When the army of Talut, king of the Children of Israel, faced the tyrant Jalut, a young man of that army — Dawud — killed Jalut. Allah gave him kingship, wisdom, and knowledge of what He willed.
“And We certainly gave David from Us bounty. [We said], "O mountains, repeat [Our] praises with him, and the birds [as well]." And We made pliable for him iron,”
Surah Saba 34:10
Translation: Saheeh International (QuranEnc)
Iron was made soft in his hands, and Allah taught him to fit rings together into coats of mail that protected people in battle. He worked with his own hands.
Allah gave him the Zabur and made his kingdom firm. But with the kingdom came a great duty:
“[We said], "O David, indeed We have made you a successor upon the earth, so judge between the people in truth and do not follow [your own] desire, as it will lead you astray from the way of Allāh." Indeed, those who go astray from the way of Allāh will have a severe punishment for having forgotten the Day of Account.”
Surah Sad 38:26
Translation: Saheeh International (QuranEnc)
The Quran tells us that once some disputants climbed over the wall into his place of worship seeking judgement. After judging, Dawud realised it had been a test for him. At once he asked his Lord's forgiveness, fell down bowing, and turned back to Allah. Allah forgave him; with Him Dawud has nearness and an excellent return.
The lesson Power is a trust from Allah; it demands justice, and when one errs, a swift return to Allah.
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Sources and review
• Surah Al-Baqarah 2:251 • Surah Saba 34:10–11 • Surah Sad 38:17–26 • Surah Al-Anbya 21:79–80 • Surah An-Nisa 4:163 The main events of this story are from the Quran; we have tried not to add details the Quran does not give. Reviewed by: Md. Zubaer Ahammed · 2026-11-11 How we choose sources · Report a mistake