النص المفهرس

refused to accept his message and were eventually destroyed according to his
warnings.
Hadhrat Ilyaas v then returned to the Bani Israa'eel and again preached to them,
their king and his son Akhtaryaa. Unfortunately, they again refused to accept
and it was not long afterwards that they were struck by a disease that killed
them. Allaah then took his beloved Nabi Hadhrat Ilyaas v also from this world.
Ruhul Ma'aani (Vol.23 Pg.627) states that the idol Ba'l was made of gold,
measured some 20 arm lengths in height and had four faces. There were more
than 400 devotees serving it.
In the Words of the Qur' aan
Speaking about Hadhrat Ilyaas v, Allaah says in verses 123-132 of Surah Saaffaat:
وَ إِنَّ ◌ِلْيَاسَ لَمِنَ الْمُرْسَلِيْنَ (١٢٣) ﴿ إِذْ قَالَ لِقَوْمِمْ آَلَا تَتَّقُوْنَ (١٢٣) أَتَدْعُوْنَ بَعْلًا وَّ تَذَرُوْنَ أَحْسَنَ
الْخَالِقِيْنَ (١٢٥ ) اللّهَ رَبَّكُمْ وَرَبَّ أَبَائِكُمُ الْأَوَّلِيْنَ (١٢) فَكَذَّبُوْهُ فَإِنَّهُمْ لَمُحْضَرُوْنَ (١٢٧) إِلَّا عِبَادَ اللهِ
الْمُخْلَصِيْنَ (١٢٨) وَ تَرَكْنَا عَلَيْهِ فِى الْأُخِرِيْنَ (١٢٩) سَلْمٌ عَلَى إِلْ يَاسِيْنَ (١٣٠) إِنَّا كَذْلِكَ نَجْزِى
الْمُحْسِنِينَ (١٣١) إِنَّمَ مِنْ عِبَادِنَا الْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ (١٣٢)
TRANSLATION: Indeed Ilyaas v was from the Ambiyaa. (Ilyaas v preached to the people of
B'albak, a town in Shaam.) (Remember the time) When he said to his people, "Do you not fear
(Allaah's punishment for worshipping others besides Him) ? Do you worship (your idol named)
Ba'al and leave out the Best of all creators (Allaah) ? Allaah is your Rabb and the Rabb of
your predecessors (so worship only Him)." They belied him, so they will certainly be brought
forward (identified for punishment).
Of course, the situation of Allaah's chosen bondsmen (Mu'mineen) will be different (because
they will enjoy pleasures in Jannah rather than suffer punishment). And, in his favour, We left (as
praise and remembrance of him) among those to come after; "Peace be to Ilyaaseen (Ilyaas
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v)." (He is therefore remembered with words like this by all Mu'mineen.) Thus do We reward
those who do good. He was certainly from Our slaves who were Mu'mineen.
Verse 85 of Surah An'aam states:
وَزَكَرِيًّا وَ يَحْيِى وَ عِيْسَى وَاِلْيَاسَ كُلٌّ مِّنَ الصُّلِحِينَ (٨٥)
TRANSLATION: And (We also guided and rewarded) Zakariyya v, Yahya v, Isa v and Ilyaas v,
all of whom were from the righteous (servants of Allaah).
Lessons and Conclusions
A fine Point
Hadhrat Ilyaas v is Amongst the 18 Ambiyaa >all posle listed in Surah An'aam. The
list ends with an instruction to Rasulullaah p in which Allaah says, "These (Ambiyaa
pull ) are the people whom Allaah has guided, so follow their guidance". These verses
list the various Ambiyaa pull &c in the following categories:
1. Ambiyaa >ull mosle of the first rank include Hadhrat Dawood v, Hadhrat
Sulaymaan v, Hadhrat Ayyoob v, Hadhrat Yusuf v, Hadhrat Moosa v and
Hadhrat Haaroon v
2. Ambiyaa >ull wake Of the second rank include Hadhrat Zakariyya v, Hadhrat Yahya
0, Hadhrat Isa v and Hadhrat Ilyaas v
3. Ambiyaa pul sk Of the third rank include Hadhrat Ismaa'eel v, Hadhrat Yasa v,
Hadhrat Yunus v and Hadhrat Loot v
Amongst the many reasons given for this sequence, the reason given by the
Mufassir Manaar aldo, seems the best. He states that there have been three
groups of Ambiyaa pull amongst the Bani Israa'eel:
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1. The first were those who were blessed with kingship, leadership and wealth
together with Nubuwwah
2. The second were those who lived life in a completely opposite manner by
vehemently shunning the luxuries and wealth of the world
3. The third were those who fell in between. Neither were they given kingship
or abundant wealth, nor were they living in poverty. Instead, they lived
moderate lives.
