And We had certainly given to David and Solomon knowledge, and they said, "Praise [is due] to Allah, who has favored us over many of His believing servants." 15 And Solomon was David's heir. He said: "O ye people! We have been taught the speech of birds, and on us has been bestowed (a little) of all things: this is indeed Grace manifest (from Allah.)" 16 We gathered to Solomon his army of jinn, humans and birds; gathered and dispersed, 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 He inspected the birds, and said: "What is the matter that I see not the hoopoe? Or is he among the absentees? 20 "I will surely punish him with a severe torment, or slaughter him, unless he brings me a clear reason." 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 Verily I have found a woman ruling over them and she hath been vouchsafed somewhat of everything, and hers is a mighty throne. 23 I found her and her people worshipping the sun instead of Allah; and Satan maketh their works fairseeming unto them, and debarreth them from the way (of Truth), so that they go not aright; 24 "(Kept them away from the Path), that they should not worship Allah, Who brings to light what is hidden in the heavens and the earth, and knows what ye hide and what ye reveal. 25 God is the only Lord and master of the Great Throne." ۩ 26 ۞ Said [Solomon]: "We shall see whether thou hast told the truth or art one of the liars! 27 Go with this letter of mine and lay it before them, then withdraw from them and see how they respond." 28 (The Queen said): "O nobles, a venerable letter has been delivered to me. 29 Surely it is from Sulaiman, and surely it is in the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful; 30 Rise not up against me, but come to me in surrender." ' 31