they have only to wait for one single blast [of punishment]: it shall not be delayed by one whit. 15 And they say: our Lord! hasten our portion unto us before the Day of Reckoning 16 Bear patiently what they say, and remember Our servant David, the man of might; he was a penitent. 17 We subjugated the chiefs (of tribes) to struggle day and night with him, 18 And the birds gathered together; all joined in singing with him. 19 And We strengthened his kingdom and gave him wisdom and just speech. 20 ۞ Has the tiding of the dispute come to thee? When they scaled the Sanctuary, 21 When they entered upon David, so he feared them – they said, “Do not fear! We are two disputants, one of whom has wronged the other, therefore judge fairly between us and do not judge unjustly – and show us the right way.” 22 Lo! this my brother hath ninety and nine ewes while I had one ewe; and he said: Entrust it to me, and he conquered me in speech. 23 David said: “He has certainly wronged you in seeking to add your ewe to his ewes; and indeed many who live together commit excesses, one to the other, except those that believe and act righteously; and they are but few.” (While so saying) David realized that it is We Who have put him to test; therefore, he sought the forgiveness of his Lord, and fell down, bowing and penitently turning (to Him). ۩ 24 We therefore forgave him this; and indeed for him in Our presence are, surely, proximity and an excellent abode. 25 O Da-ud! verily We have appointed thee a vicegerent in the earth, so judge between mankind with truth, and follow not desire, lest it cause thee to err from the path of Allah. Verily those who err from the path of Allah - unto them shall be a severe torment, for they forgat the Day of Reckoning. 26