Hoopoe – According to Quran

Prophet Solomon was a king and he had the control and ability to talk to all animals and jinns, therefore, Allah Almighty describes his story in the following verses:

He (Solomon) inspected the birds, and said: “What is the matter that I see not the hoopoe? Or is he among the absentees? (Quran 27:20)

I will surely punish him with a severe punishment or slaughter him unless he brings me clear authorization.” (Quran 27:21)
 
It was not long before the bird came and said, “I have found out something you do not know. I have just come to you from Sheba with sure news. (Quran 27:22)

“I found a woman ruling over them, and she has been given all things that could be possessed by any ruler of the earth, and she has a great throne. (Quran 27:23)

“I found her and her people worshipping the sun instead of Allah, and Shaitan (Satan) has made their deeds fair-seeming to them, and has barred them from (Allah’s) Way, so they have no guidance,” (Quran 27:24)

Should they not worship God, who brings forth what is hidden in the heavens and earth and knows both what you people conceal and what you declare? (Quran 27:25)

Allah – there is no deity except Him, Lord of the Great Throne.” (Quran 27:26)

Solomon said, ‘We shall see whether you are telling the truth or lying. (Quran 27:27)

Go with this letter of mine and deliver it to them, then stand aside and see how they will respond.” (Quran 27:28)

The Queen of Sheba said, ‘Counsellors, a gracious letter has been delivered to me. (Quran 27:29)

It is from Solomon, and it reads: ‘In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful. (Quran 27:30)
 
Do not be arrogant with me, but come to me, fully submitting ˹to Allah˺.’” (Quran 27:31)

She said, “O chiefs! Advise me in this matter of mine, for I would never make any decision without you.” (Quran 27:32)
 
They said: “We have great strength, and great ability for war, but it is for you to command; so think over what you will command.” (Quran 27:33)

She reasoned, “Indeed, when kings invade a land, they ruin it and debase its nobles. They really do so! (Quran 27:34)

But I will certainly send him a gift, and see what ˹response˺ my envoys will return with.” (Quran 27:35)
 
So when (the messengers with the present) came to Sulaiman (Solomon), he said: “Will you help me in wealth? What Allah has given me is better than that which He has given you! Nay, you rejoice in your gift!” (Quran 27:36)

[Then Sulaiman (Solomon) said to the chief of her messengers who brought the present]: “Go back to them. We verily shall come to them with hosts that they cannot resist, and we shall drive them out from there in disgrace, and they will be abased.” (Quran 27:37)

He said: “O chiefs! Which of you can bring me her throne before they come to me surrendering themselves in obedience?” (Quran 27:38)
 
A powerful one from among the jinn said, “I will bring it to you before you rise from your place, and indeed, I am for this [task] strong and trustworthy.” (Quran 27:39)

But the one who had knowledge of the Scripture said, “I can bring it to you in the blink of an eye.” So when Solomon saw it placed before him, he exclaimed, “This is by the grace of my Lord to test me whether I am grateful or ungrateful. And whoever is grateful, it is only for their own good. But whoever is ungrateful, surely my Lord is Self-Sufficient, Most Generous.” (Quran 27:40)

Then he said, ‘Disguise her throne, and we shall see whether or not she recognizes it.’ (Quran 27:41)

So when she arrived, it was said [to her], “Is your throne like this?” She said, “[It is] as though it was it.” [Solomon said], “And we were given knowledge before her, and we have been Muslims [in submission to Allah ]. (Quran 27:42)

She was prevented by what she worshiped instead of Allah, for she came from a disbelieving people.’ (Quran 27:43)

Then it was said to her, ‘Enter the hall,’ but when she saw it, she thought it was a deep pool of water, and bared her legs. Solomon explained, ‘It is just a hall paved with glass,’ and she said, ‘My Lord, I have wronged myself: I devote myself, with Solomon, to God, the Lord of the Worlds.’ (Quran 27:44)