Prophet Dawoud (AS)

Hazrat Dawud (AS), known as David in Judeo-Christian tradition, is one of the revered messengers of Allah. The Quran mentions him in multiple chapters, highlighting his unique status as one of the few individuals granted both Prophethood and Kingship. 

Prophet Dawood (AS) Family Tree

Prophet Dawud (A.S.) descends from the prophetic line of Prophet Ishaq (Isaac, A.S.), the second son of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.).

Birth of Hazrat Dawood (AS)

Hazrat Dawud (A.S) was born into the blessed lineage of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), descending through Prophet Ishaq (AS) and Prophet Yaqub (AS), peace be upon them all. He was the youngest son in his family, with several older brothers who were larger and stronger in physical appearance. 

Early Life of Prophet Dawud (AS)

Growing up in Palestine, young Dawud worked as a shepherd, tending to his father's flocks in the hills and valleys of the region.This humble occupation as a shepherd was not merely a job but a training ground that prepared him for future leadership. 

In the solitude of the fields, he learned patience, developed responsibility, and cultivated a deep relationship with his Creator. The skills of protecting vulnerable sheep from predators would later translate into protecting his people from enemies. The long hours in nature allowed him to observe Allah's creation and develop the spiritual depth that would characterize his prophethood.

Despite his youth and humble station, Hazrat Dawud displayed exceptional qualities that set him apart. He possessed natural wisdom, demonstrated courage beyond his years, and exhibited a profound spirituality that was evident to those around him. His heart was pure, his intentions sincere, and his faith in Allah absolute.

Prophet Dawud Story in Quran

Among the 25 prophets and messengers mentioned in the Quran, Hazrat Dawud (AS) is mentioned 16 times across different chapters. One of the key aspects of his story in the Quran is the defeat of Goliath in the hand of Dawood (AS). The Quran mentions this in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:251). 

فَهَزَمُوهُم بِإِذْنِ ٱللَّهِ وَقَتَلَ دَاوُۥدُ جَالُوتَ وَءَاتَىٰهُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْمُلْكَ وَٱلْحِكْمَةَ وَعَلَّمَهُۥ مِمَّا يَشَآءُ ۗ وَلَوْلَا دَفْعُ ٱللَّهِ ٱلنَّاسَ بَعْضَهُم بِبَعْضٍۢ لَّفَسَدَتِ ٱلْأَرْضُ وَلَـٰكِنَّ ٱللَّهَ ذُو فَضْلٍ عَلَى ٱلْعَـٰلَمِينَ

“So they defeated them by Allah’s Will, and David killed Goliath. And Allah blessed David with kingship and wisdom and taught him what He willed. Had Allah not repelled a group of people by (the might of) another, corruption would have dominated the earth, but Allah is Gracious to all.

 Hazrat Dawoud (AS) and Battle with Jalut (Goliath)

The era of Hazrat Dawud’s youth was marked by the oppression of Bani Israel by the Philistines, led by the colossal tyrant, Jalut (Goliath). Their military superiority and ruthless tactics had brought fear and suffering to the Israelite people. This conflict represented not just a political struggle but a test of faith for an entire nation.

Taloot 

At this time, the Israelites were led by King Talut (Saul), a righteous and brave leader who had been appointed by the prophet Shammil(Samuel) to unite and defend his people. Talut had gathered his army to face the Philistine threat, but what awaited them on the battlefield would test not just their military strength but the very foundation of their faith.

Jaloot (Goliath) and His Challenge

The Israelite army, under the command of King Talut (Saul), was demoralized and terrified by Jalut’s formidable presence. Jalut was a man of enormous stature and strength, described as a giant who towered over ordinary men. 

He had defeated countless warriors in single combat, and his very appearance on the battlefield was enough to demoralize enemy forces. 

