Indeed, I found a woman ruling over them,1 who has been given everything ˹she needs˺, and who has a magnificent throne.
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I found her and her people prostrating to the sun instead of Allah. For Satan has made their deeds appealing to them—hindering them from the ˹Right˺ Way and leaving them unguided—
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so they do not prostrate to Allah, Who brings forth what is hidden in the heavens and the earth, and knows what you ˹all˺ conceal and what you reveal.
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˹He is˺ Allah! There is no god ˹worthy of worship˺ except Him, the Lord of the Mighty Throne.”
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Solomon said, “We will see whether you are telling the truth or lying.
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Go with this letter of mine and deliver it to them, then stand aside and see how they will respond.”
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The Queen ˹later˺ announced, “O chiefs! Indeed, a noble letter has been delivered to me.
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It is from Solomon, and it reads: ‘In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful.
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Do not be arrogant with me, but come to me, fully submitting ˹to Allah˺.’”
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She said, “O chiefs! Advise me in this matter of mine, for I would never make any decision without you.”
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They responded, “We are a people of strength and great ˹military˺ might, but the decision is yours, so decide what you will command.”
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She reasoned, “Indeed, when kings invade a land, they ruin it and debase its nobles. They really do so!
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But I will certainly send him a gift, and see what ˹response˺ my envoys will return with.”1
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