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 And Sulaiman was Dawood's heir, and he said: O men! we have been taught the language of birds, and we have been given all things; most surely this is manifest grace. 16 And gathered for Solomon were his soldiers of the jinn and men and birds, and they were [marching] in rows. 17 (Solomon was once on the move with them) until when they reached a valley of ants one of the ants said: "O ants, get into your holes, lest Solomon and his hosts crush you (under their feet) without even knowing." 18 Solomon smiled broadly at its words and said, "Lord, inspire me to be thankful for the blessings You have granted me and my parents, and to do good deeds that please You; and include me, by Your grace, among 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 [If so,] I will punish him most severely or will kill him unless he bring me a convincing excuse!" 21 But the hoopoe stayed not long and said, "I have encompassed [in knowledge] that which you have not encompassed, and I have come to you from Sheba with certain news. 22 Surely I found a woman ruling over them, and she has been given abundance and she has a mighty throne: 23 "I found her and her people worshipping the sun besides Allah: Satan has made their deeds seem pleasing in their eyes, and has kept them away from the Path,- so they receive no guidance,- 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 Allah save Him, the Lord of the Tremendous Throne. ۩ 26 ۞ Said he, 'Now We will see whether thou hast spoken truly, or whether thou art amongst those that lie. 27 Take this letter of mine, deliver it to them, and then draw back from them, and observe what they do." 28 (The Queen of Sheba) said to her officials, "A gracious letter has been dropped before me. 29 "It is from Solomon, and is (as follows): 'In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful: 30 Do not rise against me, but come to me in submission.' 31