Question
What is the story of Prophet Dawud (عليه السلام) and the two disputants, and what lessons can we learn from it?
Short Summary
The Qur’an narrates in Surah Saad (38:21-25) the account of two disputants who came before Prophet Dawud (عليه السلام). One claimed that his brother, who had ninety-nine sheep, wanted to take his single sheep. Dawud (عليه السلام) judged in favor of the weaker party but realized he had spoken hastily without hearing both sides. He turned to Allah in repentance, and Allah forgave him. The story illustrates the principles of justice, humility, and the duty of leaders to hear all voices before passing judgment.
Key Points
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Both sides must be heard before any judgment is made.
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Even prophets sought Allah’s forgiveness when they fell short.
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Justice requires impartiality regardless of wealth, power, or status.
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The story serves as guidance for leaders, judges, and all in positions of responsibility.
Detailed Answer
Prophet Dawud (عليه السلام) was both a messenger and a judge among his people. One day, two men entered his private chamber, startling him, and presented their case:
“This is my brother; he has ninety-nine ewes, while I have one. Yet he says, ‘Entrust her to me,’ and he overpowered me in speech.”
(Surah Saad 38:23)
Dawud (عليه السلام) declared:
“He has certainly wronged you in demanding your ewe [in addition] to his ewes. And indeed, many associates oppress one another, except those who believe and do righteous deeds and few are they.”
(Surah Saad 38:24)
At that moment, Dawud (عليه السلام) realized he had judged without hearing the other disputant. Recognizing this as a divine test, he immediately sought Allah’s forgiveness, fell in prostration, and repented. Allah accepted his repentance and reaffirmed his honored position.
Lessons and Reflections
| Lesson | Supporting Evidence |
|---|---|
| Due Process in Judgment | “If there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance…” (Surah Al-Hujurat 49:6) |
| Humility in Leadership | Prophet ﷺ: “All the sons of Adam are sinners, but the best of sinners are those who repent often.” (Jami‘ at-Tirmidhi 2499) |
| Justice for the Vulnerable | “…Do not deprive people of their due…” (Surah Hud 11:85) |
| Impartiality in Judgment | “O believers! Stand firm for justice, even against yourselves, your parents, or close relatives…” (Surah An-Nisa 4:135) |
| Judicial Ethics in Islam | Prophet ﷺ: “When two litigants sit before you, do not judge until you have heard the other, as you heard the first.” (Sunan Abu Dawood 3582) |
Classical exegetes such as Ibn Kathir note that this story is a metaphor for accountability in leadership. Dawud’s immediate repentance is itself a lesson: true greatness lies not in never erring, but in humbly returning to Allah when one does.
What This Means for You
This story is a timeless reminder that justice requires patience, impartiality, and humility. Leaders, judges, and all who hold authority must listen carefully, guard against bias, and admit shortcomings when they occur. Like Dawud (عليه السلام), the believer’s strength is not in perfection but in sincere repentance and a commitment to justice.
And Allah knows best
References
Primary Sources:
- Surah Saad (38:21-25)
- Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6)
- Surah Hud (11:85)
- Surah An-Nisa (4:135)
- Jami‘ at-Tirmidhi 2499
- Sunan Abu Dawood 3582, 3573
Secondary Sources:
- Ibn Kathir, Tafseer al-Qur’an al-‘Azim on Surah Saad 38:21-25
- Al-Nawawi, Sharh Sahih Muslim (12/214)
- Ibn Qudāmah, al-Mughni (10/155)
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