بخش 106 - شنیدن داود علیه السلام سخن هر دو خصم وسال کردن از مدعی علیه

The plaintiff said, “O prophet of God, (give me) justice! My cow strayed into his house.

He killed my cow. Ask him why he killed my cow, and (bid him) explain what happened.”

David said to him (the poor man), “Speak, O noble one! How did you destroy the property of this honourable person?

Take care! Do not talk incoherently, (but) bring forward (your) plea, in order that this claim and cause may be (settled and) laid aside.”

He said, “O David, for seven years I was (engaged) day and night in invocation and entreaty.

This (is what) I was seeking from God: ‘O God, (I said), I want a means of livelihood (that will be) lawful and without trouble (on my part).’

(Both) men and women are acquainted with my lamentation; the children (can) describe this happening.

Ask whomsoever thou wilt for information about this, so that he may tell (thee) without torture and without (suffering) harm.

Inquire of the people both and secretly what this beggar with the tattered cloak used to say.

After all this invocation and outcry, suddenly I saw a cow in my house.

My eye became dim, not on account of the food, (but) for joy that the supplication had been accepted.

I killed her that I might give (alms) in thankfulness that He who knoweth things unseen had hearkened to my prayer.”