Surah Al-Anbiya — Verse 78

Word Meanings:

• Al-Harth (الْحَرْثِ): Cultivated land, farmland, or a vineyard that was planted with crops.
• Nafashat (نَفَشَتْ): The sheep strayed and spread out at night without a shepherd, grazing freely and causing damage.
• Shāhidīn (شَاهِدِينَ): Witnesses — meaning Allah was fully aware and observing their judgment, nothing of it was hidden from Him.

Tafsir (Explanation):

O Prophet, recall and honor the story of Allah’s noble prophets, Dawud (David) and his son Sulayman (Solomon), peace be upon them both. A dispute was brought before them concerning a field of crops that had been ruined. One man’s sheep had wandered into another man’s farmland during the night, spreading out and grazing on the plants until the field was destroyed. The two prophets were called upon to judge between the owners.

Prophet Dawud ruled that the sheep should be handed over to the owner of the damaged field as compensation for the loss, since the value of the sheep equaled the value of the crops destroyed. His son Sulayman, who was present and also gifted with wisdom, offered a more refined judgment: the owner of the field would take the sheep to benefit from their milk, wool, and offspring, while the shepherd would be required to restore and cultivate the damaged land until it returned to its former state — then they would exchange back. This judgment was more just and precise in balancing the rights of both parties.

Allah says: "And We were witnesses to their judgment" — meaning He, Glorified and Exalted, was fully aware of their reasoning and decision, and He approved of the wisdom and justice they displayed. Nothing escapes His knowledge, whether in the heavens or on the earth.

A Call to Reflection and Faith:

This story is a shining example of how Allah honors His righteous servants with wisdom and justice. It teaches us that even in resolving disputes, a believer must strive for fairness, wisdom, and the greater good. Prophet Sulayman’s insight reminds us that true justice is not merely about applying a rule — it is about understanding the deeper needs of people and crafting solutions that restore harmony and balance.

Let this beautiful Qur’anic narrative inspire you to seek knowledge, to be just in your dealings, and to trust that Allah — who witnessed the judgments of His prophets — is always with you, watching over your efforts and rewarding your sincerity. The Qur’an is filled with such timeless lessons, guiding humanity toward a life of righteousness, peace, and closeness to Allah. Embrace its teachings, and you will find success in this world and the Hereafter.