1 00:00:00,460 --> 00:00:02,459 Stories of the Prophets. 2 00:00:02,459 --> 00:00:05,620 Stories of the Prophets, 3 00:00:05,620 --> 00:00:07,620 peace be upon them. 4 00:00:07,620 --> 00:00:09,650 The blessings of Allah, 5 00:00:09,650 --> 00:00:11,650 followed 6 00:00:11,650 --> 00:00:13,650 by peace, 7 00:00:13,650 --> 00:00:15,650 be upon the best of all 8 00:00:15,650 --> 00:00:17,649 creation, 9 00:00:17,649 --> 00:00:20,190 the resolute Messengers 10 00:00:20,190 --> 00:00:22,190 whose station 11 00:00:22,190 --> 00:00:24,449 is exalted. 12 00:00:24,449 --> 00:00:26,449 The story of David (Dawud), 13 00:00:26,449 --> 00:00:28,449 peace be upon him. 14 00:00:28,449 --> 00:00:32,369 In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 15 00:00:32,369 --> 00:00:34,369 All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, 16 00:00:34,369 --> 00:00:36,560 and may peace and blessings 17 00:00:36,560 --> 00:00:38,560 be upon our Prophet Muhammad, 18 00:00:38,560 --> 00:00:40,560 and upon his family and Companions, 19 00:00:40,560 --> 00:00:42,560 all together. 20 00:00:42,560 --> 00:00:44,659 To proceed: 21 00:00:44,659 --> 00:00:46,880 The Children of Israel remained 22 00:00:46,880 --> 00:00:48,880 on the path of uprightness 23 00:00:48,880 --> 00:00:50,880 for a period of time. 24 00:00:50,880 --> 00:00:52,909 Then, they innovated 25 00:00:52,909 --> 00:00:54,909 corrupt practices after that, 26 00:00:54,909 --> 00:00:56,909 committed abominations, 27 00:00:56,909 --> 00:00:58,909 and some of them worshipped idols. 28 00:00:58,909 --> 00:01:00,909 Yet there never ceased to be among 29 00:01:00,909 --> 00:01:02,909 them prophets 30 00:01:02,909 --> 00:01:04,909 who enjoined good upon them, 31 00:01:04,909 --> 00:01:06,909 forbade them from evil, 32 00:01:06,909 --> 00:01:08,909 and kept them steadfast upon the Torah, 33 00:01:08,909 --> 00:01:10,909 until they committed what they committed 34 00:01:10,909 --> 00:01:12,909 of destructive sins. 35 00:01:12,909 --> 00:01:14,909 So Allah gave power over them 36 00:01:14,909 --> 00:01:16,909 to their enemies, who inflicted upon them 37 00:01:16,909 --> 00:01:18,909 a great slaughter, 38 00:01:18,909 --> 00:01:20,909 took many captives, 39 00:01:20,909 --> 00:01:22,909 seized from them many 40 00:01:22,909 --> 00:01:24,909 lands, 41 00:01:24,909 --> 00:01:26,909 and even stripped them of the Ark (Tabut), 42 00:01:26,909 --> 00:01:28,909 which was an inheritance 43 00:01:28,909 --> 00:01:30,909 of the servants of Allah, peace be upon him, 44 00:01:30,909 --> 00:01:32,909 and took the Torah from their hands, 45 00:01:32,909 --> 00:01:34,909 so that none remained who memorized it 46 00:01:34,909 --> 00:01:36,909 among them except very few. 47 00:01:36,909 --> 00:01:40,319 After a long time, 48 00:01:40,319 --> 00:01:42,319 faith was rekindled 49 00:01:42,319 --> 00:01:44,319 among them anew, 50 00:01:44,319 --> 00:01:46,319 and they asked a prophet of theirs, 51 00:01:46,319 --> 00:01:48,319 named Samuel (Shamwil), 52 00:01:48,319 --> 00:01:50,319 to appoint for them a king 53 00:01:50,319 --> 00:01:52,319 to lead them in a battle of dignity 54 00:01:52,319 --> 00:01:54,319 against the enemies 55 00:01:54,319 --> 00:01:56,319 who had stripped them of their sovereignty, 56 00:01:56,319 --> 00:01:58,450 their wealth, and their homes. 57 00:01:58,450 --> 00:02:00,450 When their prophet wished 58 00:02:00,450 --> 00:02:02,450 to verify the sincerity of their resolve 59 00:02:02,450 --> 00:02:04,450 to fight, 60 00:02:04,450 --> 00:02:06,450 he said to them: 61 00:02:06,450 --> 00:02:08,449 "I fear that if fighting is ordained for you, 62 00:02:08,449 --> 00:02:10,449 you will not fight, 63 00:02:10,449 --> 00:02:12,669 and you will go back on your word." 64 00:02:12,669 --> 00:02:14,669 They denounced this statement of his, 65 00:02:14,669 --> 00:02:16,669 and their enthusiasm rose 66 00:02:16,669 --> 00:02:18,669 to its peak, saying: 67 00:02:18,669 --> 00:02:20,669 “Bethink thee of the leaders of the Children of Israel after Moses, how they said unto a prophet whom they had: Set up for us a king and we will fight in Allah's way. He said: Would ye then refrain from fighting if fighting