The Majestic Quran

and fled, without looking back. “Moses,” the voice said , “Don’t be afraid. Messengers shouldn’t be afraid in My presence, 11 even the one who has done wrong but then changes himself to do good; for I am Forgiving, Caring. 12 Now put your hand inside your cloak and it will come out brilliant white but unharmed, yet another of nine signs to show Pharaoh and his people; they are brazen sinners.” 13 However , when Our self- evident signs came to them, they said, “This is magic,” 14 and they rejected them, and yet they were certain of their truth; this was due to their wickedness and pride. So look what happened to those who spread corruption. S ’ 15 We gave David and Solomon knowledge, and both prayed: “Praise be to God, Who favoured us over many of His believing servants.” 16 Then Solomon succeeded David, and he said, “People, we have been taught the language of birds, and have been given all kinds of things, a clear sign of favour.” 17 Solomon’s armies of jinn, men and birds gathered to parade before him; 18 and they marched until they came to the Valley of Ants, where one of the ants said: “Ants, get into your anthills so that Solomon and his armies don’t crush you unwittingly.” 19 Solomon smiled and laughed at her words and said, “Lord, make me grateful to You for the blessings that You have given me and my father; and grant me strength to do righteous deeds to please You; and kindly, include me with Your righteous servants.” T 20 One day, whilst looking for a missing bird, Solomon said: “Why can’t I see the Hoopoe? He’s absent? 21 Either he brings me a valid reason for his absence , or I will punish him severely, maybe even slaughter him!” 22 The hoopoe did not stay away for long; he returned and said, “I know of something that you don’t, and I bring you an accurate report from Sheba. 23 There I found a woman ruling over them; and, like you , she has been given everything and has a mighty throne. T 24 I found her and her people worshipping the sun instead of God, and Satan had made their deeds attractive to them, and blocked them from the true