they have only to wait for one single blast [of punishment]: it shall not be delayed by one whit. 15 They say: 'Our Lord, hasten to us our share before the Day of Recompense' 16 Bear patiently what they say, and remember Our servant Dawood, the possessor of power; surely he was frequent in returning (to Allah). 17 Surely We made the mountains to sing the glory (of Allah) in unison with him at the evening and the sunrise, 18 And the birds gathered together; all joined in singing with him. 19 We strengthened his kingdom, and gave him wisdom and sound judgment in speech and decision. 20 ۞ AND YET, has the story of the litigants come within thy ken - [the story of the two] who surmounted the walls of the sanctuary [in which David prayed]? 21 When they entered in upon Dawood and he was frightened at them, they said: Fear not; two litigants, of whom one has acted wrongfully towards the other, therefore decide between us with justice, and do not act unjustly, and guide us to the right way. 22 One of them said, "This is my brother who has ninety-nine ewes when I have only one. He has demanded me to place that one in his custody; he had the stronger argument". 23 He (David) replied: 'He has without doubt wronged you in seeking to add your ewe to his sheep. Many intermixers wrong one another; except those who believe, and do good works, and they are few indeed' David realized that We had tried him and sought the forgiveness of his Lord and fell down, prostrate and repented. ۩ 24 So We forgave him that; and verily for him is an approach with us, and a happy retreat. 25 "O David, We have made you trustee on the earth. So judge between men equitably, and do not follow your lust lest it should lead you astray from the way of God. Surely for those who go astray from the way of God, is severe punishment, for having forgotten the Day of Reckoning. 26