English Translation Of ''THE HOLY QUR'AN''

CHAPTER 27. THE ANT (an-Naml)

25. If only they would worship Allah, who brings to light the mysteries of the heavens and the earth, and knows what you conceal and what you reveal.

26. Allah—There is no god but He, the Lord of the Sublime Throne."

27. He said, "We will see, whether you have spoken the truth, or whether you are a liar.

28. Go with this letter of mine, and deliver it to them; then withdraw from them, and see how they respond."

29. She said, "O Counselors, a gracious letter was delivered to me.

30. It is from Solomon, and it is, 'In the Name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful.

31. Do not defy me, and come to me submissively.'"

32. She said, "O counselors, advise me in this matter of mine. I never make a decision unless you are present."

33. They said, "We are a people of might and great courage, but the decision is yours, so consider what you wish to command."

34. She said, "When kings enter a city, they devastate it, and subjugate its dignified people. Thus they always do.

35. I am sending them a gift, and will see what the envoys bring back."

36. When he came to Solomon, he said, "Are you supplying me with money? What Allah has given me is better than what He has given you. It is you who delight in your gift.

37. Go back to them. We will come upon them with troops they cannot resist; and we will expel them from there, disgraced and humiliated."

38. He said, "O notables, which one of you will bring me her throne before they come to me in submission?"

39. An imp of the sprites said, "I will bring it to you before you rise from your seat. I am strong and reliable enough to do it."

40. He who had knowledge from the Book said, "I will bring it to you before your glance returns to you." And when he saw it settled before him, he said, "This is from the grace of my Lord, to test me, whether I am grateful or ungrateful. He who is grateful, his gratitude is to his own credit; but he who is ungrateful—my Lord is Independent and Generous."

41. He said, "Disguise her throne for her, and we shall see whether she will be guided, or remains one of the misguided."

42. When she arrived, it was said, "Is your throne like this?" She said, "As if this is it." "We were given knowledge before her, and we were submissive."

43. But she was prevented by what she worshiped besides Allah; she belonged to a disbelieving people.

44. It was said to her, "Go inside the palace." And when she saw it, she thought it was a deep pond, and she bared her legs. He said, "It is a palace paved with glass." She said, "My Lord, I have done wrong to myself, and I have submitted with Solomon, to Allah, Lord of the Worlds."

45. And We sent to Thamood their brother Saleh: "Worship Allah." But they became two disputing factions.

46. He said, "O my people, why are you quick to do evil rather than good? If only you would seek Allah's forgiveness, so that you may beshown mercy."

47. They said, "We consider you an ill omen, and those with you." He said, "Your omen is with Allah. In fact, you are a people being tested."

48. In the city was a gang of nine who made mischief in the land and did no good.

49. They said, "Swear by Allah to one another that we will attack him and his family by night, and then tell his guardian, 'We did not witness the murder of his family, and we are being truthful.'"