The queen consults her people

The queen receives Sulayman’s letter, which begins in Allah’s name and calls for submission rather than arrogant resistance. She consults her advisers, explaining that she does not decide matters without their presence. They speak of their strength and leave the decision to her.

She considers the damage kings can bring to a town they enter and sends a gift to see how the messengers return. Sulayman rejects treating the message as a financial exchange, explaining that what Allah has granted him is better than the gift. He warns of the consequences of continued refusal.

The passage allows readers to hear the queen’s deliberation and distinguish the message from ordinary royal bargaining. It is not a record of romance or a marriage negotiation. Those common retellings should not be substituted for the text. The chapter’s central scenes are the letter, consultation, the proposed gift, and its rejection as an answer to the call.