إِنَّ هَـٰذَآ أَخِى لَهُۥ تِسْعٌ وَتِسْعُونَ نَعْجَةً وَلِىَ نَعْجَةٌ وَٰحِدَةٌ فَقَالَ أَكْفِلْنِيهَا وَعَزَّنِى فِى ٱلْخِطَابِ 23
Translations
Indeed this, my brother, has ninety-nine ewes, and I have one ewe; so he said, 'Entrust her to me,' and he overpowered me in speech."
Transliteration
Inna hadha akhee lahu tisun wa tisuna najatan waliya najatun wahidatun faqala akfilneehá wa azzanee fil khitab
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah presents the opening statement of one of two litigants who came before Prophet Dawud (David), where one brother claims ownership of the other's single ewe while possessing ninety-nine ewes himself, and demands it arrogantly. According to classical scholars like Al-Qurtubi and Ibn Kathir, this is part of the parable that follows, illustrating injustice and excessive demand—the speaker's arrogance ('azzani) in speech reflecting his moral corruption. The ayah sets up the context for Dawud's subsequent judgment and the divine lesson about fairness and the dangers of unjust dealings.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within Surah Sad, which is Meccan, and introduces a judicial case brought before Prophet Dawud. While the Quran presents this as a historical account of Dawud's wisdom and justice, the broader context demonstrates how even the righteous are tested with disputes and how divine guidance enables just judgment. The narrative serves as a moral lesson for believers regarding fairness and justice in dealings.
Related Hadiths
The Quran itself provides the complete narrative (38:21-26) with Dawud's judgment, which is the primary source. Related themes appear in hadiths concerning justice: 'The best of you are those who are best to their families' (Tirmidhi) and 'On the Day of Judgment, the most beloved to Allah will be the just rulers' (Tirmidhi).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that arrogance in our dealings with others and excessive demands, especially toward those weaker or possessing less, constitute grave injustice that invites divine reproach. Muslims should examine their own conduct in disputes and negotiations, ensuring humility and fairness regardless of their relative advantage.