Be patient (O Muhammad SAW) of what they say, and remember Our
slave Dâwûd (David), endued with power. Verily, he was ever oft-returning in
all matters and in repentance (toward Allâh). (17) Verily, We made the
mountains to glorify Our Praises with him [Dâwûd (David)] in the 'Ashi (i.e.
after the mid-day till sunset) and Ishrâq (i.e. after the sunrise till
mid-day). (18) And (so did) the birds assembled: all obedient to him [Dâwûd
(David)] [i.e. they came and glorified Allah's Praises along with him]. (Tafsir
Al-Qurtubi) (19) We made his kingdom strong and gave him Al-Hikmah (Prophethood)
and sound judgement in speech and decision. (20) And has the news of
the litigants reached you? When they climbed over the wall into (his) Mihrâb (a
praying place or a private room,) (21) When they entered in upon Dâwûd (David), he
was terrified of them, They said: "Fear not! (We are) two litigants, one
of whom has wronged the other, therefore judge between us with truth, and treat
us not with injustice, and guide us to the Right Way. (22) Verily, this my
brother (in religion) has ninety nine ewes, while I have (only) one ewe, and he
says: "Hand it over to me, and he overpowered me in speech." (23) [Dâwûd (David)] said
(immediately without listening to the opponent): "He has wronged you in
demanding your ewe in addition to his ewes. And, verily, many partners oppress
one another, except those who believe and do righteous good deeds, and they are
few." And Dâwûd (David) guessed that We have tried him and he sought
Forgiveness of his Lord, and he fell down prostrate and turned (to Allâh) in
repentance. (24) So We forgave him that, and verily, for him is a near access to
Us, and a good place of (final) return (