An-Naml 27:33

<h2>Bilqis consults with Her Chiefs</h2><p>When she read Sulayman's letter to them and consulted with them about this news, she said:</p><div class="arabic uthmani">يأَيُّهَا الْمَلأ أَفْتُونِى فِى أَمْرِى مَا كُنتُ قَـطِعَةً أَمْراً حَتَّى تَشْهَدُونِ</div><p>("O chiefs! Advise me in (this) case of mine. I decide no case till you are present with me.") meaning, `until you come together and offer me your advice.'</p><div class="arabic uthmani">قَالُواْ نَحْنُ أُوْلُواْ قُوَّةٍ وَأُولُو بَأْسٍ شَدِيدٍ</div><p>(They said: "We have great strength, and great ability for war...") They reminded her of their great numbers, preparedness and strength, then they referred the matter to her and said:</p><div class="arabic uthmani">وَالاٌّمْرُ إِلَيْكِ فَانظُرِى مَاذَا تَأْمُرِينَ</div><p>(but it is for you to command; so think over what you will command.) meaning, `we have the power and strength, if you want to go to him and fight him.' The matter is yours to decide, so instruct us as you see fit and we will obey. Ibn `Abbas said: "Bilqis said:</p><div class="arabic uthmani">إِنَّ الْمُلُوكَ إِذَا دَخَلُواْ قَرْيَةً أَفْسَدُوهَا وَجَعَلُواْ أَعِزَّةَ أَهْلِهَآ أَذِلَّةً</div><p>(Verily, kings, when they enter a town, they destroy it and make the most honorable amongst its people the lowest.) And Allah said:</p><div class="arabic uthmani">وَكَذلِكَ يَفْعَلُونَ</div><p>(And thus they do. ) Then she resorted to peaceful …

They said: We are lords of might and lords of great prowess, but it is for thee to command; so consider what thou wilt command.

They said: "We are endued with strength, and given to vehement war: but the command is with thee; so consider what thou wilt command."

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."

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