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 on for us our fate before the Day of Reckoning. 16 Have patience upon what they say, and remember Our bondman Dawud, the one blessed with favours; he is indeed most inclined (towards His Lord). 17 We subjugated the chiefs (of tribes) to struggle day and night with him, 18 and the birds, too, in their flocks, and turn again and again to celebrating Allah's glory. 19 And We strengthened his kingdom and gave him wisdom and discernment in speech. 20 ۞ Have you heard the news of the disputing parties who climbed the walls of the prayer room 21 When they came before David, he was frightened of them. "Do not be afraid," they said. "The two of us are disputing the wrong one has done the other. So judge between us with equity, and do not be unjust, and guide us to the right path. 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 David said, "He has certainly been unjust in demanding your ewe from you. Most partners transgress against each other except for the righteously striving believers who are very few." David realized that it was a test from Us so he asked forgiveness from his Lord and knelt down before him 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 [We said], "O David, indeed We have made you a successor upon the earth, so judge between the people in truth and do not follow [your own] desire, as it will lead you astray from the way of Allah." Indeed, those who go astray from the way of Allah will have a severe punishment for having forgotten the Day of Account. 26