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 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 And assembled together for Sulaiman were his armies of jinns and men, and of birds – so they had to be restricted. 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 When he reviewed the Tair, he said: "How is it I do not see Hud-hud? Is he absent? 20 I will punish him severely, or cut his throat, unless he bring a valid excuse." 21 But he was not long in coming, and said, "I have learnt something you did not know. I have come to you from Sheba with reliable 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 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 (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 Allah, there is no god but He: He is the Lord of mighty power. ۩ 26 ۞ [Solomon] said, "We will see whether you were truthful or were of the liars. 27 Take this letter of mine and deliver it to them, then return and see what their reply will be." 28 She said, "O eminent ones, indeed, to me has been delivered a noble letter. 29 Verily it is from Sulaiman, and verily it is: in the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful. 30 Do not rise up against me, but come to me in surrender (Muslims)." 31