In the verses of Surah An'aam classifies these Ambiyaa >ll posle in these categories
as follows:
1. Hadhrat Dawood v and Hadhrat Sulaymaan u fell into the first category since
both were kings. Hadhrat Ayyoob v and Hadhrat Yusuf v also fall into this
category because the former was leader of his locality and the latter became
one of the ministers of Egypt. Although Hadhrat Moosa v and Hadhrat
Haaroon v were not kings or ministers, they were the leaders of their nation.
2. Ambiyaa pull As of the second category include Hadhrat Zakariyya v, Hadhrat
Yahya v, Hadhrat Isa v and Hadhrat Ilyaas v, since they were all extremely
ascetic and abstinent. Throughout their lives they never built homes for
themselves or made means for a living. They preached to people all day,
worshipped Allaah all night and fell asleep at night with their hands as a
pillow.
3. Ambiyaa >JI Mesle Of the third category include Hadhrat Ismaa'eel v, Hadhrat
Yasa v, Hadhrat Yunus v and Hadhrat Loot v, all of whom led moderate
lifestyles without being kings or exercising extreme abstinence. However,
like all the Ambiyaa pul , they also spent their lives preaching to the people
The Perpetual life of Hadhrat Ilyass U in this World
Historians and Mufassireen have been disputing whether Hadhrat Ilyaas v was
blessed with perpetual life in this world like Hadhrat Khidhr v. In a lengthy
narration of Tafseer Mazhari (reported from Allaama Baghawi altaJ), it is stated
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that Hadhrat Ilyaas v mounted a horse of fire and was raised to the heavens,
where he is alive like Hadhrat Isa U.225
Allaama Suyuti al tas, has also narrated from Ibn Asaakir and Haakim that Hadhrat
Ilyaas v is still alive. He reports from Hadhrat Ka'b Ahbaar il ., that two Ambiyaa
pull are alive on earth and two in the heavens. The two on earth are Hadhrat
Khidhr v and Hadhrat Ilyaas v, while the two in the heavens are Hadhrat Isa v
and Hadhrat Idrees U.226 Some Mufassireen have even stated that Hadhrat Khidhr
v and Hadhrat Ilyaas v meet every year during Ramadhaan at Baytul Muqaddas,
where they observe the fasts. 227
However, the renowned scholar of Ahadeeth Haafidh Ibn Katheer al do, has stated
that these narrations are not authentic. He writes that these narrations are
from the Bani Israa'eel, which we can neither confirm nor reject outright.
However, he adds, it is very unlikely that they are true.228
These narrations have most probably been narrated by Hadhrat Ka'b Ahbaar il >
and Hadhrat Wahab bin Munabbih i , who were both scholars of the scriptures
of the Ahlul Kitaab. However, there is no evidence in the Qur'aan and Ahadeeth
to support the belief that Hadhrat Ilyaas v was blessed with eternal life on earth
or that he was raised to the heavens.
A narration in the Mustadrak of Haakim states that Rasulullaah p met Hadhrat
Ilyaas v en route to Tabook. However, this narration is fabricated. The famous
225 Vol.8 Pg.141
226
Durrul Manthoor (Vol.5 Pg.285).
227
Qurtubi (Vol.15 Pg.116).
228
Al Bidaayah wan Nihaayah (Vol.1 Pg.338).
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scholar of Ahadeeth Allaama Dhahabi il, has written, "May Allaah's curse be on
the person who had fabricated this narration! I could never imagine how Imaam
Haakim could have not known this and regarded it as authentic."229
It is therefore best to remain silent on this issue since it does not have any
significant bearing on the advices and lessons of the Qur'aan. We should rather
exercise the caution advised by Rasulullaah p concerning narrations from the
Bani Israa'eel. Rasulullaah p said, "Neither accept it nor reject it." And Allaah
knows best.
229
Durrul Manthoor (Vol.5 Pg.286).