When the two armies assembled on opposite sides of the battlefield, Jalut stepped forward with a challenge. He wanted single combat with any warrior from the Israelite army. If an Israelite could defeat him, the Philistines would retreat; if he won, the Israelites would submit.

This challenge placed enormous pressure on Talut's forces. Despite having thousands of soldiers in their ranks, not a single warrior stepped forward to accept. Taloot offered the hand of his daughter Michal (Miqel), in marriage to any soldier who would confront Jalut. Fear paralyzed even the bravest and most experienced fighters. 

The Shepherd Boy (Dawoud A.S) Arrives

Young Dawud (AS) came to the battlefield bringing supplies to his brothers in Talut's army. He had no intention of fighting. He was simply performing a family duty. Witnessing Jalut's arrogant taunts and his people's fearful silence, he was deeply troubled. More than the insults to his people, what grieved him was that this enemy was mocking their faith in Allah.

Faith Without Fear

Unlike the seasoned soldiers, Hazrat Dawud was not intimidated. His faith in Allah was absolute. He understood that victory comes from Allah alone, not from physical strength or weapons. Having faced lions and bears while protecting his sheep in childhood, he knew Allah grants courage to overcome any threat. To him, this giant was simply another test.

The Volunteer Who Shocked Everyone

Hazrat Dawud (AS) volunteered to face Jalut. It shocked everyone. The soldiers couldn't believe their ears that a shepherd boy wanted to fight their enemy's champion. King Talut was hesitant that this was just a shepherd boy with no armor, no military training, no battle experience. 

But when Dawud (AS) explained how Allah had protected him from wild beasts and spoke with such calm faith and conviction, the king was persuaded to grant permission. There was something in the young man's certainty that inspired confidence.

The Rejection of Armor

Talut offered Dawud his royal armor and weapons, but Dawud (AS) declined. He understood the battle would be won by faith, not equipment. Instead, he went to a nearby stream and selected smooth stones, placing them carefully in his shepherd's bag. 

He carried only his simple sling, the same tool he used daily to protect his flock. In choosing this, Dawud was making a powerful statement that his trust was entirely in Allah, not in worldly means.

Hazrat Dawood’s Confrontation With Goliath

Hazrat Dawood (AS) confronted Jaloot in the battlefield. The contrast was stark.  Jalut towered in gleaming armor with massive weapons, while Dawud (AS) appeared small and vulnerable with only a sling and stones. 

Jalut mocked the youth and insulted that the Israelites had sent a mere boy to fight him. But Dawud responded with words of pure faith: "You come with sword and spear, but I come in the name of Allah." 

The Moment of Truth

With Allah's name on his lips, Dawud (AS) loaded his sling and took aim. The stone flew with divine precision and struck Jalut's forehead. It was the only unprotected spot on his entire body. The mighty warrior fell dead instantly, his massive body crashing to the ground. In one moment, the seemingly impossible became reality. The invincible had been defeated by faith through a simple stone.

The Aftermath

The Philistine army fled in panic. Seeing their champion defeated by a shepherd boy shattered their morale completely. The Israelites pursued them to a decisive victory. What had seemed like certain defeat transformed into triumphant success. 

The Quran states: 

"So they defeated them by Allah's Will, and David killed Goliath. And Allah blessed David with kingship and wisdom and taught him what He willed." (Quran 2:251) 

This verse emphasizes that the victory came through Allah's will, and it marked the beginning of Dawud's extraordinary destiny.

The Marriage of Prophet Dawud (AS) with Talut’s Daughter 

With the help of Almighty Allah, the people of Israel (the Israelites) completely defeated their enemies and got their honor back. The young shepherd, Dawud (A.S.), instantly became a famous and respected hero overnight.

Keeping his promise, King Talut gave his daughter to Dawood (A.S.) in marriage. He also made Dawoud (A.S.) a chief advisor to help the King make decisions.

