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 was heir to David, and he said: "O people, we have been taught the language of Tair, and have been given of everything. This is a clear favour indeed." 16 We gathered to Solomon his army of jinn, humans and birds; gathered and dispersed, 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 smiled, amused at her speech; and he said: "O my Lord! so order me that I may be grateful for Thy favours, which thou hast bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may work the righteousness that will please Thee: And admit me, by Thy Grace, to the ranks of Thy righteous Servants." 19 And he took attendance of the birds and said, "Why do I not see the hoopoe - or is he among the absent? 20 "I will certainly punish him with a severe penalty, or execute him, unless he bring me a clear reason (for 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 prostrating to the sun instead of Allah, and Satan has made their deeds pleasing to them and averted them from [His] way, so they are not guided, 24 [for they have come to believe] that they ought not to adore God [although it is He] who brings forth all that is hidden in the heavens and on earth, and knows all that you would conceal as well as all that you bring into the open: 25 Allah, there is no god except He, the Lord of the Mighty Throne' ۩ 26 ۞ (Solomon) said: 'We shall see if you speak the truth or you are a liar. 27 Take this letter from me, and deliver it to them and withdraw, then see what reply they give in return." 28 The Queen said:" Know my nobles that a gracious letter has been delivered to me. 29 Lo! it is from Solomon, and lo! it is: In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful; 30 (It says): "Do not act towards me with defiance, but come to me in submission." 31