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Sayyiduna Yasa U
Introduction
Hadhrat Yasa v was also amongst the Ambiyaa pul of the Bani Israa'eel. Like
many others, only his name is taken in the Qur'aan without any detailed account
being given. Narrations from the Bani Israa'eel state that his name was Yasa and
historical reports confirm that he was the cousin of Hadhrat Ilyaas v. Ibn Asaakir
has reported that his lineage is linked to Hadhrat Yusuf v in the following
manner:
Hadhrat Yasa v, who was the son of Adi, who was the son of Shotam, who was
the son of Ifraaheem, who was the son of Hadhrat Yusuf v, who was the son of
Hadhrat Ya'qoob v, who was the son of Hadhrat Is'haaq v, who was the son of
Hadhrat Ibraheem v.
Prophethood
Hadhrat Yasa v was nurtured by Hadhrat Ilyaas v from his childhood and also
succeeded him as Nabi to the Bani Israa'eel. He led the Bani Israa'eel just as
Hadhrat Ilyaas v did and continued to do so until he was far advanced in age.
The Qur'aan and Ahadeeth state no more about him.
Hadhrat Yara U in the Qur'aan
The name of Hadhrat Yasa v is mentioned twice in the Qur'aan. Allaah says in
verse 86 of Surah An'aam:
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وَ اِسْمَعِيْلَ وَ الْيَسَعَ وَ يُؤْنُسَ وَ لُوْطًا * وَكُلَّا فَضَّلْنَا عَلَى الْعُلَمِيْنَ (٨٩)
TRANSLATION: And (We also guided and rewarded) Ismaa'eel v, Yasa v, Yunus v and Loot v.
Each of them We favoured above the (people of the) universe (by making them all Ambiyaa).
Verse 48 of Surah Saad states:
وَ اذْكُرْ اِسْمَعِيْلَ وَ الْيَسَعَ وَ ذَا الْكِفْلِ ﴿ وَكُلُّ مِّنَ الْآَخْيَارِ (٢٨٠)
TRANSLATION: Remember Ismaa'eel v, Yasa v and Dhul Kifl v. They were all from the
very best (of creation)
The fact that Hadhrat Yasa v was appointed as Nabi of the Bani Israa'eel after
Hadhrat Ilyaas v shows that constantly remaining in the company of the pious
had a tremendous effect on a person and can often alter one's life. Sheikh Rumi
dil La, has written that a moment in the company of the righteous is better than a
thousand years of worship without show.
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Sayyiduna Shamwel U
Introduction
After the demise of Hadhrat Moosa v, the Bani Israa'eel had no king or leader
with authority over all of them for almost 350 years. Each tribe and family had
their own leaders and judgements in civil suites were handed down by the
judges amongst them. The Nabi of the time oversaw proceedings and engaged in
the work of Da'wah. Hadhrat Yusha u did this until his last moments on earth
and appointed judges and others in positions of authority. It sometimes
happened that these judges and others in authority would be appointed as
Ambiyaa pulse, after which he would fulfil a dual task.
Because the Bani Israa'eel were not united under one leader, they were often
plundered by neighbouring kingdoms and dynasties such as the Amaaliga, the
Medes and the Amorites. This left the Bani Israa'eel in ruin when their lands
were annexed, their wealth looted and their strength lost.
It was in the 4th century after the demise of Hadhrat Moosa v that the Bani
Israa'eel suffered a terrible defeat at the hands of a Palestinian nation. So
crushing was the defeat that even their sacred casket, which they had guarded
for so many centuries, was taken away. Amongst the many relics belonging to
Hadhrat Moosa v and Hadhrat Haaroon v, the casket also contained the
original tablets of the Torah. It was then housed in the temple of Bayt Dajun,
dedicated to the idol Dajun. The face of this idol was human, while its body was
that of a fish. The author of Qasasul Ambiyaa Sheikh Najjaar writes that there is
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a town in Palestine known as Bayt Dajun (also called Bayt Dajan230), which is most
probably where the area was situated then.
Name and Lineage
It was during this period that a very pious and righteous judge by the name of
Shamweel was blessed with the mantle of Nubuwwah. Some historical reports
suggest that when the Bani Israa'eel were plundered by a tyrant of the
Amaaliqah tribe by the name of Jaaloot (Goliath), he captured or killed all their
leaders and also burnt the tablets of the Torah to ashes. At that time there was
none from the families of the Ambiyaa pull apart from a solitary pregnant lady.