were prescribed for you? They said: Why should we not fight in Allah's way when we have been driven from our dwellings with our children? Yet, when fighting was prescribed for them, they turned away, all save a few of them. Allah is aware of evil-doers.” (2:246) 68 00:02:20,669 --> 00:02:22,669 "in the cause of Allah, 69 00:02:22,669 --> 00:02:24,669 “Bethink thee of the leaders of the Children of Israel after Moses, how they said unto a prophet whom they had: Set up for us a king and we will fight in Allah's way. He said: Would ye then refrain from fighting if fighting were prescribed for you? They said: Why should we not fight in Allah's way when we have been driven from our dwellings with our children? Yet, when fighting was prescribed for them, they turned away, all save a few of them. Allah is aware of evil-doers.” (2:246) 70 00:02:24,669 --> 00:02:26,699 and our children?" 71 00:02:26,699 --> 00:02:28,699 When their prophet saw that resolve in them, 72 00:02:28,699 --> 00:02:30,699 he supplicated Allah Almighty 73 00:02:30,699 --> 00:02:32,800 for them. 74 00:02:32,800 --> 00:02:34,800 But when Allah prescribed 75 00:02:34,800 --> 00:02:36,800 fighting upon them, they turned away, 76 00:02:36,800 --> 00:02:38,800 except for a few of them, 77 00:02:38,800 --> 00:02:40,800 as was the habit 78 00:02:40,800 --> 00:02:42,800 of the Children of Israel in breaking covenants, 79 00:02:42,800 --> 00:02:44,800 reneging on promises, 80 00:02:44,800 --> 00:02:46,800 and scattering 81 00:02:46,800 --> 00:02:50,210 halfway through the path. 82 00:02:50,210 --> 00:02:52,210 Allah chose for the Children of Israel 83 00:02:52,210 --> 00:02:54,210 a king called Saul (Talut). 84 00:02:54,210 --> 00:02:56,210 He was a water-carrier, 85 00:02:56,210 --> 00:02:58,210 and it was also said 86 00:02:58,210 --> 00:03:00,210 he was a tanner. 87 00:03:00,210 --> 00:03:02,210 It was customary among them 88 00:03:02,210 --> 00:03:04,210 that prophethood belonged to 89 00:03:04,210 --> 00:03:06,210 the tribe of Levi, 90 00:03:06,210 --> 00:03:08,210 and kingship belonged to the tribe of Judah. 91 00:03:08,210 --> 00:03:10,270 So when Allah chose 92 00:03:10,270 --> 00:03:12,270 Talut as king over them, 93 00:03:12,270 --> 00:03:14,270 and he was from the tribe of Benjamin, 94 00:03:14,270 --> 00:03:16,270 they felt aversion toward him 95 00:03:16,270 --> 00:03:18,270 and challenged his leadership, 96 00:03:18,270 --> 00:03:20,270 saying: "We are more worthy 97 00:03:20,270 --> 00:03:22,270 of kingship than he." 98 00:03:22,270 --> 00:03:24,270 They also cited that he was poor 99 00:03:24,270 --> 00:03:26,300 with little wealth. 100 00:03:26,300 --> 00:03:28,300 Their prophet said to them: 101 00:03:28,300 --> 00:03:30,300 “Their Prophet said unto them: Lo! Allah hath raised up Saul to be a king for you. They said: How can he have kingdom over us when we are more deserving of the kingdom than he is, since he hath not been given wealth enough? He said: Lo! Allah hath chosen him above you, and hath increased him abundantly in wisdom and stature. Allah bestoweth His Sovereignty on whom He will. Allah is All-Embracing, All-Knowing.” (2:247) 102 00:03:30,300 --> 00:03:32,300 "and has increased him abundantly 103 00:03:32,300 --> 00:03:34,300 in knowledge," 104 00:03:34,300 --> 00:03:36,300 so that he might master through it 105 00:03:36,300 --> 00:03:38,300 matters of politics, military strategy, 106 00:03:38,300 --> 00:03:40,300 and the management of battles, 107 00:03:40,300 --> 00:03:42,300 "and stature," 108 00:03:42,300 --> 00:03:44,300 so that his presence and impact would be formidable 109 00:03:44,300 --> 00:03:46,400 in hearts and on the battlefield. 