Do animals possess intellect and understanding like humans? If the answer is "no," then how did the hoopoe understand Bilqis's prostration to the sun? And how do animals prostrate, pray, glorify, and speak without intellect? If the answer is "yes," then why were they not held accountable like humans? And what is the basis for the honor bestowed upon humans over them?

Scholars and rational individuals agree that animal perception is not the instinctive intellect that distinguishes humans from animals and brings humans into the sphere of accountability (taklif). Rather, it is "guidance," as stated in the Almighty's قول (قوله تعالى): (He said, "Our Lord is He who gave each thing its [distinctive] form and then guided [it]") Taha/50, or "animal shrewdness." This perception enables them to manage their lives and submit to their Creator. It differs from "human intellect," which is a faculty for experiences, deducing benefits, understanding consequences, and distinguishing between matters. Therefore, animals are not accountable.

As for what was reported concerning the hoopoe and the ant in the story of Sulaiman (peace be upon him), these were specific miracles granted to these animals and signs for Allah's prophet Sulaiman. Other animals cannot be measured by them, as animals do not possess the ability to discern the subtleties of knowledge or to engage in crafts; rather, their sounds express their basic needs.