And indeed We gave knowledge to Dawud (David) and Sulaiman (Solomon), and they both said: "All the praises and thanks be to Allah, Who has 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 And his hosts were mustered to Solomon, jinn, men and birds, duly disposed; 17 till, when they came upon a valley [full] of ants, an ant exclaimed: "O you ants! Get into your dwellings, lest Solomon and his hosts crush you without [even] being aware [of you]!" 18 So [Solomon] smiled, amused at her speech, and said, "My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents and to do righteousness of which You approve. And admit me by Your mercy into [the ranks of] Your righteous servants." 19 He inspected the birds, and said: "What is the matter that I see not the hoopoe? Or is he among the absentees? 20 Surely, I will punish him with a terrible punishment, or I will slaughter him or he gives me a good 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 There I found a woman ruling over them. She possess everything and has a great throne. 23 But she and her people prostrate to the sun instead of Allah. And satan has made their deeds seem pleasing to them and barred them from the Path, and therefore they are not guided. 24 Al-La (this word has two interpretations) (A) [As Shaitan (Satan) has barred them from Allah's Way] so that they do not worship (prostrate before) Allah, or (B) So that they may worship (prostrate before) Allah, Who brings to light what is hidden in the heavens and the earth, and knows what you conceal and what you reveal. [Tafsir At-Tabari, Vol. 19, Page 149] 25 He is God: there is no deity but He, the Lord of the mighty throne." ۩ 26 ۞ Solomon said, "We shall see whether you are truthful or a liar. 27 Take this letter of mine and deliver it to them. Then leave them and see what [answer] they will 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, and (says): 'In the name of Allah, Ar-Rahman, Ar-Rahim. 30 "'Be ye not arrogant against me, but come to me in submission (to the true Religion).'" 31