We gave David and Solomon knowledge; and they said: "All praise be to God who has favoured us over many of His creatures who believe." 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 Soloman's army, consisting of human beings, jinn, and birds were gathered together in his presence in ranks. 17 and when they came to the Valley of the Ants, an ant said: 'Ants, go into your dwellings lest Solomon and his army should, unknowingly, crush you' 18 So he smiled, amused at her speech, and said: my Lord! arouse me that I should be thankful for Thy favour wherewith Thou hast favoured me and my parents, and that I should work righteously pleasing Thee, and out of Thy mercy enter me among Thine righteous bondmen. 19 And he sought after the birds and said: what aileth me that I see not the hoopoe; is he among the absentees? 20 Assuredly I will chastise him with a terrible chastisement, or I will slaughter him, or he bring me a clear authority.' 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 a woman reigning over them, and she has been favoured with everything; and she has a throne that is magnificent. 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 (Satan has done this) so that they will not worship God who brings forth whatever is hidden in the heavens and the earth and knows whatever you conceal or reveal. 25 He is God: there is no deity but He, the Lord of the mighty throne." ۩ 26 ۞ Solomon said: "Soon shall we see whether you have spoken the truth or are one of those that lie. 27 "Go you with this letter of mine, and deliver it to them, then draw back from them, and see what (answer) they return." 28 She said: O chiefs! verily there hath been cast unto me an honourable epistle. 29 It reads, 'From Soloman. In the Name of God, the Beneficent and the Merciful. 30 Exalt not yourselves against me, but come unto me as those who surrender. 31