وَدَاوُۥدَ وَسُلَيْمَـٰنَ إِذْ يَحْكُمَانِ فِى ٱلْحَرْثِ إِذْ نَفَشَتْ فِيهِ غَنَمُ ٱلْقَوْمِ وَكُنَّا لِحُكْمِهِمْ شَـٰهِدِينَ 78
Translations
And [mention] David and Solomon, when they judged concerning the field - when the sheep of a people overran it [at night], and We were witness to their judgement.
Transliteration
Wa-Dawoodu wa-Sulaymana idh yahkumani fi al-harthi idh nafashat fihi ghanamu al-qawmi wa-kunna li-hukmihim shahideen
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes an incident where Prophets Dawud (David) and Sulayman (Solomon) were called upon to judge a dispute involving a field that was damaged by grazing livestock. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi, Sulayman proposed a solution that demonstrated superior wisdom—offering the vineyard as compensation while taking the damaged crops—which pleased both parties and exemplified just judgment. Allah testifies that He witnessed their judgment, affirming the righteousness and prudence of both prophets in their ruling.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Anbiya (Meccan surah) which recounts stories of various prophets and their righteousness. The specific incident is mentioned to illustrate the wisdom and just leadership of Dawud and Sulayman, highlighting their integrity as judges and leaders. The context emphasizes the prophets' role not only as spiritual guides but also as just administrators of divine law.
Related Hadiths
While no hadith directly narrates this specific incident with full detail, Ibn Abbas and other Companions explained this story in their tafsir traditions. The principle relates to Islamic jurisprudence and fair adjudication emphasized throughout hadith literature, such as in Sunan Ibn Majah regarding just judgment.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that true wisdom in judgment lies not merely in following strict legal procedure, but in finding solutions that satisfy justice while considering the welfare of all parties involved. It reminds us that our actions, especially in positions of responsibility, are witnessed by Allah, demanding integrity and careful consideration of consequences.