AND, INDEED, We granted [true] knowledge unto David and Solomon [as well]; and both were wont to say: All praise is due to God, who has [thus] favoured us above many of His believing servants!" 15 And Sulaiman (Solomon) inherited (the knowledge of) Dawud (David). He said: "O mankind! We have been taught the language of birds, and on us have been bestowed all things. This, verily, is an evident grace (from Allah)." 16 We gathered to Solomon his army of jinn, humans and birds; gathered and dispersed, 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 Thereupon [Solomon] smiled joyously at her words, and said: "O my Sustainer! Inspire me so that I may forever be grateful for those blessings of Thine with which Thou hast graced me and my parents, and that I may do what is right [in a manner] that will please Thee; and include me, by Thy grace, among Thy righteous servants!" 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 I shall surely punish him severely or order him to be executed, unless he gives me a good reason for his absence." 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 adoring the sun instead of Allah, and the Shaitan has made their deeds fair-seeming to them and thus turned them from the way, so they do not go aright 24 that they would prostrate themselves before Allah Who brings to light all that is hidden in the heavens and the earth and knows all that you conceal and all that you reveal. 25 “Allah – there is no True God except Him, the Owner of the Great Throne.” (Command of Prostration # 8) ۩ 26 ۞ [Solomon] said, "We will see whether you were truthful or were of the liars. 27 "Go you with this letter of mine, and deliver it to them, then draw back from them, and see what (answer) they return." 28 She said: "O chiefs! Verily! Here is delivered to me a noble letter, 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