We bestowed knowledge on David and Solomon and they both said, "Praise be to God 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 gathered for Solomon were his soldiers of the jinn and men and birds, and they were [marching] in rows. 17 Till, when they came to the valley of the ants, one of the ants said: "O ants! Enter your dwellings, lest Sulaiman (Solomon) and his hosts crush you, while they perceive not." 18 But he smiled, laughing at its words, and he said, 'My Lord, dispose me that I may be thankful for Thy blessing wherewith Thou hast blessed me and my father and mother, and that I may do righteousness well-pleasing to Thee; and do Thou admit me, by Thy mercy, amongst Thy righteous servants.' 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 "I will surely punish him with a severe torment, or slaughter him, unless he brings me a clear reason." 21 But he was not long in coming, and said, "I have learnt something you did not know. I have come to you from Sheba with reliable news. 22 I found a woman ruling over them, and she has been given of everything, and she possesses a mighty throne. 23 And I found her and her people adoring the sun instead of God; and Satan has made these doings of theirs seem goodly to them, and [thus] has barred them from the path [of God,] so that they cannot find the right way: 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 God but he, the Lord of the Magnificent Throne. ۩ 26 ۞ He said: We will see whether you have told the truth or whether you are of the liars: 27 “Go with this letter of mine and drop it upon them – then move aside from them and see what they answer in return.” 28 [When the Queen had read Solomon's letter,] she said: "O you nobles! A truly distinguished letter has been conveyed unto me. 29 It is from Solomon. It reads, "In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful, 30 Saying: exalt not yourselves against me and come to me in submission. 31