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 inherited David. He said: 'Know, my people, we have been taught the speech of birds and given everything. Surely, this is a clear bounty' 16 And assembled together for Sulaiman were his armies of jinns and men, and of birds – so they had to be restricted. 17 Until when they came to the valley of the ants, a she ant exclaimed, “O ants, enter your houses – may not Sulaiman and his armies crush you, unknowingly.” 18 He therefore smiled beamingly at her speech*, and submitted, “My Lord, bestow me guidance so that I thank you for the favour which You bestowed upon me and my parents, and so that I may perform the good deeds which please You, and by Your mercy include me among Your bondmen who are worthy of Your proximity.” (Prophet Sulaiman heard the voice of the she ant from far away.) 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 shall certainly punish him severely or slaughter him unless he has a good 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 “I have seen a woman who rules over them, and she has been given from all things, and she has a mighty throne.” 23 “I found her and her nation prostrating before the sun instead of Allah, and Satan has made their deeds seem good to them thereby preventing them from the Straight Path – so they do not attain guidance.” 24 So that they adore not Allah who bringeth forth the hidden in the heavens and the earth, and knoweth that which ye conceal and that which ye make known. 25 Allah - there is no deity except Him, Lord of the Great Throne." ۩ 26 ۞ Solomon said, "We shall see whether you are truthful or a liar. 27 Take this letter from me, and deliver it to them and withdraw, then see what reply they give in return." 28 She said, 'O Council, see, a letter honourable has been cast unto me. 29 It is from Solomon, and it is "In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate. 30 Saying: exalt not yourselves against me, and come unto me submissive. 31