ص

Has the Story of the Disputants reached thee? Behold, they climbed over the wall of the private chamber;

When they entered the presence of David, and he was terrified of them, they said: "Fear not: we are two disputants, one of whom has wronged the other: Decide now between us with truth, and treat us not with injustice, but guide us to the even Path..

"This man is my brother: He has nine and ninety ewes, and I have (but) one: Yet he says, ´commit her to my care,´ and is (moreover) harsh to me in speech."

(David) said: "He has undoubtedly wronged thee in demanding thy (single) ewe to be added to his (flock of) ewes: truly many are the partners (in business) who wrong each other: Not so do those who believe and work deeds of righteousness, and how few are they?"...and David gathered that We had tried him: he asked forgiveness of his Lord, fell down, bowing (in prostration), and turned (to Allah in repentance).

So We forgave him this (lapse): he enjoyed, indeed, a Near Approach to Us, and a beautiful place of (Final) Return.

O David! We did indeed make thee a vicegerent on earth: so judge thou between men in truth (and justice): Nor follow thou the lusts (of thy heart), for they will mislead thee from the Path of Allah: for those who wander astray from the Path of Allah, is a Penalty Grievous, for that they forget the Day of Account.

Not without purpose did We create heaven and earth and all between! that were the thought of Unbelievers! but woe to the Unbelievers because of the Fire (of Hell)!

Shall We treat those who believe and work deeds of righteousness, the same as those who do mischief on earth? Shall We treat those who guard against evil, the same as those who turn aside from the right?

(Here is) a Book which We have sent down unto thee, full of blessings, that they may mediate on its Signs, and that men of understanding may receive admonition.

To David We gave Solomon (for a son),- How excellent in Our service! Ever did he turn (to Us)!

Behold, there were brought before him, at eventide coursers of the highest breeding, and swift of foot;

And he said, "Truly do I love the love of good, with a view to the glory of my Lord,"- until (the sun) was hidden in the veil (of night):

"Bring them back to me." then began he to pass his hand over (their) legs and their necks.

And We did try Solomon: We placed on his throne a body (without life); but he did turn (to Us in true devotion):

He said, "O my Lord! Forgive me, and grant me a kingdom which, (it may be), suits not another after me: for Thou art the Grantor of Bounties (without measure).

Then We subjected the wind to his power, to flow gently to his order, Whithersoever he willed,-

As also the evil ones, (including) every kind of builder and diver,-

As also others bound together in fetters.

"Such are Our Bounties: whether thou bestow them (on others) or withhold them, no account will be asked."

And he enjoyed, indeed, a Near Approach to Us, and a beautiful Place of (Final) Return.