110 00:03:46,400 --> 00:03:48,400 They said to their prophet: 111 00:03:48,400 --> 00:03:50,400 "If you are truthful, 112 00:03:50,400 --> 00:03:52,400 bring us a sign 113 00:03:52,400 --> 00:03:54,400 proving that he is the king." 114 00:03:54,400 --> 00:03:56,430 So their prophet gave them the choice 115 00:03:56,430 --> 00:03:58,430 of whatever sign they desired, 116 00:03:58,430 --> 00:04:00,430 and they said: 117 00:04:00,430 --> 00:04:02,430 "That the Ark be returned to us." 118 00:04:02,430 --> 00:04:04,430 It was a chest overlaid 119 00:04:04,430 --> 00:04:06,430 with plates of gold, 120 00:04:06,430 --> 00:04:08,430 containing tranquility and dignity, 121 00:04:08,430 --> 00:04:10,430 as well as remnants 122 00:04:10,430 --> 00:04:12,430 of the relics of Moses and Aaron, 123 00:04:12,430 --> 00:04:14,430 peace be upon them, 124 00:04:14,430 --> 00:04:16,430 which were Moses' staff, his garments, 125 00:04:16,430 --> 00:04:18,430 and some of the Tablets in which 126 00:04:18,430 --> 00:04:20,529 the Torah was written. 127 00:04:20,529 --> 00:04:22,529 Thereupon, the angels came carrying 128 00:04:22,529 --> 00:04:24,529 the Ark between heaven and earth, 129 00:04:24,529 --> 00:04:26,529 until they placed it 130 00:04:26,529 --> 00:04:28,529 right before Talut, 131 00:04:28,529 --> 00:04:30,529 while the people looked on. 132 00:04:30,529 --> 00:04:32,529 So they believed in the prophethood of Samuel 133 00:04:32,529 --> 00:04:34,529 and obeyed Talut. 134 00:04:38,220 --> 00:04:40,220 Talut set out with an army numbering 135 00:04:40,220 --> 00:04:42,259 eighty thousand, 136 00:04:42,259 --> 00:04:44,259 but he knew 137 00:04:44,259 --> 00:04:46,259 that he would face a massive army 138 00:04:46,259 --> 00:04:48,259 that surpassed them in equipment 139 00:04:48,259 --> 00:04:50,259 and outnumbered them, 140 00:04:50,259 --> 00:04:52,259 containing fierce and mighty warriors. 141 00:04:54,259 --> 00:04:56,259 Talut also knew 142 00:04:56,259 --> 00:04:58,259 that his army came from a defeated 143 00:04:58,259 --> 00:05:00,259 nation that had known 144 00:05:00,259 --> 00:05:02,259 defeat and humiliation for a long 145 00:05:02,259 --> 00:05:04,259 history. 146 00:05:04,259 --> 00:05:06,259 So he wanted to test them before reaching 147 00:05:06,259 --> 00:05:08,259 the battlefield, 148 00:05:08,259 --> 00:05:10,259 and said to them: 149 00:05:10,259 --> 00:05:12,259 "Allah will test you 150 00:05:12,259 --> 00:05:14,259 with a river; whoever drinks 151 00:05:14,259 --> 00:05:16,259 from it is not of me," 152 00:05:16,259 --> 00:05:18,259 meaning: he shall not accompany me, 153 00:05:18,259 --> 00:05:20,259 “And when Saul set out with the army, he said: Lo! Allah will try you by (the ordeal of) a river. Whosoever therefore drinketh thereof he is not of me, and whosoever tasteth it not he is of me, save him who taketh (thereof) in the hollow of his hand. But they drank thereof, all save a few of them. And after he had crossed (the river), he and those who believed with him, they said: We have no power this day against Goliath and his hosts. But those who knew that they would meet Allah exclaimed: How many a little company hath overcome a mighty host by Allah's leave! Allah is with the steadfast.” (2:249) 154 00:05:20,259 --> 00:05:22,259 "except whoever scoops 155 00:05:22,259 --> 00:05:24,259 a single scoop with his hand," 156 00:05:24,259 --> 00:05:26,259 meaning: there is no harm upon him. 157 00:05:26,259 --> 00:05:28,350 Yet they drank from it, except 158 00:05:28,350 --> 00:05:30,350 for a few of them. 159 00:05:30,350 --> 00:05:32,350 Here the ranks were purged 160 00:05:32,350 --> 00:05:34,350 anew, 161 00:05:34,350 --> 00:05:36,350 and thousands upon thousands departed from it, 162 00:05:36,350 --> 00:05:38,350 turning back on their heels. 163 00:05:38,350 --> 00:05:40,579 Ibn Abbas, 164 00:05:40,579 --> 00:05:42,579 may Allah be pleased with him and his father, said: 165 00:05:42,579 --> 00:05:44,579 "Whoever scooped from it with his hand 166 00:05:44,579 --> 00:05:46,579 had his thirst quenched, but whoever drank 167 00:05:46,579 --> 00:05:48,610 deeply from it was not quenched." 168 00:05:48,610 --> 00:05:50,610 So seventy-six thousand drank, 169 00:05:50,610 --> 00:05:52,610 and there remained 170 00:05:52,610 --> 00:05:54,610 with him only four thousand. 171 00:05:54,610 --> 00:05:57,699 When they went out 172 00:05:57,699 --> 00:05:59,699 onto the battlefield 173 00:05:59,699 --> 00:06:01,699 and faced the combat, 174 00:06:01,699 --> 00:06:03,699 they caught sight of fierce warriors 175 00:06:03,699 --> 00:06:05,699 among their enemies, 176 00:06:05,699 --> 00:06:07,699 superior to them in readiness 177 00:06:07,699 --> 00:06:09,699 and surpassing them in equipment, 178 00:06:09,699 --> 00:06:11,699 with Goliath (Jalut), their valiant champion, 179 00:06:11,699 --> 00:06:13,699 leader, and chief of 180 00:06:13,699 --> 00:06:15,699 their battalion, charging 181 00:06:15,699 --> 00:06:17,790 and roaming about. 