Indeed, I found a woman ruling over them,1 who has been given everything ˹she needs˺, and who has a magnificent throne. 27:23
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— 27:24
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. 27:25
˹He is˺ Allah! There is no god ˹worthy of worship˺ except Him, the Lord of the Mighty Throne.” 27:26
Solomon said, “We will see whether you are telling the truth or lying. 27:27
Go with this letter of mine and deliver it to them, then stand aside and see how they will respond.” 27:28
The Queen ˹later˺ announced, “O chiefs! Indeed, a noble letter has been delivered to me. 27:29
It is from Solomon, and it reads: ‘In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful. 27:30
Do not be arrogant with me, but come to me, fully submitting ˹to Allah˺.’” 27:31
She said, “O chiefs! Advise me in this matter of mine, for I would never make any decision without you.” 27:32
They responded, “We are a people of strength and great ˹military˺ might, but the decision is yours, so decide what you will command.” 27:33
She reasoned, “Indeed, when kings invade a land, they ruin it and debase its nobles. They really do so! 27:34
But I will certainly send him a gift, and see what ˹response˺ my envoys will return with.”1  27:35