The Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics)

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The Quran 27: 13
the nine signs that you will show Pharaoh and his people; they have
really gone too far.’
13 But when Our enlightening signs came to them, they said, ‘This
is clearly [just] sorcery!’ 14 They denied them, in their wickedness
and their pride, even though their souls acknowledged them as true.
See how those who spread corruption met their end!
15 We gave knowledge to David and Solomon, and they both said,
‘Praise be to God, who has favoured us over many of His believing
servants.’ 16 Solomon succeeded David. He said, ‘People, we have
been taught the speech of birds, and we have been given a share of
everything: this is a clearly a great favour.’ 17 Solomon’s hosts of jinn,
men, and birds were marshalled in ordered ranks before him, 18 and
when they came to the Valley of the Ants, one ant said, ‘Ants! Go
into your homes, in case Solomon and his hosts unwittingly crush
you.’ 19 Solomon smiled broadly at her words and said, ‘Lord, inspire
me to be thankful for the blessings You have granted me and my
parents, and to do good deeds that please You; admit me by Your
grace into the ranks of Your righteous servants.’
20 Solomon inspected the birds and said, ‘Why do I not see the
hoopoe? Is he absent? 21 I will punish him severely, or kill him, unless
he brings me a convincing excuse for his absence.’ 22 But the hoopoe
did not stay away long: he came and said, ‘I have learned something
you did not know: I come to you from Sheba with firm news. 23 I
found a woman ruling over the people, who has been given a share of
everything – she has a magnificent throne – 24 [but] I found that she
and her people worshipped the sun instead of God. Satan has made
their deeds seem alluring to them, and diverted them from the right
path: they cannot find the right path. 25 Should they not worship
God, who brings forth what is hidden in the heavens and earth and
knows both what you people conceal and what you declare? 26 He is
God, there is no god but Him, the Lord of the mighty throne.’
27 Solomon said, ‘We shall see whether you are telling the truth or
lying. 28 Take this letter of mine and deliver it to them, then withdraw
and see what answer they send back.’
29 The Queen of Sheba said, ‘Counsellors, a gracious letter has
been delivered to me. 30 It is from Solomon, and it says, “In the name
of God, the Lord of Mercy, the Giver of Mercy, 31 do not put yourselves
above me, and come to me in submission to God.”’ 32 She
said, ‘Counsellors, give me your counsel in the matter I now face: I