"I found a woman ruling over them", she has been given
all things that could be possessed by any ruler of the earth, and she has a
great throne. (23) "I found her and her people worshipping the sun instead of
Allâh, and Shaitân (Satan) has made their deeds fair-seeming to them, and has
barred them from (Allâh's) Way, so they have no guidance," (24) [As Shaitân (Satan)
has barred them from Allâh's Way] so they do not worship (prostrate themselves
before) Allâh, Who brings to light what is hidden in the heavens and the earth,
and knows what you conceal and what you reveal. (Tafsir At-Tabarî) (25) Allâh, Lâ ilâha illa
Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the Lord of the Supreme
Throne! (26) [Sulaimân (Solomon)] said: "We shall see whether you speak
the truth or you are (one) of the liars (27) "Go you with this letter of mine,
and deliver it to them, then draw back from them, and see what (answer) they
return." (28) She said: "O chiefs! Verily! Here is delivered to me a
noble letter, (29) "Verily, It is from Sulaimân (Solomon), and verily, It
(reads): In the Name of Allâh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful; (30) "Be you not
exalted against me, but come to me as Muslims (true believers who submit to
Allâh with full submission)' " (31) She said: "O chiefs! Advise me in (this)
case of mine. I decide no case till you are present with me (and give me your
opinions)." (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." (33) She said:
"Verily! Kings, when they enter a town (country), they despoil it, and
make the most honourable amongst its people the lowest. And thus they do. (34) "But verily! I
am going to send him a present, and see with what (answer) the messengers
return." (35)