۞ وَهَلْ أَتَىٰكَ نَبَؤُا۟ ٱلْخَصْمِ إِذْ تَسَوَّرُوا۟ ٱلْمِحْرَابَ 21
Translations
And has there come to you the news of the adversaries, when they climbed over the wall of [his] prayer chamber -
Transliteration
Wa-hal atāka naba'u al-khasm idh tasawwarū al-miḥrāb
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah begins the story of Prophet Dawud (David) and the two disputing parties who entered his prayer chamber (miḥrāb) by climbing over the wall. According to classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this incident served as a test for Dawud's wisdom and justice in judgment. The story illustrates how Allah presents lessons through real events to emphasize the importance of fair adjudication and attentiveness to those seeking justice.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of a larger narrative in Surah Sad that recounts the trial of Prophet Dawud. The context is thematic rather than tied to a specific historical revelation occasion. The surah uses this story to convey lessons about divine tests, wisdom in judgment, and the responsibilities of leadership, particularly relevant to the Meccan audience regarding prophethood and divine guidance.
Related Hadiths
While no single hadith directly narrates this Quranic account, the broader theme relates to Hadith Qudsi regarding justice: 'The just will be upon pulpits of light on the right hand of the Most Merciful' (Sahih Muslim). The story itself is primarily Quranic and serves as guidance on fair judgment.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that even prophets are tested by Allah and must respond with wisdom and justice, reminding us that leadership requires alertness and fairness in resolving disputes. The unexpected nature of the trial (breaking into the prayer chamber) emphasizes that tests from Allah can come suddenly and require immediate, righteous response.