The Rise of Dawoud (AS) and Talut's Jealousy

After defeating Jalut, Dawud became a beloved hero. The people praised him constantly, grateful that his courage had saved their nation. His humble nature made him even more admired. However, popularity can create problems. When one person rises, others may feel threatened. Even good leaders can become jealous when they worry about losing their power.

The King's Jealousy

One day, Dawud (AS) noticed that King Talut seemed troubled and distant. Something had changed in the way the king treated him. There was a coldness that had not existed before. That evening, Dawud mentioned this to his wife, Michal, who was Talut's daughter. She began crying and said, "I must tell you the truth. My father has grown jealous of you. He fears that the people love you more and that you might take his throne. Please be careful."

This news deeply worried Dawud. He prayed that Talut would overcome these negative feelings.

The Dangerous Mission

The very next day, Talut summoned Hazrat Dawud with urgent news. "The Canaanites are gathering their army to attack us," the king announced. "Take our forces and fight them. Do not return until you have won."

Dawud understood what this really meant. Either the enemy would kill him, or Talut's loyal soldiers would betray him during the battle. Still, he accepted the mission. He led the army bravely against the Canaanites, fighting without fear. By Allah's grace, they won, and Dawud returned home safely.

The Plot to Kill Dawud

Sadly, Hazrat Dawud's victory made things worse. Talut's jealousy grew even stronger. The king became so consumed with envy that he began planning to murder Dawoud A.S. His jealousy had become so powerful that he didn't even care about his own daughter's happiness anymore.

When Michal discovered her father's deadly plan, she rushed to warn Dawud. He quickly gathered some supplies, got on his camel, and escaped into the wilderness at night.

Life in Exile

Hazrat Dawud hid in a cave for many days, eating very little and trusting completely in Allah's protection. Soon, word spread about what Talut had done. Hazrat Dawud's brothers came to join him, along with other good citizens who disagreed with Talut's actions. They could see that Talut, not Dawud, was the real danger to their kingdom.

Talut's Declining Rule

Back in the kingdom, things got worse under Talut's rule. His jealousy and fear made him cruel. He mistreated religious scholars, punished people who taught holy texts, and ruled his soldiers harshly. The people began turning against him, remembering how good and just Dawud had been.

The Confrontation in the Valley

Unable to let go of his hatred, Talut decided to hunt Dawood (AS) down with his army. When Dawud heard this, he marched out with his followers to meet them. He didn't want to fight his own people, but he would protect himself if necessary.

Talut's army traveled far and became exhausted. They stopped to rest in a valley and soon fell into a deep sleep, including the king himself.

Mercy Over Vengeance

Dawood (AS) quietly approached the sleeping king. Talut lay there completely defenseless. Dawud could have easily killed him and taken the throne. Instead, he did something remarkable. He took Talut's spear and cut a small piece from the king's garment, then left him unharmed.

When Talut woke up, Dawud showed him the piece of cloth. "You're hunting me to kill me," Dawud said, "but I don't hate you. If I wanted you dead, I would have killed you while you slept. This piece of your robe proves I was standing over you with a weapon, but I chose not to harm you. I'm here to serve, not to harm."

The King's Remorse

Talut was deeply moved. This young man could have killed him, but showed mercy instead. The king realized how wrong he had been. He begged Dawud to forgive him. This moment showed everyone the kind of person Dawud truly was, someone who chose forgiveness over revenge and kindness over cruelty.

Talut's Death and Dawud's Succession to the Kingdom

Some time later, Talut died in a battle that Dawud was not part of. The people now had to choose a new king. Their choice was clear. They remembered how Dawud had saved them from Jalut, how bravely he had fought for them, and how he had shown mercy even to his enemy.

The people chose Dawoud (AS) as their king. So Dawud became both a prophet and a king, a rare combination. Allah made his kingdom strong and blessed his rule. His nation grew powerful and prosperous. 

Other nations respected and feared him so much that they did not dare attack. Everyone knew that Dawud ruled with wisdom and justice, and that Allah was with him.

