The Majestic Quran

way, so they were not guided. 25 Shouldn’t they worship only God, Who discloses whatever is hidden in the Heavens and the Earth, and Who knows whatever you choose either to conceal or to reveal? 26 There is no god but God, the Lord of the mighty Throne.” S Q S 27 Solomon said, “We shall see if you are telling the truth or lying. 28 Go with this letter of mine and make sure they receive it, then move a little way from them and see what response they come back with.” 29 The queen said, “My lords, I have received a gracious letter. 30 It is from Solomon and reads: ‘In the name of God, the Kind, the Caring. 31 Do not think yourselves above me, but come to me in submission.’” 32 So she asked, “My lords, advise me in this matter. I don’t make any decision without your presence and advice.” 33 They said, “We possess power and military might, but the final decision rests with you; so, tell us what to do.” T S 34 She said, “When kings enter a city, they lay waste to it and humiliate its nobility; that is their way. 35 So I will send them a gift and wait to see what the envoys come back with.” 36 When they reached Solomon, he said to her envoys , “Do you think you can increase my wealth? What God has given me is far better than what He has given you. Only the likes of you rejoice in such gifts. 37 Go back to your people and tell them We shall come with armies that they can’t face, and we shall expel them from their city , humiliated and disgraced.” T ’ S 38 Solomon asked his courtiers , “Who can bring me her throne before they come to me in submission?” 39 An Efreet from the jinns said, “I can bring it to you before you get up from your place; I am strong and trustworthy.” 40 Another, who had knowledge of the Book, said, “I can bring it to you in the blinking of an eye.” When Solomon saw it installed before him, he said, “This is by My Lord’s favour, to test whether I am grateful or ungrateful. Whoever is grateful is grateful for his own benefit; but whoever is ungrateful harms only himself , as my Lord is Self-Sufficient, Generous.” 41 He said, “Disguise her throne so that we can see if she is guided or not.”