182 00:06:17,790 --> 00:06:19,790 Thus, Talut's companions split into two groups: 183 00:06:19,790 --> 00:06:21,790 one group whose 184 00:06:21,790 --> 00:06:23,790 resolve faltered, 185 00:06:23,790 --> 00:06:25,790 whose hearts were struck with terror, 186 00:06:25,790 --> 00:06:27,790 and whose strength gave out, 187 00:06:27,790 --> 00:06:29,790 saying: "We have no 188 00:06:29,790 --> 00:06:31,790 power today against Jalut and his soldiers." 189 00:06:31,790 --> 00:06:33,790 So these men fell away 190 00:06:33,790 --> 00:06:35,790 from the believing army. 191 00:06:35,790 --> 00:06:37,819 But another group among them 192 00:06:37,819 --> 00:06:39,819 had their morale 193 00:06:39,819 --> 00:06:41,819 remain patient and steadfast; 194 00:06:41,819 --> 00:06:43,819 they were the ones whose hearts were filled with faith, 195 00:06:43,819 --> 00:06:45,819 imbued with the love of Allah Almighty, 196 00:06:45,819 --> 00:06:47,819 and prepared 197 00:06:47,819 --> 00:06:49,819 for death. 198 00:06:49,819 --> 00:06:51,819 The great number of their enemies did not trouble them, 199 00:06:51,819 --> 00:06:53,819 nor were they deterred 200 00:06:53,819 --> 00:06:55,819 by their own small numbers. 201 00:06:55,819 --> 00:06:57,819 Thus, they were reduced to three hundred 202 00:06:57,819 --> 00:06:59,819 and some-odd men. 203 00:06:59,819 --> 00:07:01,889 They said, 204 00:07:01,889 --> 00:07:03,889 “And when Saul set out with the army, he said: Lo! Allah will try you by (the ordeal of) a river. Whosoever therefore drinketh thereof he is not of me, and whosoever tasteth it not he is of me, save him who taketh (thereof) in the hollow of his hand. But they drank thereof, all save a few of them. And after he had crossed (the river), he and those who believed with him, they said: We have no power this day against Goliath and his hosts. But those who knew that they would meet Allah exclaimed: How many a little company hath overcome a mighty host by Allah's leave! Allah is with the steadfast.” (2:249) 205 00:07:03,889 --> 00:07:05,889 "has overcome a large company 206 00:07:05,889 --> 00:07:07,889 by Allah's permission, 207 00:07:07,889 --> 00:07:09,889 and Allah is with the patient." 208 00:07:09,889 --> 00:07:12,019 And when they went forth 209 00:07:12,019 --> 00:07:14,019 against Goliath and his soldiers, 210 00:07:14,019 --> 00:07:16,019 they prayed: "Our Lord, pour down 211 00:07:16,019 --> 00:07:18,019 upon us patience, 212 00:07:18,019 --> 00:07:20,019 plant our feet firmly, 213 00:07:20,019 --> 00:07:22,019 and grant us victory over the disbelieving people." 214 00:07:22,019 --> 00:07:24,110 This group, 215 00:07:24,110 --> 00:07:26,110 deeply connected to Allah, 216 00:07:26,110 --> 00:07:28,110 is the one that determines the outcome 217 00:07:28,110 --> 00:07:30,110 of the battle, once 218 00:07:30,110 --> 00:07:32,110 it renews its covenant with Allah, 219 00:07:32,110 --> 00:07:34,110 turns its heart 220 00:07:34,110 --> 00:07:36,110 entirely toward Him, seeking victory 221 00:07:36,110 --> 00:07:38,110 from Him alone, 222 00:07:38,110 --> 00:07:40,110 as it stands alone facing that 223 00:07:40,110 --> 00:07:43,329 terrifying situation. 224 00:07:43,329 --> 00:07:45,329 Among the followers of Saul was 225 00:07:45,329 --> 00:07:47,329 a young youth, 226 00:07:47,329 --> 00:07:49,329 seventeen years of age, 227 00:07:49,329 --> 00:07:51,329 named David. 228 00:07:51,329 --> 00:07:53,329 He used to tend his family's sheep. 229 00:07:53,329 --> 00:07:55,329 He went out along with 230 00:07:55,329 --> 00:07:57,329 his elder brothers 231 00:07:57,329 --> 00:07:59,329 to confront Goliath's army. 232 00:07:59,329 --> 00:08:01,389 When the two opposing ranks drew up, 233 00:08:01,389 --> 00:08:03,389 Goliath stepped forward, 234 00:08:03,389 --> 00:08:05,389 strutting between the two battle lines. 