We gave knowledge to David and Soloman. They said, "It is only God who deserves all praise. He has exalted us above many of His believing servants." 15 And Solomon was David's heir, and he said, 'Men, we have been taught the speech of the birds, and we have been given of everything; surely this is indeed the manifest bounty.' 16 And his hosts of the jinn and the men and the birds were gathered to him, and they were formed into groups. 17 When they arrived in the valley of the ants, one ant said to the others, "Enter your dwellings lest you be carelessly crushed by Soloman and his army." 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 And he surveyed the birds – he therefore said, “What is to me that I do not see the Hudhud (hoopoe), or is he really absent?” 20 I shall certainly punish him severely or slaughter him unless he has a good reason for his absence." 21 And he tarried not long, then said: I comprehend that which you do not comprehend and I have brought to you a sure information from Sheba. 22 There I found a woman ruling over them. She possess everything and has a great throne. 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 To worship God who brings to light what is hidden in the heavens and the earth, and is cognisant of what you hide and what you disclose. 25 Allah - none is worthy of worship save He; He is the Lord of the Mighty 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 cast it unto them, then turn back from them and see what they shall 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 Be not haughty with me but come to me in submission [as Muslims].' " 31