Prophet Dawud عَلَيْهِ السَّلَام and the Giant Jalut

Long ago, the Children of Israel were in trouble. A strong and cruel army led by a giant named Jalut was attacking their lands. The people went to their prophet and said, “Ask Allah to give us a king, so we can stand up and protect our homes.” Allah chose a wise and strong man named Talut to be their king. Some people grumbled, but Talut was the one Allah had chosen.

King Talut gathered his army and marched out to meet Jalut. On the way they came to a river, and Talut said, “Allah is testing you. Whoever drinks deeply from this river is not with me. Only a handful from your hand is allowed.” It was very hot, and most of the soldiers drank and drank. Only a small group was patient and obeyed, and they were the ones who carried on.

When the small army saw Jalut and his huge army, some of them became frightened. “How can we fight so many?” they said. But the ones with strong iman answered, “Many times a small group has beaten a big group, by Allah’s permission. Allah is with those who are patient.” Then they raised their hands and made a beautiful dua together.

In that small army was a young man named Dawud a.s.. He was not a king or a famous warrior, but his heart was full of trust in Allah. When the giant Jalut came forward, Dawud a.s bravely stepped out to face him. By Allah’s permission, young Dawud a.s. defeated the mighty Jalut, and his whole army ran away. Everyone was amazed at what Allah had done through this young man.

After that day, Allah gave Dawud a.s. kingship and wisdom and made him a prophet. Allah gave him the holy book called the Zabur and a beautiful voice. When Dawud a.s. praised Allah, even the mountains and the birds praised Allah with him. Allah also taught him to make iron soft in his hands, so he could make armour to protect people. Dawud always remembered that his strength came from Allah alone.