Sulayman succeeded Dawud. He used to say: people, we have been taught the speech of birds and given something of everything — this is clear favour. His forces included jinn, people and birds.
The valley of the ants
One day he came with his forces to a valley. An ant said: ants, go into your homes, lest Sulayman and his army crush you without knowing. Sulayman smiled at her words and prayed:
“So [Solomon] smiled, amused at her speech, and said, "My Lord, enable me 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."”
Surah An-Naml 27:19
Translation: Saheeh International (QuranEnc)
The hoopoe's news
Once, inspecting the birds, he found the hoopoe missing. Soon it came and said: I bring news you do not have — in Saba a woman rules, she has been given everything and has a mighty throne; but she and her people bow to the sun instead of Allah.
Sulayman said: we shall see whether you speak the truth or lie. He sent a letter that began with 'In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful' — do not be proud against me; come to me in submission.
The queen sent gifts. Sulayman returned them: what Allah had given him was better. Before the queen herself arrived, one who had knowledge of the Scripture brought her throne in the blink of an eye. Seeing it, Sulayman said:
“Said one who had knowledge from the Scripture, "I will bring it to you before your glance returns to you." And when [Solomon] saw it placed before him, he said, "This is from the favor of my Lord to test me whether I will be grateful or ungrateful. And whoever is grateful - his gratitude is only for [the benefit of] himself. And whoever is ungrateful - then indeed, my Lord is Free of need and Generous."”
Surah An-Naml 27:40
Translation: Saheeh International (QuranEnc)
The queen came, saw the signs, and at last said: my Lord, I have wronged myself; I submit with Sulayman to Allah, Lord of the worlds.
The lesson Even the mightiest ruler is a grateful servant; the more the blessings, the greater the thanks.
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Sources and review
• Surah An-Naml 27:15–44 • Surah Saba 34:12–14 The main events of this story are from the Quran; we have tried not to add details the Quran does not give. Reviewed by: Md. Zubaer Ahammed · 2026-11-11 How we choose sources · Report a mistake