Taloot & Jaloot

Taloot and Jaloot

In the offsprings of bani Israeel only a pregnant woman remained, in whom the prophethood still appeared. She was a widow so the Israelites kept her in a house so that Allah may give her a boy, who would be their Prophet. The woman also kept invoking Allah to grant her a boy. Allah heard her Duas and gave her a boy whom she called `Shamwil. Some people said that the boy’s name was Sham`un (Simeon). As that boy grew, Allah raised him to be a righteous person. When he reached the age of prophethood, Allah revealed to him and commanded him to call his people to Him. Shamwil called the sons of Israel Nation to Allah and they asked him to appoint a king over them so that they could fight their enemies under his command.

The kingship had also ended among them. Dawud (A.S) said to them, “What if Allah appoints a king over you, would you fulfil your vow to fight under his command’‘

They said, “Why should we not fight in Allah’s way while we have been driven out of our homes. But when fighting was ordered for them, they turned away, all except a few of them. Only a few of them kept their promise, but the majority abandoned. And Allah has full knowledge of them.”

When the Israelites asked their Prophet to appoint a king over them, Hazrat Dawud (A.S) appointed Talut, who was then a soldier. But, Talut was not a descendant of the house of kings. They did not accept him. They said that Talut was also poor and did not have the wealth that justifies him being king. Some people stated that Talut (A.S) used to bring water to the people, while others stated that his profession was dyeing skins. Thus, they disputed with their Prophet while they were supposed to obey him and to say good words to him. Dawud (A.S) stated, “I did not choose Talut (A.S) to be your king on my own. Rather, Allah has commanded that upon your and has increased him abundantly in knowledge and stature. `Talut is more knowledgeable and honorable than you, and stronger and more patient during combat, and has more knowledge of warfare. The king should have sufficient knowledge, be fair looking and should have a strong soul and Allah grants His kingdom to whom He wills. Allah Alone is the Supreme Authority Who does what He wills and no one can ask Him about His actions, while they will be asked about their actions by Him. This is because Allah has perfect knowledge, wisdom and kindness with His creation.

Their Prophet then proclaimed,

“The sign of the blessings of Talut’s kingship over you is that Allah will give you back the Tabut wooden box that has been taken from you.” Surat Al–Baqarah – verse  20 

The angels came down while carrying the Tabut between the sky and the earth, until they placed it before Talut(A.S) while the people were watching. Then when Talut (A.S) set out with the army, he said:
“Verily, Allah will try you by a river. So whoever drinks thereof, he is not of me; and whoever tastes it not, he is of me, except him who takes (thereof) in the hollow of his hand.‘ al-Baqarah 2:249

Talut (A.S), marched forth with his soldiers and the Israelites who obeyed him. His army was of eighty thousand. When thy reached on the river they all drank thereof,  except a few of them. But Whoever took some of it the river’s water in the hollow of his hand, quenched his thirst; as for those who drank freely from it, their thirst was not quenched.

Israelites who remained with king thought that they were few in the face of their enemy who were many then. So, their knowledgeable scholars strengthened their resolve by stating that Allah’s promise is true and that triumph comes from Allah Alone, not from the large numbers or the adequacy of the supplies. When the faithful party, who were few under the command of Talut, faced their enemy, who were many under the command of Jalut. They prayed:
“Our Lord! Pour forth on us patience and send down patience on us from You. And set firm our feet against the enemy and save us from running away and from feebleness.” And make us victorious over the disbelieving people. Allah said:
“They defeated and overwhelmed them by Allah’s aid and support. Then and Dawud Eliminated Jalut.” Talut promised that whoever Eliminated Jalut, would marry his daughter and would share his kingship and authority. He kept his promise. Later, the kingship was transferred to Prophet Dawud in addition to being granted Prophethood by Allah.