And We verily gave knowledge unto David and Solomon, and they said: Praise be to Allah, Who hath preferred us above many of His believing slaves! 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 And assembled together for Sulaiman were his armies of jinns and men, and of birds – so they had to be restricted. 17 and when they came to the Valley of the Ants, one ant said, "Ants! Go into your dwellings, in case Solomon and his hosts inadvertently crush you." 18 So he [Sulaiman (Solomon)] smiled, amused at her speech and said: "My Lord! Inspire and bestow upon me the power and ability that I may be grateful for Your Favours which You have bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may do righteous good deeds that will please You, and admit me by Your Mercy among Your righteous slaves." 19 He reviewed the birds and said: 'Why is it that I do not see the hoopoe here? Or is he among the absent? 20 I will punish him severely, or cut his throat, unless he bring a valid excuse." 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 There I found a woman ruling over them. She possess everything and has a great throne. 23 I found her and her people prostrating to the sun, apart from God; Satan has decked out fair their deeds to them and he has barred them from the way, and therefore they are not guided, 24 "(Kept them away from the Path), that they should not worship Allah, Who brings to light what is hidden in the heavens and the earth, and knows what ye hide and what ye reveal. 25 Allah! there is no God but he, the Lord of the Magnificent Throne. ۩ 26 ۞ (Solomon) said: 'We shall see if you speak the truth or you are a liar. 27 Take my letter, and drop it to them. Then turn aside and see what they shall return' 28 The Queen of Sheba said, "O Counsellors, an honourable letter has been delivered to me. 29 Surely it is from Sulaiman, and surely it is in the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful; 30 "Be you not exalted against me, but come to me as Muslims (true believers who submit to Allah with full submission)' " 31