The Rise of Dawud (AS) to Kingship and Prophethood

Even before becoming king, Allah had chosen Dawud for something special, prophethood. Allah selected him not just for his bravery, but for the purity of his heart and the strength of his faith. Prophethood is not something people can earn or achieve on their own. It is a gift that Allah grants to those He chooses to guide humanity.

Hazrat Dawud's selection as a prophet was Allah's way of blessing the Israelites with a leader who understood both worldly affairs and spiritual matters. He would not just rule them as a king but also guide them toward Allah's path as a prophet.

A Prophet-King's Mission

Hazrat Dawud's mission as both prophet and king was to guide his people to worship of Allah while building a strong and just nation. He taught them through his words and his example. He showed them that faith and action must go together. Believing in Allah also means establishing justice, showing mercy, and working hard.

This dual role made Dawud unique among the prophets and gave his people both spiritual guidance and worldly security under one blessed leadership.

The Revelation of the Zabur (Psalms)

Allah revealed the holy book known as The Zabur (Psalms) to Dawud (AS). This act confirms his status as a Messenger and Prophet. As a prophet, Dawood (AS) received revelation directly from Allah. This was not just occasional guidance. Allah communicated with him regularly, teaching him wisdom and showing him how to lead his people righteously. 

The Birth of Prophet Sulaiman (AS) (Solomon)

Among the blessings granted to Prophet Dawud (A.S.) was his son, Prophet Sulaiman (A.S.), who inherited both the Prophethood and Kingship. From a young age, Sulaiman (A.S.) displayed extraordinary wisdom, often advising his father on complex legal judgments.

The Miracles of Hazrat Dawood (AS)

Allah blessed Prophet Dawud with several extraordinary abilities that aided him in fulfilling his mission and serving his people. 

Softening of Iron

The ability to mold and shape iron with his bare hands, without heat or tools. This enabled him to become a master armorer, crafting durable and flexible chainmail armor, making his army superior.

 The Quran states:

وَأَلَنَّا لَهُ ٱلْحَدِيدَ

We made iron mouldable for him, (Quran 34:10)

The Golden Voice (Hussn As-Sawt)

Hazrat Dawood (A.S.) was endowed with a unique and incomparably beautiful voice. When he recited the Zabur, it moved all creation. The power of his recitation was so immense that Allah commanded the natural world to join him in his glorification (Tasbih). 

 وَلَقَدْ ءَاتَيْنَا دَاوُۥدَ مِنَّا فَضْلًۭا ۖ يَـٰجِبَالُ أَوِّبِى مَعَهُۥ وَٱلطَّيْرَ

Indeed, We granted David a (great) privilege from Us, commanding: “O mountains! Echo his hymns! And the birds as well.” (Quran 34:10)

The Language of Birds and Animals 

Hazrat Dawood (AS) was given the ability to understand the language of birds and animals. It was a gift he would later share with his son Sulayman (AS). This allowed him to be in harmony with all of Allah's creation and to fulfill his role as a just steward over the earth.

Wisdom and Sound Judgment

He was gifted a profound ability to discern truth and falsehood, enabling him to deliver rulings that brought clarity and justice.

The Reign of Dawood (AS) as King

Prophet Dawud (A.S.) ruled for a total of forty years, seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem (Al-Quds), which he established as the capital, often referred to as the City of Dawud.

He became legendary for his wisdom and just judgments. His court was open to all people regardless of their social status, wealth, or background. The poorest peasant received the same attention and fair treatment as the wealthiest noble. People came from distant lands to have him settle their disputes, knowing that his judgments were based on divine guidance and perfect fairness.

Judicial Excellence

His kingdom was defined by justice. He established a robust judicial system where the final verdict rested on his divinely guided wisdom.

