they have only to wait for one single blast [of punishment]: it shall not be delayed by one whit. 15 And they say, "Our Lord, hasten for us our share [of the punishment] before the Day of Account" 16 Bear with what they say, and remember Our bondman David, lord of might, Lo! he was ever turning in repentance (toward Allah). 17 With him We subjected the mountains to give glory at evening and sunrise, 18 and the birds, too, in flocks, all turned to Him. 19 And We strengthened his kingdom and gave him wisdom and discernment in speech. 20 ۞ And hath the tidings of the contending parties reached thee, when they walled the apartment? 21 when they entered upon David, and he took fright at them; and they said, 'Fear not; two disputants we are -- one of us has injured the other; so judge between us justly, and transgress not, and guide us to the right path.' 22 Lo! this my brother hath ninety and nine ewes while I had one ewe; and he said: Entrust it to me, and he conquered me in speech. 23 He (David) replied: 'He has without doubt wronged you in seeking to add your ewe to his sheep. Many intermixers wrong one another; except those who believe, and do good works, and they are few indeed' David realized that We had tried him and sought the forgiveness of his Lord and fell down, prostrate and repented. ۩ 24 We therefore forgave him this; and indeed for him in Our presence are, surely, proximity and an excellent abode. 25 (We said): 'David, We have made you a caliph in the earth. Judge with justice among people and do not yield to your own preference in case it should lead you from the Path of Allah. Surely, a terrible punishment awaits those who stray from the Path of Allah, because they forget the Day of Reckoning' 26