235 00:08:05,389 --> 00:08:07,389 He was one of the mighty 236 00:08:07,389 --> 00:08:09,389 giants, 237 00:08:09,389 --> 00:08:11,389 a formidable, valiant warrior 238 00:08:11,389 --> 00:08:13,389 whom none could withstand. 239 00:08:13,389 --> 00:08:15,389 He called out for single combat, 240 00:08:15,389 --> 00:08:17,389 striking dread into the hearts of the people, 241 00:08:17,389 --> 00:08:19,389 who shrank back from dueling him. 242 00:08:19,389 --> 00:08:21,389 Saul then announced: 243 00:08:21,389 --> 00:08:23,389 "Whoever goes out to face him 244 00:08:23,389 --> 00:08:25,389 and slays him, I will give him 245 00:08:25,389 --> 00:08:27,389 my daughter in marriage, and he shall have 246 00:08:27,389 --> 00:08:29,389 kingship after me." 247 00:08:29,389 --> 00:08:31,420 David came forward 248 00:08:31,420 --> 00:08:33,419 and said, "I will go out 249 00:08:33,419 --> 00:08:35,419 against him." But Saul looked down upon him 250 00:08:35,419 --> 00:08:37,419 when he saw him, owing to his tender 251 00:08:37,419 --> 00:08:39,419 age and slight stature. 252 00:08:39,419 --> 00:08:41,679 Saul called out 253 00:08:41,679 --> 00:08:43,679 a second and a third time, 254 00:08:43,679 --> 00:08:45,740 yet no one stepped forward. 255 00:08:45,740 --> 00:08:47,740 David approached him again and said, 256 00:08:47,740 --> 00:08:49,740 "I will go out against him 257 00:08:49,740 --> 00:08:51,740 and slay him, if Allah wills." 258 00:08:51,740 --> 00:08:53,809 Saul then granted him permission. 259 00:08:53,809 --> 00:08:55,809 So David stepped down, took up 260 00:08:55,809 --> 00:08:57,809 his weapon and his sling, 261 00:08:57,809 --> 00:08:59,809 and marched out toward Goliath. 262 00:08:59,809 --> 00:09:01,809 When Goliath saw him, 263 00:09:01,809 --> 00:09:03,809 he belittled him and said, 264 00:09:03,809 --> 00:09:05,809 "Are you, a mere lad, coming out 265 00:09:05,809 --> 00:09:07,809 against me?" 266 00:09:07,809 --> 00:09:09,809 David replied, "Yes, 267 00:09:09,809 --> 00:09:11,970 and I am the one who will kill you." 268 00:09:11,970 --> 00:09:13,970 Goliath was enraged 269 00:09:13,970 --> 00:09:15,970 and moved to strike David with his sword. 270 00:09:15,970 --> 00:09:17,970 David dodged 271 00:09:17,970 --> 00:09:19,970 his blow, 272 00:09:19,970 --> 00:09:21,970 then loaded his sling, 273 00:09:21,970 --> 00:09:23,970 pronounced the Name of Allah, 274 00:09:23,970 --> 00:09:25,970 and struck Goliath right in the head, 275 00:09:25,970 --> 00:09:27,970 felling him to the ground. 276 00:09:27,970 --> 00:09:30,029 He then severed his head and cast it 277 00:09:30,029 --> 00:09:32,029 before his army. 278 00:09:32,029 --> 00:09:34,029 Chaos erupted among the enemy ranks, 279 00:09:34,029 --> 00:09:36,029 and they suffered an utter defeat. 280 00:09:36,029 --> 00:09:38,159 Allah, 281 00:09:38,159 --> 00:09:40,159 the Blessed and Exalted, bestowed upon His servant 282 00:09:40,159 --> 00:09:42,159 David the kingship over the Children 283 00:09:42,159 --> 00:09:44,159 of Israel after Saul, 284 00:09:44,159 --> 00:09:46,159 and granted him prophethood, 285 00:09:46,159 --> 00:09:48,159 which is even more noble than kingship, 286 00:09:48,159 --> 00:09:50,159 succeeding Samuel, 287 00:09:50,159 --> 00:09:52,159 peace be upon him, 288 00:09:52,159 --> 00:09:54,159 further elevating him 289 00:09:54,159 --> 00:09:56,159 in ranks of honor and perfection. 290 00:09:56,159 --> 00:09:58,259 Never before had 291 00:09:58,259 --> 00:10:00,259 kingship and prophethood been united in a single person 292 00:10:00,259 --> 00:10:02,259 among the Children of Israel prior to him. 293 00:10:02,259 --> 00:10:04,259 From this moment, 294 00:10:04,259 --> 00:10:06,259 the star of the Prophet of Allah, 295 00:10:06,259 --> 00:10:08,259 David, peace be upon him, began to shine. 296 00:10:08,259 --> 00:10:11,539 Allah favored 297 00:10:11,539 --> 00:10:13,539 David, peace be upon him, 298 00:10:13,539 --> 00:10:15,539 with immense blessings, teaching him 299 00:10:15,539 --> 00:10:17,539 unique matters with which He distinguished him above all others, 300 00:10:17,539 --> 00:10:19,539 and praised him 301 00:10:19,539 --> 00:10:21,539 for qualities that set him apart 302 00:10:21,539 --> 00:10:23,539 from the rest of mankind. 