Allaah blessed them when the lady gave birth to a son called Shamweel. The
child was placed in the care of a pious man, from whom Hadhrat Shamweel v
memorised the Torah and learnt the various injunctions and tenets of his faith.
When he grew up, he was blessed with the mantle of Nubuwwah and charged
with the guidance and reformation of the Bani Israa'eel. It has always been the
case that when a nation is blessed with a Nabi, they are rejuvenated and start to
rise from any fallen condition they may find themselves in.
Hadhrat Shamweel u hailed from the progeny of Hadhrat Haaroon v and his
name means the same as Ismaa'eel.
The Appointment of Taaloot as King
When the suffering of the Bani Israa'eel under the tyranny of the Amaaliqah
grew intolerable, they pleaded to Hadhrat Shamweel v to appoint a king for
them to lead them in battle against the tyrants. Due to their inherent obstinacy,
Hadhrat Shamweel v feared that they may refuse to follow the king if Allaah
appointed one for them and may desert him for fear of death when the call to
230
Located 6km southeast of Jaffa.
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Jihaad is made. However, they assured him that they had no need to refuse to
submit to the king since they were steeped in suffering and would grab at any
chance to be free.
Hadhrat Shamweel v eventually made du'aa to Allaah and Allaah decreed that
their king should be man named Taaloot, who was a very intelligent and
physically powerful man. However, the Bani Israa'eel were appalled by the
appointment because Taaloot was a poor man who hailed from a poor family.
They felt that a king needed to be from an aristocratic family. Some historians
have written that the reason for their objection was that the leaders of Bani
Israa'eel traditionally hailed from the progeny of Hadhrat Ya'qoob v's son
Yahooda. Taaloot, on the other hand, came from the lineage of Hadhrat Ya'qoob
v's son Bin Yaameen. This was therefore a cause for jealousy, which they
expressed by arguing with Hadhrat Shamweel v.
Hadhrat Shamweel v explained to them that leadership was not born from
wealth and aristocracy, but that the fundamental requirement for leadership
was intelligence and strength. Taaloot possessed both of these to a remarkable
degree. They would therefore be doing well for themselves to follow him in
Jihaad and reclaim their lost land. He also assured them that Allaah's help was
with Taaloot since Allaah had selected him and none can argue with Allaah's
selection.
In the Words of the Qur'aan
Verses 246-247 of Surah Baqarah relate this episode of the story in the following
words:
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أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَى الْمَلَاِ مِنَّ بَنِئ اِسْرَاءِيْلَ مِنَّ بَعْدِ مُؤْسی إِذْ قَالُوا لِنَبِىِّ لَّهُمُ ابْعَثْ لَنَا مَلِكًا نُقَاتِلْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللهِ ﴾ قَالَ
بَلْ عَسَيْتُمْ إِنْ كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الْقِتَالُ الَّ تُقَاتِلُوْا - قَالُوْا وَمَا لَنَا الَّ نُقَاتِلَ فِى سَبِيْلِ اللهِ وَقَدْ أُخْرِجْنَا مِنْ دِيَارِنَا
وَأَبْنَائِنَا ﴿ فَلَمَّا كُتِبَ عَلَيْهِمُ الْقِتَالُ تَوَلَّوْا إِلَّا قَلِيْلًا مِّنْهُمْ ﴿ وَاللهُ عَلِيْمُ بِالظَّلِمِيْنَ (٢٢) وَقَالَ لَهُمْ نَبِيُّهُمْ إِنَّ اللهَ قَدْ
بَعَثَ لَّكُمْ طَالُوْتَ مَلِكًا ، قَالُوا أَنَّى يَكُوْنُ لَهُ الْمُلْكُ عَلَيْنَا وَنَحْنُ أَحَقُّ بِالْمُلْكِ مِنْهُ وَلَمْ يُؤْتَ سَعَةً مِّنَ الْمَالِ *
قَالَ إِنَّ اللّهَ اصْطَفَهُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَزَادَةً بَسْطَةَّ فِى الْعِلْمِ وَالْجِسْمِ * وَاللهُ يُؤْتِى مُلْكَهُ مَنْ يَّشَآءُ ٥* وَاللهُ وَاسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ
(٢٣٧)
TRANSLATION: Did you not see when a group from the Bani Israa'eel after Moosa v said
to their Nabi (Shamweel v), "Appoint for us a king so that (under his leadership) we may fight
in Allaah's way." He said, "Would you then refrain from fighting if it (fighting in Allaah's way)
was made obligatory for you?" They replied, "Why should we not fight in Allaah's way
when we have been exiled (driven out) from our homes and children?" So when fighting
was ordained for them, all except a few turned away. Allaah is well Aware of the wrong
doers. Their Nabi said to them, "Allaah has appointed Taaloot as king over you." They
said, "How can he be given kingship over us when we are more deserving of kingship than
he and he has not been given any wealth?" (They objected because Taaloot was neither from a
family of kings nor from a family of prophets) He (the Nabi v) replied, "Verily Allaah has chosen
him over you (because kingship is not the exclusive right of anyone) and increased him
abundantly in wisdom and (physical) stature (Taaloot was the most knowledgeable person
among them and the most physically able). Allaah gives His rule to whoever He wills. Allaah is
All Embracing (Surrounding), All Knowing."
