AND, INDEED, We granted [true] knowledge unto David and Solomon [as well]; and both were wont to say: All praise is due to God, who has [thus] favoured us above many of His believing servants!" 15 And Solomon succeeded David and said: "O people, we have been taught the speech of birds and we have been endowed with all kinds of things. Surely this is a conspicuous favour (from Allah)." 16 Soloman's army, consisting of human beings, jinn, and birds were gathered together in his presence in ranks. 17 At length, when they came to a (lowly) valley of ants, one of the ants said: "O ye ants, get into your habitations, lest Solomon and his hosts crush you (under foot) without knowing it." 18 So he [Sulaiman (Solomon)] smiled, amused at her speech and said: "My Lord! Inspire and bestow upon me the power and ability that I may be grateful for Your Favours which You have bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may do righteous good deeds that will please You, and admit me by Your Mercy among Your righteous slaves." 19 When he reviewed the Tair, he said: "How is it I do not see Hud-hud? Is he absent? 20 [If so,] I will punish him most severely or will kill him unless he bring me a convincing excuse!" 21 So Hudhud did not stay absent for long, and presenting himself submitted, “I have witnessed a matter that your majesty has not seen, and I have brought definite information to you from the city of Saba.” 22 “I have seen a woman who rules over them, and she has been given from all things, and she has a mighty throne.” 23 “I found her and her nation prostrating before the sun instead of Allah, and Satan has made their deeds seem good to them thereby preventing them from the Straight Path – so they do not attain guidance.” 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 God, save whom there is no deity - the Sustainer, in awesome almightiness enthroned!" ۩ 26 ۞ Solomon said: "Soon shall we see whether you have spoken the truth or are one of those that lie. 27 "Go thou, with this letter of mine, and deliver it to them: then draw back from them, and (wait to) see what answer they return"... 28 The Queen said:" Know my nobles that a gracious 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 "Be you not exalted against me, but come to me as Muslims (true believers who submit to Allah with full submission)' " 31