"(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, feel down,bowing (in prostration,and turned (To ALLAH in repentance). So We forgave him this (lapse): he enjoyed,Indeed, a Near Approach to Us, and a beautiful Place of (final) Return."
[ Surah Sad 38:24-25]
The circumstances were mysterious, the accusation was novel: it was not clear why the unjust brother should also have come with the complainant, risking his life in climbing the wall to evade the guard, and he certainly said nothing. David took them literally, and began to preach about the falsehood and the fraud of men who should be content with what they have ,but who always covet more.
Especially,said David; is it wrong for brothers or men in partnership to take advantage of each other;but how few are the men who are righteous? He had in mind his own devotions and justice. But lo and behold! The men disappeared as mysteriously as they had come. It was then that David realised that his visions had been a trial or temptation- a test of his moral or spiritual fibre! Great though he was as a king, and just though he was a judge,the moment that he thought of these things in self-pride,his merit vanished. In himself he was as other men;it was ALLAH's grace that gave him wisdom and justice,and he should have been humble in the sight of ALLAH(Subhana Wa Ta'la).
Judged by ordinary standards. David had done no wrong; he was a good and just king . Judged by the highest standard of those nearest to ALLAH(Subhana Wa Ta'la,the thought of self-pride and self- righteousness had to be washed off from him by his own act of self - realisation and repentance. This was freely accepted by ALLAH.
Some commentators say that David's fault here was his hastiness in judging before hearing the case of the party. When he realised his lapse, he fell down in repentance.
"O David! We did indeed make thee a vicegerent on earth: so judge thou between men in truth(and justice): nor follow thou the lusts (of thy heart),for they will mislead thee from the Path of ALLAH: for those who wander astray from the Path of ALLAH, is a Penalty Grievous, for that they forget the Day of Account."
[Surah Sad 38:26]
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