303 00:10:23,539 --> 00:10:25,539 Among these favors 304 00:10:25,539 --> 00:10:27,539 was that Allah, Glorified and Exalted, 305 00:10:27,539 --> 00:10:29,539 firmly established his reign 306 00:10:29,539 --> 00:10:31,539 by inspiring awe for him 307 00:10:31,539 --> 00:10:33,539 in the hearts of the people, 308 00:10:33,539 --> 00:10:35,539 making him the mightiest of earthly kings 309 00:10:35,539 --> 00:10:37,629 in authority. 310 00:10:37,629 --> 00:10:39,629 Every night, his prayer chamber was guarded 311 00:10:39,629 --> 00:10:41,629 by thirty-six 312 00:10:41,629 --> 00:10:43,629 thousand men, 313 00:10:43,629 --> 00:10:45,629 whose turn to guard would not recur 314 00:10:45,629 --> 00:10:47,629 until the following year. 315 00:10:47,629 --> 00:10:49,860 David, peace be upon 316 00:10:49,860 --> 00:10:51,860 him, ruled for forty years, 317 00:10:51,860 --> 00:10:53,860 and throughout his reign, there was never 318 00:10:53,860 --> 00:10:55,860 any attempt to challenge 319 00:10:55,860 --> 00:10:59,039 or oppose him. 320 00:10:59,039 --> 00:11:01,039 Allah also granted him wisdom— 321 00:11:01,039 --> 00:11:03,039 which is prophethood— 322 00:11:03,039 --> 00:11:05,039 and sound judgment in speech, 323 00:11:05,039 --> 00:11:07,039 namely, a profound, 324 00:11:07,039 --> 00:11:09,039 piercing understanding of legal disputes, 325 00:11:09,039 --> 00:11:11,039 along with sound, 326 00:11:11,039 --> 00:11:13,070 decisive verdicts in all conflicts. 327 00:11:13,070 --> 00:11:15,070 It also encompasses eloquence of address 328 00:11:15,070 --> 00:11:17,070 and mastery of speech; 329 00:11:17,070 --> 00:11:19,070 indeed, he was the first to use the phrase 330 00:11:19,070 --> 00:11:21,070 "amma ba'd" (to proceed), 331 00:11:21,070 --> 00:11:23,070 whenever he intended to transition to a new subject. 332 00:11:23,070 --> 00:11:26,029 Furthermore, Allah granted 333 00:11:26,029 --> 00:11:28,029 David, peace be upon him, the Psalms (Zabur), 334 00:11:28,029 --> 00:11:30,029 which was a scripture 335 00:11:30,029 --> 00:11:32,029 revealed from Allah 336 00:11:32,029 --> 00:11:34,029 comprising one hundred and fifty chapters, 337 00:11:34,029 --> 00:11:36,029 all consisting of supplications, 338 00:11:36,029 --> 00:11:38,029 glorification, and praise 339 00:11:38,029 --> 00:11:40,029 of Allah, Mighty and Majestic. 340 00:11:40,029 --> 00:11:42,029 It contained no rulings of the permissible and impermissible, 341 00:11:42,029 --> 00:11:44,029 nor prescribed obligations, 342 00:11:44,029 --> 00:11:46,029 nor legal penalties. 343 00:11:46,029 --> 00:11:48,029 Its recitation was made exceptionally effortless for him; 344 00:11:48,029 --> 00:11:50,029 he would order his mount 345 00:11:50,029 --> 00:11:52,029 to be saddled, 346 00:11:52,029 --> 00:11:54,029 and he would finish reciting the entire Zabur 347 00:11:54,029 --> 00:11:56,100 before the saddling of his mount was completed. 348 00:11:56,100 --> 00:11:58,100 Among that which was inscribed in it: 349 00:11:58,100 --> 00:12:00,100 “And verily we have written in the Scripture, after the Reminder: My righteous slaves will inherit the earth:” (21:105) 350 00:12:00,100 --> 00:12:02,100 "the righteous servants of Allah," 351 00:12:02,100 --> 00:12:04,100 referring to Muhammad, 352 00:12:04,100 --> 00:12:06,100 peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and his Ummah. 353 00:12:06,100 --> 00:12:09,179 Allah also blessed him 354 00:12:09,179 --> 00:12:11,179 with a melodious, remarkably sweet voice; 355 00:12:11,179 --> 00:12:13,179 whenever 356 00:12:13,179 --> 00:12:15,179 he chanted praises to Allah with it, 357 00:12:15,179 --> 00:12:17,179 the firm, towering, 358 00:12:17,179 --> 00:12:19,179 solid mountains would echo praises alongside him, 359 00:12:19,179 --> 00:12:21,179 and the birds would halt in midair 360 00:12:21,179 --> 00:12:23,179 as they flew out at dawn 361 00:12:23,179 --> 00:12:25,179 and returned at dusk, 362 00:12:25,179 --> 00:12:27,179 responding to his chanting in all their various tongues. 