So he (Sulaimān) smiled, laughing on her speech and said, “My Lord, enable me to become grateful to Your favor that you have bestowed on me and on my parents, and to do good deeds that You like, and admit me, with Your mercy, among Your righteous servants.”

And (once) he (Sulaimān) checked the birds and said, “How is it with me that I do not see the hudhud (hoopoe)? Rather he has disappeared.

I will punish him with a severe punishment or slaughter him unless he brings to me a clear plea.”

Then the hoopoe did not take long and said (to Sulaimān), “I have discovered what you did not, and have brought to you a sure information from Saba’ (Sheba).

I have found a woman ruling over them, and all sorts of things are given to her, and she has a great throne.

I have found her and her people prostrating themselves to the sun, instead of Allah, and the Satan has beautified their deeds for them, and has prevented them from the way, so they do not take the right path,

that is, they do not prostrate to Allah who brings forth what is hidden in the heavens and the earth,-and who knows whatever you conceal and whatever you reveal.”

Allah! There is no god but He, the Lord of the Great Throne.

He (Sulaimān) said, “We shall see whether you have told the truth or you are one of the liars.