(On the other hand), We granted knowledge to David and Solomon and they said: "All praise be to Allah Who has exalted us above many of His believing servants!" 15 And Solomon was David's heir. And he said: O mankind! Lo! we have been taught the language of birds, and have been given (abundance) of all things. This surely is evident favour. 16 And his hosts were mustered to Solomon, jinn, men and birds, duly disposed; 17 Until, when they came upon the valley of the ants, an ant said, "O ants, enter your dwellings that you not be crushed by Solomon and his soldiers while they perceive not." 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 said: How is it I see not the hoopoe or is it that he is of the absentees? 20 Surely I shall torment him with a severe torment, or I shall slaughter him, unless he bringeth unto me a warranty manifest. 21 Not long after the hoopoe came forward and said, "I have information which you do not have. I have come from the land of Sheba with a true report. 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 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 God: There is no god but He, the Lord of the glorious throne." ۩ 26 ۞ Said Sulaiman, “We shall now see whether you spoke the truth or are among the liars.” 27 Take this letter of mine and deliver it to them. Then leave them and see what [answer] they will return." 28 (The Queen of Sheba) said to her officials, "A gracious letter has been dropped before me. 29 Surely it is from Sulaiman, and surely it is in the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful; 30 [God says:] Exalt not yourselves against Me, but come unto Me in willing surrender!'" 31