• The Principle of Truth: The Qur'an explicitly commands him to uphold justice:
  "O David, indeed We have made you a successor (king)upon the earth, so judge between the people in truth and do not follow (personal) inclination, for it will lead you astray from the way of Allah." (Surah Sad 38:26)
• The Trial and Repentance: The Quran narrates the famous incident where two angels, disguised as litigants, came before him, presenting a legal dispute about sheep and a field. This incident, interpreted by scholars, served as a divine reminder that even a Prophet-King must maintain absolute impartiality and fully hear both sides of a case. Upon recognizing the profound lesson, Dawud (A.S.) immediately prostrated in sincere repentance, demonstrating the highest level of humility and accountability before Allah (SWT).

Unparalleled Devotion

Despite the burdens of kingship and warfare, Prophet Dawud (A.S.) was exemplary in his worship, setting a standard for all future devotees.

• The Best Fasting: The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) declared, “The most beloved fasting to Allah is the fasting of Dawud. He used to fast every other day.” (Known as Sawm Dawud).
• The Best Prayer: The most beloved prayer was also that of Dawud: he would sleep for half the night, pray for one-third, and sleep for the remaining one-sixth. This careful allocation demonstrated a perfect balance between fulfilling his duty to the body and his duty to the Creator.

5 Facts About Prophet Dawud (AS) 

• Prophethood and divine books: Allah revealed the Zabur (the Psalms) to Dawud. He is one of the few prophets to have received a named divine book. 
• Just and righteous king: He was a righteous king of the United Kingdom of Israel, known for his just rule and for defeating the giant Goliath (Jalut). 
• Humility and worship: Despite his power, he remained humble and dedicated to worshipping Allah. He was known for his piety, often fasting one day and breaking it the next. 
• Beautiful voice: He had a beautiful voice and would praise Allah with it, captivating the birds, plants, and mountains, which would join him. 
• Wisdom and knowledge: Allah granted him great wisdom and knowledge, which made him an effective judge who could resolve disputes truthfully. 

Lessons from the Life of Prophet Dawud

The life of Prophet Dawud offers timeless lessons that remain relevant for every generation. His story teaches us practical wisdom that we can apply in our daily lives.

Faith in Allah

When Dawud faced the giant Jalut, he didn't rely on armor, weapons, or physical strength. He relied completely on Allah. This teaches us that no matter how big our problems seem, faith in Allah can help us overcome them. Our giants may look different from Jalut, but the solution is the same: trust in Allah's power.

Humility in Success

Despite becoming a powerful king and prophet, Dawud never forgot his humble beginnings as a shepherd. He continued to work with his own hands, making armor to earn his living. This teaches us that success should never make us arrogant. No matter how high we rise in life, we should remain humble and remember where we came from.

Justice Must Be Fair for Everyone

Hazrat Dawud's court was famous for treating everyone equally. A poor person received the same fair hearing as a rich one. This teaches us that when we're in positions of authority, we must be fair to everyone. Justice shouldn't depend on someone's wealth, status, or relationship to us.

Make Time for Allah

Even though Hazrat Dawood was running an entire kingdom, he still made time for worship. He would fast every other day and spend part of every night in prayer. Many of us say we're "too busy" for regular prayers or Quran reading, but if a prophet-king could make time, so can we. It's about priorities, not available time.

Sincere Repentance Brings Allah's Mercy

When Daw0ud (AS)made a mistake, and Allah reminded him through the two men's parable, he immediately fell into prostration and wept in repentance. He didn't make excuses or try to justify himself. This teaches us that when we make mistakes, we should quickly admit them, sincerely ask for forgiveness, and turn back to Allah. His mercy is always available for those who genuinely repent.

Conclusion 

Prophet Dawud (David) is a prophet, messenger, and a righteous king in Islam.  He received the divine scripture, the Zabur (Psalms). He is known for his piety, wisdom, and just rule. His story in the Quran is one of great humility, devotion to Allah, and just rule. He was also tested with a judgment error that led him to repentance and deep remorse.