| |||||
| 14. And they rejected them wrongfully and arrogantly, while their souls were convinced of their truth. See then, how evil was the end of those who acted corruptly ! 15. And WE gave knowledge to David and Solomon and they said, `All praise belongs to ALLAH, Who has exalted us above many of HIS believing servants.' 16. And Solomon was heir to David. And he said, `O ye people, we have been taught the language of birds, and we have had all necessary things bestowed upon us. This indeed is God's manifest Grace.' 17. And there were gathered together unto Solomon his hosts of jinn and men and birds, and they were formed into separate divisions, 18. Until when they came to the valley of Al-Naml, a Namlite said, `O ye Naml, enter your habitations, lest Solomon and his hosts crush you, while they know not.' 19. Thereupon he smiled wondering at her words and said, `My Lord, grant me that I may be grateful to Thee, for Thy favour which Thou hast bestowed upon me and upon my parents, and that I may do such good works as would please Thee, and admit me, by Thy mercy, among Thy righteous servants.' 20. And he reviewed the birds and said, `How is it that I do not see Hudhud ? Is he deliberately absent ? 21. `I will surely punish him with a severe punishment or I will slay him, unless he brings me a clear reason for his absence. 22. And he did not tarry long before Hudhud came and said, `I have acquired knowledge of that of which thou hast no knowledge; and I have come to thee from Saba' with sure tidings; |
