Known for his fairness, Dawud spent time adjudicating disputes among his people, ensuring that justice was served to all, regardless of status or wealth. His court was a sanctuary for those seeking redress, and his judgments were guided by divine wisdom.
One day, Prophet Dawud retreated to his prayer chamber, seeking solitude to reflect and worship Allah. It was in these moments of devotion that he felt closest to his Creator. However, this tranquility was unexpectedly interrupted.
Two men scaled the walls of the sanctuary and appeared before him unannounced. Their sudden presence startled Dawud, as they had bypassed the guards and entered without permission. Alarmed, he wondered about their intentions.
Seeing his unease, the intruders quickly reassured him:
"Fear not. We are two disputants, one of whom has wronged the other. So judge between us with truth and do not exceed [it], and guide us to the sound path." (Surah Sad, 38:22)
Dawud’s calm returned as he listened attentively. He realized that this was a matter requiring his judgment, and he was determined to resolve it fairly.
One of the men spoke first, laying out his grievance:
"Indeed, this is my brother; he has ninety-nine ewes, and I have [but] one ewe. Yet he said, 'Entrust her to me,' and he overpowered me in speech." (Surah Sad, 38:23)
The complaint was clear: the man accused his brother of exploiting his superior eloquence and influence to coerce him into surrendering his sole ewe, leaving him with nothing.
The other man stood silent, not refuting the accusation, which lent credibility to the first man’s claim. Dawud pondered the situation. It seemed evident that the accused had acted unjustly, using his position and persuasive abilities to exploit his brother’s vulnerability.
Prophet Dawud, in his wisdom, declared:
"He has certainly wronged you in demanding your ewe [in addition] to his ewes. And indeed, many associates oppress one another, except for those who believe and do righteous deeds—and few are they." (Surah Sad, 38:24)
Dawud recognized the broader lesson in this case: partnerships and relationships often lead to oppression when one party exploits their advantage over the other. Only those guided by faith and righteousness resist such temptations.
Satisfied with the judgment, Dawud concluded the case. Yet, as the two men disappeared as mysteriously as they had arrived, Dawud’s heart grew uneasy.
In the silence that followed, Dawud realized that he had delivered his verdict hastily. He had not sought the other man’s explanation or delved deeper into the case. Though the circumstances seemed clear, he questioned whether he had given both parties a fair opportunity to present their sides.
This moment of self-doubt humbled Dawud. He fell to his knees in repentance, turning to Allah with sincerity and asking for forgiveness:
"And Dawud became certain that We had tried him, and he asked forgiveness of his Lord and fell down bowing and turned in repentance." (Surah Sad, 38:24)
Allah, in His infinite mercy, forgave Dawud and affirmed his exalted status as a prophet and ruler:
"So We forgave him that; and indeed, for him is nearness to Us and a good place of return." (Surah Sad, 38:25)
The Lessons of the Judgment
The story of Prophet Dawud’s judgment is rich with lessons for anyone in a position of authority or responsibility:- Justice Requires Patience and Complete Understanding
- Humility in Leadership
- Oppression in Human Relationships
- Repentance and Divine Forgiveness