قَالَ لَقَدْ ظَلَمَكَ بِسُؤَالِ نَعْجَتِكَ إِلَىٰ نِعَاجِهِۦ ۖ وَإِنَّ كَثِيرًا مِّنَ ٱلْخُلَطَآءِ لَيَبْغِى بَعْضُهُمْ عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍ إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَعَمِلُوا۟ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ وَقَلِيلٌ مَّا هُمْ ۗ وَظَنَّ دَاوُۥدُ أَنَّمَا فَتَنَّـٰهُ فَٱسْتَغْفَرَ رَبَّهُۥ وَخَرَّ رَاكِعًا وَأَنَابَ ۩ 24
Translations
[David] said, "He has certainly wronged you in demanding your ewe [in addition] to his ewes. And indeed, many associates oppress one another, except for those who believe and do righteous deeds - and few are they." And David became certain that We had tried him, and he asked forgiveness of his Lord and fell down bowing [in prostration] and turned in repentance [to Allāh].
Transliteration
Qala laqad zalamaka bi-su'ali naa'jatika ila niya'jihi wa inna kathiran mina al-khulata'i layabghi ba'duhum ala ba'din illa alladhina amanu wa amiluu as-salihat wa qalilun ma hum wa zanna Dawoodu annama fatannahu fa-astaghfara Rabbahu wa kharra raki'an wa anaba
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah concludes the parable of David and the two litigants, wherein David realizes his judgment may have been hasty and recognizes that many partners/associates wrong one another, except the believers who do righteous deeds—a rarity. Upon this reflection, David immediately seeks forgiveness from his Lord, prostrates in repentance, and turns back to Him sincerely. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir emphasize that David's swift repentance demonstrates the quality of the righteous, while Al-Tabari notes the ayah teaches that even prophets must continuously guard against error and return to Allah with humility.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within the story of David's judgment between two men disputing over sheep (Surah 38:21-26). The broader surah addresses themes of divine wisdom, human accountability, and the trials that test faith. The context is Meccan revelation, emphasizing moral lessons and the consequences of hasty judgment, serving as guidance for the Prophet Muhammad and believers in matters of justice and self-awareness.
Related Hadiths
The principle of seeking forgiveness is substantiated by numerous hadiths, such as the one in Sahih Bukhari where the Prophet (peace be upon him) said he seeks Allah's forgiveness seventy times daily. Additionally, the emphasis on prostration (sujud) as an act of humility and repentance is reflected in hadiths about the closest a servant comes to Allah being in prostration.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that recognizing one's potential error and immediately turning to Allah in sincere repentance is a hallmark of true piety, even for prophets. It reminds modern believers to maintain constant vigilance over their decisions, remain humble before Allah, and never hesitate to seek forgiveness and guidance in moments of doubt or misjudgment.