363 00:12:27,179 --> 00:12:29,179 Everyone who heard him was enchanted by it, 364 00:12:29,179 --> 00:12:31,179 from among humans, jinn, 365 00:12:31,179 --> 00:12:33,179 birds, and mountains, 366 00:12:33,179 --> 00:12:35,179 so they all glorified Allah along with him, 367 00:12:35,179 --> 00:12:37,179 and he would earn the reward 368 00:12:37,179 --> 00:12:39,179 for their glorification 369 00:12:39,179 --> 00:12:41,279 since he was the cause of it. 370 00:12:41,279 --> 00:12:43,279 In the Sahih, it is related 371 00:12:43,279 --> 00:12:45,279 that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 372 00:12:45,279 --> 00:12:47,279 once heard the voice of Abu Musa 373 00:12:47,279 --> 00:12:49,279 al-Ash'ari, may Allah be pleased with him, 374 00:12:49,279 --> 00:12:51,279 reciting during the night; 375 00:12:51,279 --> 00:12:53,279 he paused to listen 376 00:12:53,279 --> 00:12:55,279 to his recitation, 377 00:12:55,279 --> 00:12:57,279 and then said: 378 00:12:57,279 --> 00:12:59,279 "This man has indeed been granted one of the flutes 379 00:12:59,279 --> 00:13:01,279 from the musical instruments of the family of David." 380 00:13:01,279 --> 00:13:04,720 Allah, Exalted is He, 381 00:13:04,720 --> 00:13:06,720 also described David, peace be upon him, 382 00:13:06,720 --> 00:13:08,720 as being "awwab," 383 00:13:08,720 --> 00:13:10,720 meaning one who constantly turns 384 00:13:10,720 --> 00:13:12,720 to Allah in repentance and devotion, 385 00:13:12,720 --> 00:13:14,720 and as "dhal-ayd" (possessor of strength), 386 00:13:14,720 --> 00:13:16,720 meaning that he possessed 387 00:13:16,720 --> 00:13:18,720 great strength and endurance in acts of obedience 388 00:13:18,720 --> 00:13:20,820 and worship. 389 00:13:20,820 --> 00:13:22,820 It is recorded in the Sahihayn that the Messenger of Allah, 390 00:13:22,820 --> 00:13:24,820 peace be upon him, 391 00:13:24,820 --> 00:13:26,850 said: 392 00:13:26,850 --> 00:13:28,850 "The most beloved prayer to Allah 393 00:13:28,850 --> 00:13:30,850 is the prayer of David, 394 00:13:30,850 --> 00:13:32,850 and the most beloved fast to Allah 395 00:13:32,850 --> 00:13:34,850 is the fasting of David. 396 00:13:34,850 --> 00:13:36,850 He used to sleep half of the night, 397 00:13:36,850 --> 00:13:38,850 pray for a third of it, 398 00:13:38,850 --> 00:13:40,850 and sleep for its sixth. 399 00:13:40,850 --> 00:13:42,850 He would also fast on alternate days, 400 00:13:42,850 --> 00:13:44,850 fasting one day and not fasting the next, 401 00:13:44,850 --> 00:13:47,940 and he never fled when facing the enemy." 402 00:13:47,940 --> 00:13:49,940 Allah also praised David, 403 00:13:49,940 --> 00:13:51,940 peace be upon him, with patience, 404 00:13:51,940 --> 00:13:53,940 and He commanded our Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 405 00:13:53,940 --> 00:13:55,940 to be patient with the harm of Quraysh, 406 00:13:55,940 --> 00:13:57,940 reminding him 407 00:13:57,940 --> 00:13:59,940 of the patience of Dawud (David), peace be upon him, 408 00:13:59,940 --> 00:14:01,940 so that he might follow his example. 409 00:14:01,940 --> 00:14:03,940 Allah Almighty said: 410 00:14:03,940 --> 00:14:06,220 "Be patient over what they say 411 00:14:06,220 --> 00:14:08,220 and remember 412 00:14:08,220 --> 00:14:10,220 Our servant, Dawud, 413 00:14:10,220 --> 00:14:12,220 the possessor of strength; indeed, he was 414 00:14:12,220 --> 00:14:14,220 repeatedly turning back to Allah. 415 00:14:14,220 --> 00:14:16,220 Indeed, We 416 00:14:16,220 --> 00:14:18,220 subjected the mountains with him, 417 00:14:18,220 --> 00:14:20,220 exalting Allah in the evening 418 00:14:20,220 --> 00:14:22,220 and at sunrise, 419 00:14:22,220 --> 00:14:24,220 and the birds gathered, 420 00:14:24,220 --> 00:14:26,220 each to Him 421 00:14:26,220 --> 00:14:28,220 turning back. 422 00:14:28,220 --> 00:14:30,220 And We strengthened his kingdom 423 00:14:30,220 --> 00:14:32,220 and gave him wisdom 424 00:14:32,220 --> 00:14:34,220 and sound judgment." 