The disputants and the duty to judge

Two disputants enter Dawud’s place of worship unexpectedly. They ask for a just decision, with one describing a conflict over ewes: the other has ninety-nine and seeks to add his single ewe. Dawud states the wrong of such a demand and speaks of injustice among partners, with exceptions for those who believe and act righteously.

He recognizes that he has been tested, seeks forgiveness, and turns in repentance. Allah grants forgiveness and reminds him of his responsibility as a ruler to judge in truth and not follow desire away from Allah’s path.

The Qur’anic account does not state the sensational adultery narrative found in some later retellings. This collection does not adopt it. The textual lesson is already substantial: surprising litigants, an unequal claim, a test, repentance, and the duty of impartial rule. A source-based account should not replace those elements with unsupported accusations.