And We gave David and Solomon knowledge and they said, 'Praise belongs to God who has preferred us over many of His believing servants.' 15 And Sulaiman became Dawud’s heir; and he said, “O people, we have indeed been taught the language of birds, and have been given from all things; this surely is a manifest favour.” 16 His armies of jinns and men and Tair assembled, formed into ranks, (and marched) 17 Until when they came unto the valley of the ants, an ant said: O ants! enter your habitations lest Sulaiman and his hosts crush you while they perceive not. 18 Smiling at the ant's utterance, Solomon burst into laughter and said: "My Lord! Hold me under (Your) control that I may render thanks for the favour which You have bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may act righteously in a manner that would please You. Include me, out of Your Mercy, among Your righteous servants." 19 Then Solomon inspected the birds, and said, "How is it that I do not see the hoopoe? Is he absent then? 20 Surely I shall torment him with a severe torment, or I shall slaughter him, unless he bringeth unto me a warranty manifest. 21 He was not long in coming, and said: 'I know what you do not know. I come to you from Sheba with certain news. 22 "I found (there) a woman ruling over them and provided with every requisite; and she has a magnificent throne. 23 I found her and her people worshipping the sun, instead of God. Satan has made their conduct appear good to them, and has thus diverted them from the right path, so that they might not be guided. 24 Should they not worship God who brings forth what is hidden in the heavens and earth and knows both what you conceal and what you make known? 25 Allah; there is no Allah save Him, the Lord of the Tremendous 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 return and see what their reply will be." 28 She said: O chiefs! verily there hath been cast unto me an honourable epistle. 29 It is from Solomon. It reads, "In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful, 30 “That ‘Do not wish eminence above me, and present yourselves humbly to me, with submission.’” 31