However, despite explaining to them, the Bani Israa'eel were adamant that a
king needs to be a wealthy person. When the argument became prolonged,
some people suggested that proof be shown to convince the people that Taaloot
was indeed appointed by Allaah. When Hadhrat Shamweel v prayed to Allaah for
such a sign, Allaah informed him that the sign would be when Taaloot will return
to them the sacred casket. It then happened that a calamity struck the town
where the casket was stored and this town together with four others needed
to be abandoned. The casket was loaded on a carriage drawn by two bulls and
also removed from the town. As the cart proceeded, two angels took charge of
it and led the bulls to the door of Taaloot. When the Bani Israa'eel found the
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casket with Taaloot the following morning, they accepted that he was their king
appointed by Allaah and agreed to obey him.
In the Words of the Qur' aan
Verse 248 relates this episode in the following words:
وَقَالَ لَهُمْ نَبِيُّهُمْ إِنَّ أَيَةَ مُلْكِرٍ أَنْ يَّأْتِيَكُمُ التَّابُوْتُ فِيْهِ سَكِيْنَةٌ مِّنْ رَّبِّكُمْ وَبَقِيَّةٌ مِّمَّا تَرَكَ أَلُ مُؤْسَى وَأَلُ بُرُونَ
تَحْمِلُمُ الْمَلَئِكَةُ ٥﴿ إِنَّ فِئِ ذُلِکَ لَأَيَّ لَّكُمْ إِنْ كُنتُمْ مُؤْمِنِینَ (٢۴٨)٪
TRANSLATION: Their Nabi said to them, "The sign of his kingship is that the trunk (Ark of
the Covenant) carried by angels shall come to you bearing tranquillity from your Rabb and
remnants of that which was left by the family of Moosa v and Haroon v (such as the sandals
and staff of Moosa v, the turban of Haaroon v, a bit of manna and some tablets of the Torah). In
this there will surely be a sign (to the kingship of Taaloot) for you if you (really) are
Mu'mineen."
Jihand and the Death of Jaaloot
When Taaloot took command of a large army of the Bani Israa'eel and marched
with them against the Amaaliqah, he needed to test them to see whom of them
could be relied upon to obey orders. This was necessary because the Bani
Israa'eel were given to be cowardly and disobedient, especially since they had
not engaged in Jihaad for a very long while. Therefore, when they reached the
Jordan River, Taaloot instructed them that it was an order from Allaah for them
not to drink from the river. Whoever drank from it would immediately be
expelled from the army. They were, however, given the concession to drink just
a little if they were very thirsty.
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It then happened that the people who had drunk to their fill from the river lost
courage when they faced the army of Jaaloot and conceded they that were
unable to fight. They therefore sought permission to leave. It was then only
those who obeyed the order who were able to persevere and fight. Hadhrat
Baraa t reports that the Sahabah y spoke amongst themselves that the men
who remained with Taaloot numbered as many as there were with Rasulullaah
p at the Battle of Badr.231 These men fearlessly marched on to face the enemy
and said to the others that it so often happens that a small army defeats a large
army by the will of Allaah. This is because Allaah is with those who trust in Him,
who persevere and obey His commands.
