The Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics)

27: 48
The Ants 241
only ever decide on matters in your presence.’ 33 They replied, ‘We
possess great force and power in war, but you are in command, so
consider what orders to give us.’ 34 She said, ‘Whenever kings go into
a city, they ruin it and humiliate its leaders – that is what they do –
35 but I am going to send them a gift, then see what answer my envoys
bring back.’
36 When her envoy came to Solomon, Solomon said, ‘What! Are
you offering me wealth? What God has given me is better than what
He has given you, though you rejoice in this gift of yours. 37 Go back
to your people: we shall certainly come upon them with irresistible
forces, and drive them, disgraced and humbled, from their land.’
38 Then he said, ‘Counsellors, which of you can bring me her throne
before they come to me in submission?’ 39 A powerful and crafty jinn
replied, ‘I will bring it to you before you can even rise from your
place. I am strong and trustworthy enough,’ 40 but one of them who
had some knowledge of the Scripture said, ‘I will bring it to you in
the twinkling of an eye.’
When Solomon saw it set before him, he said, ‘This is a favour
from my Lord, to test whether I am grateful or not: if anyone is
grateful, it is for his own good, if anyone is ungrateful, then my Lord
is self-sufficient and most generous.’ 41 Then he said, ‘Disguise her
throne, and we shall see whether or not she recognizes it.’ 42 When
she arrived, she was asked, ‘Is this your throne?’ She replied, ‘It
looks like it.’ [Solomon said], ‘We were given knowledge before her,
and we devoted ourselves to God; 43 she was prevented by what she
worshipped instead of God, for she came from a disbelieving
people.’ 44 Then it was said to her, ‘Enter the hall,’ but when she saw
it, she thought it was a deep pool of water, and bared her legs.
Solomon explained, ‘It is just a hall paved with glass,’ and she said,
‘My Lord, I have wronged myself: I devote myself, with Solomon, to
God, the Lord of the Worlds.’
45 To the people of Thamud We sent their brother, Salih, saying,
‘Worship God alone,’ but they split into two rival factions. 46 Salih
said, ‘My people, why do you rush to bring [forward] what is bad
rather than good? Why do you not ask forgiveness of God, so that
you may be given mercy?’ 47 They said, ‘We see you and your followers
as an evil omen.’ He replied, ‘God will decide on any omen
you may see: you people are being put to the test.’ 48 There were nine
men in the city who spread corruption in the land without making