38 Surah Sad [88 verses]

Mecca Period 38

[David-Solomon-Job-Abraham-Issac-Jacob]

David's Sensitivity Regarding Justice

38:17 Be patient to what they say, and recall Our servant David, the resourceful. He was obedient.

38:18 We committed the mountains to glorify with him, during dusk and dawn.

38:19 The birds were gathered; all were obedient to him.

38:20 We strengthened his kingship, and We gave him the wisdom and the ability to make sound judgment.

38:21 Did the news come to you of the disputing party who came over into the temple enclosure?

38:22 When they entered upon David, he was startled by them. They said, "Have no fear. We are two who have disputed, and one has wronged the other, so judge between us with truth, and do not wrong us, and guide us to the right path."

38:23 "This is my brother and he owns ninety nine lambs, while I own one lamb; so he said to me: ‘Let me take care of it' and he pressured me."*

38:24 He said, "He has wronged you by asking to combine your lambs with his lambs. Many who mix their properties take advantage of one another, except those who acknowledge and do good works, and these are very few." David guessed that We had tested him, so he sought forgiveness from his Lord, and fell down kneeling, and repented.*

38:25 So We forgave him in this matter. For him with Us is a near position, and a beautiful abode.

38:26 O David, We have made you a successor on earth. Therefore, you shall judge among the people with truth, and do not follow desire, lest it diverts you from the path of God. Indeed, those who stray off the path of God will have a severe retribution for forgetting the day of Reckoning.

38:27 We did not create the heaven and the earth, and everything between them, in vain. Such is the thinking of those who rejected. Therefore, because of the fire woe to those who have rejected.

38:28 Or shall We treat those who acknowledge and do good works as We treat those who make corruption on earth? Or shall We treat the righteous as the wicked?

38:29 A book that We have sent down to you, that is blessed, so that they may reflect upon its signs, and so that those with intelligence will take heed.

Solomon is Tested by Wealth

38:30 To David We granted Solomon. What an excellent and obedient servant.

38:31 When, during dusk, well trained horses were displayed before him.

38:32 He said, "I enjoyed the good of materials more than I enjoyed remembering my Lord, until it became totally dark!"*

38:33 "Send them back." He then rubbed their legs and necks.

38:34 We tested Solomon and placed a corpse on his throne, but he then repented.

38:35 He said, "My Lord, forgive me, and grant me a kingship that will never be attained by anyone after me. You are the Grantor."

38:36 So, We committed the wind to run by his command, raining gently where he directed it.

38:37 The devils, builders and divers.

38:38 Others, held by restraints.

38:39 "This is Our gift, so you may spend or withhold, without any repercussions."

38:40 He has deserved a near position with Us, and a wonderful abode.

Job is Tested by Health and Family Problems

38:41 Recall Our servant Job, when he called upon his Lord: "The devil has afflicted me with an illness and pain."

38:42 "Strike with your foot, here is a cold spring to wash with and to drink."

38:43 We restored his family to him along with a group like them, as a mercy from Us; and a reminder for those who possess intelligence.

38:44 "Take in your hand a bundle and travel with it, and do not break your oath." We found him steadfast. What a good servant! He was obedient.

The Elite

38:45 Recall Our servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They were resourceful, and with vision.

38:46 We had chosen them to enforce awareness of the Hereafter.

38:47 They are with Us of the elite, the best.

38:48 Recall Ishmael, Elisha, and Isaiah; all are among the best.

38:49 This is a reminder, and the righteous will have a wonderful abode.

38:50 The gardens of Eden, whose gates will be open for them.

38:51 Reclining therein, they will be invited to many fruits and drinks.

38:52 With them are attendants with a splendid look and of equal age.

38:53 This is what you have been promised for the day of Reckoning.

38:54 Such is Our provisions, it does not run out.