Fairness in Judgement: The story of Prophet David

We often come across matters of disputes and conflicts that we build our opinion on, based upon the stand taken by each side. At times, one may require to look deeply into the subject, analysing each side by looking into things from their perspective, while the other matters seem plain and simple. In such a situation, the right and the wrong becomes clear from the beginning. We can easily tell who is being wronged and who is doing injustice. 

One such matter was brought to Prophet David or Daud (peace be upon him) while he was praying in his chamber. Two unknown men climbed the walls of his chamber and suddenly appeared before him. The Qur'an mentions the incident in the following verses,  

"And has there come to you the news of the adversaries, when they climbed over the wall of [his] prayer chamber" [Qur'an 38:21]

"When they entered upon David and he was alarmed by them; They said, "Fear not. [We are] two adversaries, one of whom has wronged the other, so judge between us with truth and do not exceed [it] and guide us to the sound path." [Qur'an 38:22]

Prophet Daud a.s. was the king of his nation. And therefore, these two people came to him with their dispute, hoping that he will settle the matter with justice. One of the two men puts forward their situation, which the Qur'an narrates in the following verses,

"Indeed this, my brother, has ninety-nine ewes (female sheep), and I have one ewe; so he said, 'Entrust her to me,' and he overpowered me in speech." [Qur'an 38:23]

The situation seemed to be a typical case of the powerful oppressing the weak; the rich suppressing the poor, with his greed to acquire more and more wealth.  Similar was the response of Daud a.s. and he said, 

[David] said, "He has certainly wronged you in demanding your ewe [in addition] to his ewes. And indeed, many associates oppress one another, except for those who believe and do righteous deeds - and few are they." [Qur'an 38:24]

However, no sooner had the two men disappeared, than Daud a.s. realized that Allah had sent them to test him. Daud a.s. reflected upon his judgement and realized that he made a slip. He turned to Allah seeking His forgiveness. 

"And David became certain that We had tried him, and he asked forgiveness of his Lord and fell down bowing [in prostration] and turned in repentance [to Allah]" [Qur'an 38:24]

Now before you proceed, pause for a while and revisit the case of the two men and try to figure out the error made in the judgement. Having done that, let us return to our conclusion now. There are many detailed commentaries on the verse which relates the case to other stories of Prophet David mentioned in the biblical scriptures, many of which are fabricated. 

However, Allah s.w.t does not mention them here, we shall stick to what is apparent in the Book of Allah. Since the other man involved did not speak anything in defence until then, it amounted to the confession of his injustice. This led to the decision that the facts of the case are the same as the complaint made by the first person. 

Nevertheless, it is of utmost importance to hear both sides of the adversaries before reaching any verdict, no matter how one-sided the situation seems. This lesson taught by Allah s.w.t to Daud a.s. as the ruler of his kingdom holds true for every person sitting in authority and capable of taking decisions. 

While all this may seem a bit of pretty simple advice, yet anyhow most of the opinions framed in our head about people, are formed overlooking this precious guidance from Allah s.w.t. Whether it be among families, friends and colleagues or as the head of any state, a settlement based upon equality and justice can only be reached by giving a uniform opportunity to all parties to put forward their complaints and speak in their defence.