إِذْ دَخَلُوا۟ عَلَىٰ دَاوُۥدَ فَفَزِعَ مِنْهُمْ ۖ قَالُوا۟ لَا تَخَفْ ۖ خَصْمَانِ بَغَىٰ بَعْضُنَا عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍ فَٱحْكُم بَيْنَنَا بِٱلْحَقِّ وَلَا تُشْطِطْ وَٱهْدِنَآ إِلَىٰ سَوَآءِ ٱلصِّرَٰطِ 22
Translations
When they entered upon David and he was alarmed by them? They said, "Fear not. [We are] two adversaries, 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.
Transliteration
Idh dakhalū ʿalā Dāwūda fafazica minhumm, qālū lā takhaf, khāsmān baghā baʿḍunā ʿalā baʿḍin, faḥkum baynanā bil-ḥaqqi wa-lā tushhit wa-ʾihdnā ilā sawāʾi ṣ-ṣirāṭ
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes when two litigants unexpectedly entered upon the Prophet Dawud (David), causing him to be startled. They presented their dispute to him, requesting just judgment and guidance to the straight path. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir note this incident demonstrates the importance of judicial temperance and fair arbitration—Dawud's initial fear may reflect his deep sense of responsibility in delivering justice. The passage emphasizes that true judges must avoid exceeding bounds (shațaț) and seek to guide parties toward equity and righteousness rather than merely rendering verdicts.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Sad, a Meccan chapter that primarily addresses the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) regarding disbelief and past prophets. The context here exemplifies Dawud's role as a divinely-guided judge and leader, serving as a model for righteous leadership and just governance—themes relevant to the nascent Muslim community in Mecca.
Related Hadiths
The incident is referenced in relation to judicial conduct. A relevant hadith in Sunan Abu Dawud and Sunan Ibn Majah relates to the Prophet's statement about judges: 'The judges are of three types: one will go to Paradise and two to Hell'—emphasizing that just judgment is paramount. Additionally, Surah An-Nisa (4:105) mentions similar judicial guidance to the Prophet Muhammad.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that those in positions of authority bear a sacred responsibility to judge with equity and avoid overstepping bounds, understanding that justice is not merely a legal duty but a spiritual one that brings people toward the divine path. Leaders should approach disputes with both wisdom and humility, recognizing the weight of their decisions.