The prophet Dawud (AS) is considered to be one of the most honored figures in Islam. Not just a prophet of Allah; he was also a warrior, a fair king, and a overbearing prayer. From the life of Dawood (A) emerge such qualities as courage, wisdom, justice and devotion to Allah (SWT) that qualified he was chosen as a king over Bani Isra’il (the Children of Israel). Allah had also bestowed upon him the Zabur (Psalms), giving him a book of immense wisdom and praise.
Dawud AS is an exemple of faithfulness, leadership and worship according to the Quran. He is the one who defeated Jalut (Goliath), he who was known for ruling with sagacity, he who performed acts of exceptional worship and remained humble while being in power. His life stands as a testament of how power and faith can coexist together in harmony.
Allah praises Prophet Dawud (AS) in the Quran:
“Be patient over what they say and remember Our servant, Dawud, the possessor of strength; indeed, he was one who repeatedly turned back (to Allah).”
(Surah Sad 38:17)
Birth and Early Life: A Humble Shepherd
The birth of prophet Dawud (AS) is not mentioned in the Quran, but Islamic history and traditions suggest that prophet Dawud (AS) was born in Bethlehem (Palestine). He was the youngest of them and he came from a humble working family.
It started from an early age, Dawud (AS) worked as a shepherd looking after his father’s sheep. His years in the wilderness, however, were not wasted time; he learned patience and resilience in the wilderness, and he also gained a unique perspective on nature that subtlety guided him as he continued on to becoming a prophet and a ruler.
His life changed dramatically when he became a member of the army of King Talut (Saul), the leader of Bani Isra’il.
The Defeat of Jalut (Goliath): A Turning Point
Prophet Dawud’s (AS) early life features one of the greatest events of all in his battle against Jalut (Goliath). At that time, Bani Isra’il were fighting against the army of the Philistine, which was headed by the giant warrior by the name of Jalut.
No one wanted to stand before Jalut, everyone was in fear of him. But young Dawud (AS) who had full faith in Allah he stepped forward. Clad only in a short tunic, armed with only a sling and a few stones, he confidently approached the powerful warrior, trusting in Allah fully. By the grace of Allah, he hit Jalut in the head with a stone from his slingshot and killed him on the spot. This was a decisive victory in the battle and paved the way for the great triumph of Bani Isra’il.
The Quran references this moment:
“So they defeated them by the permission of Allah, and Dawud killed Jalut, and Allah gave him kingship and wisdom and taught him what He willed.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:251)
This event marked the beginning of Dawud’s (AS) rise to prominence, as he was soon honored with kingship and prophethood.
Kingship and Prophethood
After defeating Jalut, Dawud (AS) earned a great deal of respect throughout Bani Isra’il. He was later led to be appointed their king and prophet after Talut. Indeed, Allah bestowed him (the gift of) wisdom, and knowledge; and We have surely interpreted matters exactly. His reign was that of justice, kindness and submission to Allah.
Allah mentions in the Quran:
“We strengthened his kingdom and gave him wisdom and discernment in speech.”
(Surah Sad 38:20)
Prophet Dawud (AS) ruled from Jerusalem, ensuring justice and prosperity in his kingdom.
Miracles and Divine Favors
The several gifts and miracles that Allah granted to Prophet Dawud (AS) are numerous.
- Good Voice: He used to recite the Zabur (Psalms) in such a beautiful voice that the mountains and the birds used to glorify Allah along with him.
- Forging of Iron: Allah made iron malleable for him, with which he could shape weapons and armor from his hands, a skill that had never existed.
- Wisdom in Judgment: His legendary ability to come to a just and wise resolution of quarrels.
Allah highlights these blessings in the Quran:
“And We subjected the mountains and the birds to glorify (Allah) along with Dawud. And We made the iron soft for him, (saying), ‘Make full coats of mail and measure well the links, and work righteousness. Indeed, I am of what you do, Seeing.’”
(Surah Saba 34:10-11)
Devotion to Worship
Although Dawud (AS) was a great king, he always performed his worship. He was a person of constant fasting, prayer, and worship at nights.
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) praised his acts of worship, saying:
“The most beloved fasting to Allah is the fasting of Dawud, and the most beloved prayer to Allah is the prayer of Dawud. He used to sleep half the night, stand in prayer for one-third of it, and sleep one-sixth of it. He used to fast every other day.”
(Sahih Bukhari)
His ability to maintain that balance between worship, leadership and personal humility made him an ideal example for us all as believers.
A Test of Wisdom: The Dispute of the Two Men
One well known account of Prophet Dawud’s (AS) wisdom in judgment is that of the two men and some sheep.
Two men came to him with a disagreement:
- One of them had 99 sheep and the other had just one.
- The man who had 99 sheep wanted to steal the one of the other.
- On the spot, Prophet Dawud (AS) judged that this was an act of oppression and injustice.
But this verdict was in fact a trial from Allah, teaching him fairness and humility towards the responsibility of leadership.
The Quran records this event:
“And has the news of the adversaries come to you? When they climbed over the wall of his prayer chamber… he said, ‘He has certainly wronged you in demanding your ewe in addition to his ewes…’”
(Surah Sad 38:21-24)
This event was a lesson in justice and accountability, showing that even kings and prophets must judge with complete fairness and humility.
Final Years and Death
However, there is no information in Quran for the death of Prophet Dawud (AS). But according to Islamic tradition:
- He reigned for four decades, bringing justice and prosperity to his land.
- He died peacefully in Jerusalem, but leaves behind a great legacy.
- His son, Prophet Sulaiman (AS), succeeded him as King and as a Wise Actioner, carrying on his legacy.
He was a paragon of righteousness, leadership and devoutness to Allah (swt) for all eternity.
Lessons from the Life of Prophet Dawud (AS)
- Faith and Courage – Victory against Jalut comes through Faith in Allah alone.
- Justice and Leadership — A person who leads truly leads with wisdom, fairness, and humility.
- Appreciating the Blessings – The proper and responsible use of Allah’s blessings is the way of success.
- Devotion in Worship – Trust God even with your authority, never abandon prayer and fasting.
- Judgment with Humility — The heart of wisdom lies in knowing one’s own limits.
Conclusion
The life of Prophet Dawud (AS) is one of the greatest stories of faith, justice, devotion. He was a warrior, a king, a prophet, yet he stayed humble and devout and thankful to Allah. And his story teaches believers how to temper power with righteousness, worship with leadership, success with humility. May peace and blessings be upon Prophet Dawud (AS) and all the prophets of Allah. Aameen.
