ٱصْبِرْ عَلَىٰ مَا يَقُولُونَ وَٱذْكُرْ عَبْدَنَا دَاوُۥدَ ذَا ٱلْأَيْدِ ۖ إِنَّهُۥٓ أَوَّابٌ 17
Translations
Be patient over what they say and remember Our servant, David, the possessor of strength; indeed, he was one who repeatedly turned back [to Allāh].
Transliteration
Asbir 'ala ma yaqulun wa-dhkur 'abdana Dawuda dha al-ayd, innahu awwab
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah commands Prophet Muhammad to exercise patience against the words and accusations of the disbelievers, and to remember the example of Prophet Dawud (David), who possessed great strength ('al-ayd') both physical and spiritual, yet remained constantly devoted and repentant to Allah ('awwab'). Ibn Kathir explains that Dawud exemplified perfect obedience despite his power, serving as a model for the Prophet's perseverance. Al-Tabari emphasizes that 'al-ayd' refers to strength in body, knowledge, and action, while 'awwab' means one who constantly returns to Allah in repentance and remembrance.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in a Meccan surah that deals extensively with patience in the face of opposition and disbelief. The reference to Dawud comes as encouragement to Muhammad during the early Meccan period when he faced severe ridicule and hostility from the Quraysh. The surah's broader context emphasizes divine patience with creation and prophetic steadfastness through difficulties.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The best of prayers is that of Dawud, and the best of fasts is that of Dawud. He used to sleep half the night, pray a third of it, and sleep a sixth of it' (Sahih Bukhari 3418). Additionally, 'Dawud was the most obedient of Allah's servants' is referenced in various classical tafsir works regarding his devotion.
Themes
Key Lesson
True strength lies not in dominance over others but in unwavering devotion to Allah and humble repentance, regardless of one's status or power. Believers facing opposition should draw inspiration from the prophets' examples of patience and continuous connection with their Lord, transforming trials into opportunities for deeper spiritual growth.