19 So he smiled, wondering at her word, and said: My Lord, grant me that I may be grateful for Thy favour which Thou hast bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may do good such as Thou art pleased with, and admit me, by Thy mercy, among Thy righteous servants. |
20 And he reviewed the birds, then said: How is it I see not Hudhud, or is it that he is one of the absentees? |
21 I will certainly punish him with a severe punishment, or kill him, or he shall bring me a clear excuse. |
22 And he tarried not long, then said: I have compassed that which thou hast not compassed and I have come to thee from Saba’ with sure information — |
23 I found a woman ruling over them, and she has been given of everything and she has a mighty throne. |
24 I found her and her people adoring the sun instead of Allāh, and the devil has made their deeds fair-seeming to them and turned them from the way, so they go not aright — |
25 So that they worship not Allāh, Who brings forth what is hidden in the heavens and the earth and knows what you hide and what you proclaim. |
26 Allāh, there is no God but He, the Lord of the mighty Throne. [Prostration] |
27 He said: We shall see whether thou speakest the truth or whether thou art a liar. |
28 Take this my letter and hand it over to them, then turn from them and see what (answer) they return. |
29 She said: O chiefs, an honourable letter has been delivered to me. |
30 It is from Solomon, and it is in the name of Allāh, the Beneficent, the Merciful: |
31 Proclaiming, Exalt not yourselves against me and come to me in submission. |
32 She said: O chiefs, advise me respecting my affair; I never decide an affair until you are in my presence. |