Jaaloot was a giant of a man and had an army much larger than the army of the
Bani Israa'eel. The Mu'mineen prayed to Allaah to grant them fortitude and
steadfastness and to assist them against the enemy. The Torah and books of
history relate that there was a youngster in the army of the Bani Israa'eel who
had never before displayed any feat of bravery and was not even experienced in
battle. When Jaaloot stepped forward to challenge someone in single combat, it
was this youngster who stood up to meet the challenge. Taaloot tried to stop the
youngster, but he refused to give up the challenge. This youngster was the young
Hadhrat Dawood v.
It is said that Hadhrat Dawood v was the youngest son of his father and had not
even come to fight in the battle. He had been sent only to bring news of the
army and his father on the battlefield. However, when he saw the reluctance of
the soldiers of the Bani Israa'eel to take up Jaaloot's challenge as he repeated it
over and over again, Hadhrat Dawood v decided that he would stand up.
231
Bukhaari.
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Jaaloot ignored Hadhrat Dawood v when he stepped forward since the
youngster posed no challenge to him. Seizing the opportunity, Hadhrat Dawood
v flung three rocks at Jaaloot's head with such force that giant's head was
crushed and he fell to the ground. Hadhrat Dawood v then immediately sprang
forwards and severed his head from his body. When they saw their leader fall,
Jaaloot's army lost courage and fled the battlefield, thereby allowing the Bani
Israa'eel to valiantly reclaim their land and property.
Hadhrat Dawood v became loved and admired amongst the Bani Israa'eel and it
was soon afterwards that Allaah blessed him with Nubuwwah and also gave him
kingship over a vast kingdom.
In the Words of the Qur'aan
Verses 249-252 describe this episode in the following words:
فَلَمَّا فَصَلَ طَالُوْتُ بِالْجُنُوْدِ "قَالَ إِنَّ اللّهَ مُبْتَلِكُمْ بِنَهَرٍ ◌ٌ فَمَنْ شَرِبَ مِنْهُ فَلَيْسَ مِنِّئٌ وَمَنْ لَّمْ يَطْعَمْهُ فَإِنَّهْ مِنَّى إِلَّ
مَنِ اغْتَرَفَ غُرْفَةُّ بِيَدِهِ فَشَرِبُوْا مِنْهُ إِلَّا قَلِيْلًا مِّنْهُمْ ٥* فَلَمَّا جَاوَزَةً بُوَ وَالَّذِيْنَ أُمَنُوْا مَعَهْ ل" قَالُوا لَا طَاقَةَ لَنَا الْيَوْمَ
بِجَالُوْتَ وَجُنُوْدِهِ - قَالَ الَّذِيْنَ يَظُنُّوْنَ أَنَّهُمْ مُلْقُوا اللّهِ "كَمْ مِّنْ فِئَةٍ قَلِيْلَةٍ غَلَبَتْ فِئَةً كَثِيْرَةً بِذْنِ اللهِ ﴿ وَاللهُ مَعَ
الصَّبِّرِيْنَ (٢٢٩) وَلَمَّا بَرَزُوْا لِجَالُوْتَ وَجُنُوْدِهِ قَالُوا رَبَّنَا افْرِغْ عَلَيْنَا صَبْرًا وَثَّبِّتْ آَقْدَامَنَا وَانْصُرْنَا عَلَى الْقَوْمِ
الْكَفِرِيْنَ (٢٥٠)﴿ فَزَمُوْبُمْ بِإِذْنِ اللهِ ◌ٌ وَقَتَلَ دَاوُدُ جَالُوْتَ وَأَتْرُ اللهُ الْمُلْكَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَعَلَّمَرْ مِمَّا يَشَآءُ ﴿ وَلَوْ
لَا دَفْعُ اللهِ النَّاسَ بَعْضَهُمْ بِبَعْضٍ "أَفَسَدَتِ الْأَرْضُ وَلَكِنَّ اللهَ نُوْفَضْلٍ عَلَى الْعُلَمِيْنَ (٢٥١) تِلْكَ أَيْتُ اللهِ نَتْلُوْبًا
عَلَيْكَ بِالْحَقِّ ﴿ وَ إِنَّكَ لَمِنَ الْمُرْسَلِيْنَ (٢٥٢)
TRANSLATION: When Taloot set out with the army (from Baytul Maqdas in extreme heat), he
said to them, "Surely Allaah shall test you with a river (the Jordan River, to see who will obey
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their king and who will not). Whoever drinks from it (to his heart's content) is not of me (not of
my faithful followers), and whoever does not taste (the water) except for a handful that he
takes (and no more) is from me. So they (most of them) drank from it (to their fill) except a
few of them (who sufficed with a handful of water). When he (Taaloot) and the Mu'mineen with
him crossed the river, they (those who drank to their fill) said, "We have no strength today
against Jaloot and his army." Those who knew they would meet their Rabb said, "How
many (so many) a little group had defeated a large group by the permission of Allaah?
