يَـٰدَاوُۥدُ إِنَّا جَعَلْنَـٰكَ خَلِيفَةً فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ فَٱحْكُم بَيْنَ ٱلنَّاسِ بِٱلْحَقِّ وَلَا تَتَّبِعِ ٱلْهَوَىٰ فَيُضِلَّكَ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَضِلُّونَ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ شَدِيدٌۢ بِمَا نَسُوا۟ يَوْمَ ٱلْحِسَابِ 26
Translations
[We said], "O David, indeed We have made you a successor upon the earth, so judge between the people in truth and do not follow [your own] desire, as it will lead you astray from the way of Allāh." Indeed, those who go astray from the way of Allāh will have a severe punishment for having forgotten the Day of Account.
Transliteration
Ya Dawudu inna ja'alnaka khalifatan fil-ardi faḥkum baynan-nasi bil-ḥaqqi wa la tattabi'il-hawaa fayuḍillaka 'an sabili-llah. Inna alladhina yaḍilluna 'an sabili-llahi lahum 'adhabun shadidun bima nasū yawma-l-ḥisab.
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah addresses Prophet Dawud (David), informing him that He has appointed him as a khalifah (vicegerent/leader) on earth with the responsibility to judge between people with justice and truth. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir emphasize that Dawud is commanded to abandon personal desires (hawa) in his judgment, as following caprice leads one astray from Allah's path. The ayah concludes with a stern warning that those who abandon Allah's guidance face severe punishment on the Day of Judgment for their negligence of this divine responsibility.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Sad, a Meccan chapter that narrates stories of previous prophets. The context describes Dawud's position as a leader and judge, emphasizing the grave responsibility that comes with leadership and the necessity of adhering to divine law rather than personal whims. It serves as both an honor and a test for the prophets and their successors in authority.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'The most beloved people to Allah are those who bring justice, and the most hated are the oppressors' (related to themes in Tirmidhi). Also relevant is the hadith: 'Whoever judges between people must do so with justice' (Abu Dawud), emphasizing the core command in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
Leaders and those in positions of authority must prioritize justice over personal inclination, understanding that their decisions affect the entire community and they will be held accountable before Allah. This ayah reminds all believers that resisting selfish desires in favor of truth is essential to remaining on the straight path and serving as trustworthy stewards of the responsibilities Allah grants them.