And indeed We gave knowledge to Dawud (David) and Sulaiman (Solomon), and they both said: "All the praises and thanks be to Allah, Who has preferred us above many of His believing slaves!" 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 gathered for Solomon were his soldiers of the jinn and men and birds, and they were [marching] in rows. 17 Till they reached the Valley of Naml. Said the lady of Naml: "O Naml, go into your dwellings lest Solomon and his hordes should crush you unawares." 18 Thereupon [Solomon] smiled joyously at her words, and said: "O my Sustainer! Inspire me so that I may forever be grateful for those blessings of Thine with which Thou hast graced me and my parents, and that I may do what is right [in a manner] that will please Thee; and include me, by Thy grace, among Thy 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 Surely, I will punish him with a terrible punishment, or I will slaughter him or he gives me a good 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 I found a woman reigning over them, and she has been favoured with everything; and she has a throne that is magnificent. 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 So that they worship not Allah, Who bringeth forth the hidden in the heavens and the earth, and knoweth what ye hide and what ye proclaim, 25 Allah, there is no god except He, the Lord of the Mighty Throne' ۩ 26 ۞ Said he, 'Now We will see whether thou hast spoken truly, or whether thou art amongst those that lie. 27 Take this my letter and hand it over to them, then turn away from them and see what (answer) they return. 28 (The Queen said): "O nobles, a venerable letter has been delivered to me. 29 Behold, it is from Solomon, and it says, 'In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Dispenser of Grace: 30 "Be you not exalted against me, but come to me as Muslims (true believers who submit to Allah with full submission)' " 31