English translation of the meaning Page No 378

Quran in English Language - Page no 378 378

Sura Al-Naml from 14 to 22


14. And they belied them ( those Ayât ) wrongfully and arrogantly, though their ownselves were convinced thereof [ i.e. those ( Ayât ) are from Allâh, and Mûsâ ( Moses ) is the Messenger of Allâh in truth, but they disliked to obey Mûsâ ( Moses ) , and hated to believe in his Message of Monotheism ] . So see what was the end of the Mufsidûn ( disbelievers, disobedient to Allâh, evil- doers and liars. ) .
15. And indeed We gave knowledge to Dâwûd ( David ) and Sulaimân ( Solomon ) , and they both said: « All the praises and thanks be to Allâh, Who has preferred us above many of His believing slaves! »
16. And Sulaimân ( Solomon ) inherited ( the knowledge of ) Dâwûd ( David ) . He said: « O mankind! We have been taught the language of birds, and on us have been bestowed all things. This, verily, is an evident grace ( from Allâh ) . »
17. And there were gathered before Sulaimân ( Solomon ) his hosts of jinn and men, and birds, and they all were set in battle order ( marching forward ) .
18. Till, when they came to the valley of the ants, one of the ants said: « O ants! Enter your dwellings, lest Sulaimân ( Solomon ) and his hosts should crush you, while they perceive not. »
19. So he [ Sulaimân ( Solomon ) ] smiled, amused at her speech [ 1 ] and said: « My Lord! Grant me the power and ability that I may be grateful for Your Favours which You have bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may do righteous good deeds that will please You, and admit me by Your Mercy among Your righteous slaves. »
20. He inspected the birds, and said: « What is the matter that I see not the hoopoe? Or is he among the absentees?»
21. « I will surely punish him with a severe torment, or slaughter him, unless he brings me a clear reason. »
22. But the hoopoe stayed not long: he ( came up and ) said: « I have grasped ( the knowledge of a thing ) which you have not grasped and I have come to you from Saba’ ( Sheba ) with true news.»

[1] (V.27:19) See the footnote of (V.6:143).