And We indeed bestowed great knowledge to Dawud and Sulaiman; and they both said, “All praise is to Allah, Who bestowed us superiority over many of His believing bondmen.” 15 And Solomon succeeded David and said: "O people, we have been taught the speech of birds and we have been endowed with all kinds of things. Surely this is a conspicuous favour (from Allah)." 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 At length, when they came to a (lowly) valley of ants, one of the ants said: "O ye ants, get into your habitations, lest Solomon and his hosts crush you (under foot) without knowing it." 18 (Solomon) smiled, amused at her speech, and said: "O Lord grant me that I should be grateful for the favours You have bestowed on me and my parents, and do good things of Your pleasing; and admit me among Your righteous devotees by Your grace." 19 And he reviewed the birds; then he said, 'How is it with me, that I do not see 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 he tarried not long, and said, 'I have comprehended that which thou hast not comprehended, and I have come from Sheba to thee with a sure tiding. 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, instead of God. Satan has made their conduct appear good to them, and has thus diverted them from the right path, so that they might not be guided. 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 God but he, the Lord of the Magnificent Throne. ۩ 26 ۞ (Solomon) said: "Soon shall we see whether thou hast told the truth or lied! 27 Take this letter of mine, deliver it to them, and then draw back from them, and observe what they do." 28 The Queen said:" Know my nobles that a gracious letter has been delivered to me. 29 It is from Solomon. It reads, "In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful, 30 Exalt not yourselves against me, but come unto me as those who surrender. 31