Nor do these await aught but a single cry, there being no delay in it. 15 And they say, "Our Lord, hasten for us our share [of the punishment] before the Day of Account" 16 Bear patiently what they say, and remember Our servant David, the man of might; he was a penitent. 17 With him We had subjected the mountains that they join him in celebrating Allah's glory, evening and morning, 18 and the birds, too, in flocks, all turned to Him. 19 We strengthened his kingdom, giving him wisdom and the power of sound Judgment. 20 ۞ Has the news of the dispute reached you (Prophet Muhammad)? When they scaled the Sanctuary 21 As they came upon David -- and he was frightened of them -- they said: “Be not afraid. We are just two litigants: one of us has committed excess against the other. So judge rightly between us, and be not unjust; and guide us to the Right Way. 22 Verily this my brother hath nine and ninety ewes while I have one ewe; and he saith: entrust it to me, and he hath prevailed upon me in speech. 23 (David) said: "He has undoubtedly wronged thee in demanding thy (single) ewe to be added to his (flock of) ewes: truly many are the partners (in business) who wrong each other: Not so do those who believe and work deeds of righteousness, and how few are they?"... and David gathered that We had tried him: he asked forgiveness of his Lord, fell down, bowing (in prostration), and turned (to Allah in repentance). ۩ 24 And thereupon We forgave him that [sin]: and verily, nearness to Us awaits him [in the life to come,] and the most beauteous of all goals! 25 [And We said:] "O David! Behold, We have made thee a [prophet and thus, Our] vicegerent on earth: judge, then, between men with justice, and do not follow vain desire, lest it lead thee astray from the path of God: verily, for those who go astray from the path of God there is suffering severe in store for having forgotten the Day of Reckoning!" 26