Allaah is with those who exercise Sabr." When they went into the battlefield against
Jaloot and his army they said, "O our Rabb, pour patience down on us, make our feet firm
and help us against the nation of Kaafiroon." So they (the Mu'mineen) defeated them (the
Kuffaar) by the order of Allaah. Dawood (who was a soldier in Taaloot's army) killed Jaloot
(using a catapult and three stones) and Allaah granted him (Dawood v) kingship and wisdom,
and taught him that which He willed (like the ability to speak to birds). If Allaah had not
repelled (driven back) some men by others, the earth would have been corrupted (because
Mu'mineen would have been killed and Masaajid destroyed). However, Allaah is the One Who
showers grace on the universe. These are the Aayaat of Allaah which We recite to you (O
Muhammad &) with truth (allowing you to have the knowledge even though you were not present
during those times). You are certainly from among the messengers (regardless of what the non-
Muslims say).
Some narrations from the Bani Israa'eel relate that Taaloot had announced
before the battle that he would give a portion of his kingdom as well as his
daughter in marriage to the person who killed Jaaloot. Hadhrat Dawood v was
therefore married to Taaloot's daughter Mikaal and given a large portion of land.
When Hadhrat Shamweel v passed away, Hadhrat Dawood v then succeeded
him as Nabi of the Bani Israa'eel. The detailed story of Hadhrat Dawood u will
follow shortly, Inshaa Allaah.
Lessons and Conclusions
United under one leader
When the Bani Israa'eel realised that they were being trampled by neighbouring
states because they were fragmented, they requested their Nabi to have a king
appointed. This is because whenever Allaah decrees the rise of a nation, Allaah
inspires some astute people amongst them with the immense desire to unite
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under the leadership of someone capable. However, if there are no such astute
people amongst them, then the entire nation is soon wiped out.
Ignorant Nation
It has always been the notion of people to have leaders who are wealthy and
prominent people. The Bani Israa'eel expressed the same erroneous notion
when they said, "How can he be given kingship over us when we are more deserving of
kingship than he and he has not been given any wealth?"
However, Islaam altered this notion and made it clear that the criterion for
leadership need not be wealth and prominence, but knowledge, wisdom,
strength and justice. Hadhrat Shamweel v explained this to the Bani Israa'eel
when he said, "Verily Allaah has chosen him over you and increased him abundantly in
wisdom and (physical) stature".
Trust in Allaah
When the true and steadfast one stand up to defend the truth and depend more
on Allaah than on themselves, their weaker strength and smaller numbers will
not matter. On such occasions, the few and weak can easily vanquish those who
are many and strong. This is expressed in the verse, "How many (so many) a little
group had defeated a large group by the permission of Allaah? Allaah is with those who
exercise Sabr".
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Sayyiduna Dawood V
Introduction
Brief mention was made of Hadhrat Dawood v in the story of Hadhrat Shamweel
0, where his tremendous courage was highlighted against the tyrant Jaaloot
(Goliath). This earned him great prestige and respect amongst the Bani Israa'eel
and it was not long afterwards that Allaah blessed him with Nubuwwah and he
earned the titled of Khalifatullaah. Allaama Ibn Katheer il., has described the
linage of Hadhrat Dawood v as:
Hadhrat Dawood v, who was the son of Eesha, who was the son of Uwayd, who
was the son of Aabir, who was the son of Salmoon, who was the son of
Fahshoon, who was the son of Uwaynaadhib, who was the son of Iram, who was
the son of Hasroon, who was the son of Fars, who was the son of Yahooda, who
was the son of Hadhrat Ya'qoob v, who was the son of Hadhrat Is'haaq v, who
was the son of Hadhrat Ibraheem v.
It is mentioned in the Torah that Hadhrat Dawood v was the youngest son of
Eesha. Muhammad bin Is'haaq alto, reports from Wahab bin Munabbih ail das, that
Hadhrat Dawood v was short in stature, had light coloured eyes, sparse hair on
his body and his face and body exuded his pleasant temperament and pure soul.
