ﭿ    

Saheeh International

And Solomon inherited David. He said, "O people, we have been taught the language of birds, and we have been given from all things. Indeed, this is evident bounty."

         

Saheeh International

And gathered for Solomon were his soldiers of the jinn and men and birds, and they were [marching] in rows

                   

Saheeh International

Until, when they came upon the valley of the ants, an ant said, "O ants, enter your dwellings that you not be crushed by Solomon and his soldiers while they perceive not."

                        

Saheeh International

So [Solomon] smiled, amused at her speech, and said, "My Lord, enable me1 to be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents and to do righteousness of which You approve. And admit me by Your mercy into [the ranks of] Your righteous servants."2

            

Saheeh International

And he took attendance of the birds and said, "Why do I not see the hoopoe - or is he among the absent?

         

Saheeh International

I will surely punish him with a severe punishment or slaughter him unless he brings me clear authorization."1

            ﯿ  

Saheeh International

But he [i.e., 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.

           

Saheeh International

Indeed, I found [there] a woman ruling them, and she has been given of all things, and she has a great throne.

                 

Saheeh International

I found her and her people prostrating to the sun instead of Allāh, and Satan has made their deeds pleasing to them and averted them from [His] way, so they are not guided,

              

Saheeh International

[And] so they do not prostrate to Allāh, who brings forth what is hidden within the heavens and the earth and knows what you conceal and what you declare -