path and they have no guidance. 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, save whom there is no deity - the Sustainer, in awesome almightiness enthroned!" ۩ 26 ۞ [Sulaiman (Solomon)] said: "We shall see whether you speak the truth or you are (one) of the liars. 27 Take this my letter and hand it over to them, then turn away from them and see what (answer) they return. 28 The Queen said:" Know my nobles that a gracious letter has been delivered to me. 29 It reads, 'From Soloman. In the Name of God, the Beneficent and the Merciful. 30 do not exalt yourselves above me, but come to me in all submission." 31