Hadhrat Dawood V in the Qur'aan
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The name of Hadhrat Dawood v is mentioned 16 times in 9 Surahs of the
Qur'aan, sometimes with details and sometimes without. These occasions are:
1.
Surah Baqarah: verse 251
2.
Surah Nisaa: verse 163
3.
Surah Maa'idah: verse 78
4. Surah An'aam: verses 84-90
5. Surah Israa: verse 55
6. Surah Ambiyaa (S) posle : verses 78-82
7. Surah Naml: verse 15-44
8. Surah Saba: verse 10-14
9. Surah Saad: verse 17-26 and 30-40
Nubuwwah and Rissalah
A sign of the great acceptance that Hadhrat Dawood v enjoyed amongst the Bani
Israa'eel was the fact that the people appointed him as a leader even during the
reign of Hadhrat Taaloot ..... Until Hadhrat Dawood v arrived, the kings of the
Bani Israa'eel always belonged to the progeny of Hadhrat Ya'qoob v's son
Ifraheem, while the Ambiyaa >I always hailed from the progeny of his son
Yahooda. However, with Hadhrat Dawood v, both kingship as well as Nubuwwah
were conferred to the progeny of Yahooda.
It is also worth noting that apart from Hadhrat Aadam v, no other Nabi besides
Hadhrat Dawood v received the title of Khalifatullah.
His Kingdom
Hadhrat Dawood v was a man of great courage and a masterful strategist. These
qualities coupled with his spiritual power ensured that his people were always
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victorious in all their military expeditions with the help of Allaah, regardless of
the strength and numbers of the enemy.
It was not long after he started to reign over the Bani Israa'eel that he was
blessed with Nubuwwah and started to lead them in Jihaad. In a short period of
time, they conquered Shaam, Iraq, Palestine, Eastern Jordan and several other
territories. The people knew that because Hadhrat Dawood v received
revelation from Allaah, he could solve the most difficult problems that they
faced. Therefore, the humans and Jinn over whom he ruled did not dare to
disobey him.
Two men once came to Hadhrat Dawood v, each one claiming that the other had
wrongfully taken his bull. Hadhrat Dawood v postponed the decision for the
following day, when he summoned one of the men and said, "Allaah has decreed
that you should be executed. Do inform us about what really happened." The
man replied, "O true Nabi of Allaah! My claim to the bull is absolutely true since
it belongs to me. However, before this dispute arose, in had murdered the other
man's father." Hadhrat Dawood v then had the man executed for the murder.
When such incidents became common, people dared not disobey Hadhrat
Dawood v or bring false claims before him.
In the Words of the Qur' aan
Speaking about Hadhrat Dawood v in the Qur'aan, Allaah states in verse 251 of
Surah Baqarah:
وَأَتُهُ اللهُ الْمُلْكَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَعَلَّمَهْ مِمَّا يَشَآءُ
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TRANSLATION: Allaah granted him (Dawood v) kingship and wisdom, and taught him that
which He willed (like the ability to speak to birds).
Verse 26 of Surah Saad states:
يُدَاوُدُ إِنَّا جَعَلْنُكَ خَلِيْفَةَّ فِى الْأَرْضِ فَاحْكُمْ بَيْنَ النَّاسِ بِالْحَقِّ وَلَا تَتَّبِعِ الْهَوَى فَيُضِلَّكَ عَنْ سَبِيْلِ اللهِ ﴾﴿ إِنَّ
الَّذِيْنَ يَضِلُّوْنَ عَنْ سَبِيْلِ اللهِ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ شَدِيْدَّ بِمَا نَسُوْا يَوْمَ الْحِسَابِ (٪٢٩)
TRANSLATION: (Allaah addressed Dawood v saying,)"O Dawood! Indeed, We have made you
a deputy on earth (to ensure that Our commands are carried out), so judge between people
with the truth, and do not follow carnal passions which will mislead you from Allaah's
path. Verily there shall be a severe punishment for those who deviate from Allaah's path
because they forgot the Day of Reckoning.
Verse 20 of Surah Saad states:
وَ شَدَدْنَا مُلْكَرْ وَ أَتَيْتُمُ الْحِكْمَةَ وَ فَصْلَ الْخِطَابِ (٢٠)
TRANSLATION: We strengthened his kingdom and granted him wisdom and decisive
speech (making him a truly great statesman).
The Zaboor
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