425 00:14:34,220 --> 00:14:38,049 And Allah, 426 00:14:38,049 --> 00:14:40,049 Glorified and Exalted be He, 427 00:14:40,049 --> 00:14:42,049 favored Dawud, peace be upon him, with something 428 00:14:42,049 --> 00:14:44,049 that was given to no one before him 429 00:14:44,049 --> 00:14:46,049 nor after him: 430 00:14:46,049 --> 00:14:48,139 He softened iron for him. 431 00:14:48,139 --> 00:14:50,139 Iron in his hands was 432 00:14:50,139 --> 00:14:52,139 like wax and dough; 433 00:14:52,139 --> 00:14:54,139 he could fashion whatever he willed from it 434 00:14:54,139 --> 00:14:56,139 without fire or striking 435 00:14:56,139 --> 00:14:58,590 with a hammer. 436 00:14:58,590 --> 00:15:00,590 It is narrated that Dawud, peace be upon him, 437 00:15:00,590 --> 00:15:02,590 used to go out in disguise 438 00:15:02,590 --> 00:15:04,590 and ask the people about their king, 439 00:15:04,590 --> 00:15:06,590 Dawud, and about his conduct. 440 00:15:06,590 --> 00:15:08,590 He would not ask anyone 441 00:15:08,590 --> 00:15:10,590 without them praising him with good. 442 00:15:10,590 --> 00:15:12,659 Then Allah sent 443 00:15:12,659 --> 00:15:14,659 an angel in the form of a man. 444 00:15:14,659 --> 00:15:16,659 Dawud met him 445 00:15:16,659 --> 00:15:18,659 and asked him just as he was accustomed to 446 00:15:18,659 --> 00:15:20,659 ask others. 447 00:15:20,659 --> 00:15:22,659 He said, "He is the best of people 448 00:15:22,659 --> 00:15:24,659 for himself and for his nation, 449 00:15:24,659 --> 00:15:26,659 except that he has one trait: 450 00:15:26,659 --> 00:15:28,659 if it were not for it, 451 00:15:28,659 --> 00:15:30,750 he would be complete." 452 00:15:30,750 --> 00:15:32,750 Dawud asked, "And what is it?" 453 00:15:32,750 --> 00:15:34,750 He replied, "He eats 454 00:15:34,750 --> 00:15:36,750 and feeds his family 455 00:15:36,750 --> 00:15:38,750 from the public treasury of the Muslims." 456 00:15:38,750 --> 00:15:40,909 At that moment, 457 00:15:40,909 --> 00:15:42,909 Dawud, peace be upon him, turned 458 00:15:42,909 --> 00:15:44,909 toward his Lord in supplication, 459 00:15:44,909 --> 00:15:46,909 asking Him to teach him a craft 460 00:15:46,909 --> 00:15:48,909 by which he could be self-sufficient and sustain himself, 461 00:15:48,909 --> 00:15:51,009 and feed his family. 462 00:15:51,009 --> 00:15:53,009 So Allah softened iron for him 463 00:15:53,009 --> 00:15:55,009 and taught him the craft of making coats of chainmail; 464 00:15:55,009 --> 00:15:57,009 he was the first to make them. 465 00:15:57,009 --> 00:15:59,009 Allah instructed him 466 00:15:59,009 --> 00:16:01,009 to make them full-length coats of mail 467 00:16:01,009 --> 00:16:03,009 that cover the entire body, 468 00:16:03,009 --> 00:16:05,009 and to measure 469 00:16:05,009 --> 00:16:07,009 the links precisely: 470 00:16:07,009 --> 00:16:09,009 neither too small 471 00:16:09,009 --> 00:16:11,009 so as to weigh down the warrior, 472 00:16:11,009 --> 00:16:13,009 nor too loose 473 00:16:13,009 --> 00:16:15,009 such that spears could penetrate them 474 00:16:15,009 --> 00:16:17,009 and swords could cut through them, 475 00:16:17,009 --> 00:16:19,009 but rather balanced between that. 476 00:16:19,009 --> 00:16:21,200 Allah Almighty said: 477 00:16:21,200 --> 00:16:23,620 "And We certainly gave 478 00:16:23,620 --> 00:16:25,620 Dawud from Us 479 00:16:25,620 --> 00:16:27,620 bounty: 480 00:16:27,620 --> 00:16:29,620 'O mountains, repeat Our praises 481 00:16:29,620 --> 00:16:31,620 with him, and the birds as well.' 482 00:16:31,620 --> 00:16:33,620 And We softened 483 00:16:33,620 --> 00:16:35,620 for him iron: 484 00:16:37,620 --> 00:16:39,620 'Make full coats of mail 485 00:16:39,620 --> 00:16:41,620 and calculate precisely the links, 486 00:16:41,620 --> 00:16:43,620 and work righteousness. 487 00:16:43,620 --> 00:16:45,620 Indeed I, of whatever 488 00:16:45,620 --> 00:16:47,620 you do, am All-Seeing.'" 489 00:16:50,220 --> 00:16:52,220 Thus, Dawud, peace be upon him, 490 00:16:52,220 --> 00:16:54,220 used to make coats of mail with his own hands 491 00:16:54,220 --> 00:16:56,220 and sell them; 492 00:16:56,220 --> 00:16:58,220 he would eat from their price 493 00:16:58,220 --> 00:17:00,289 and give in charity. 494 00:17:00,289 --> 00:17:02,289 For despite being a king 495 00:17:02,289 --> 00:17:04,289 whom Allah had established firmly in the earth, 496 00:17:04,289 --> 00:17:06,289 nevertheless he would not 497 00:17:06,289 --> 00:17:08,289 eat except from the work of his own hands. 498 00:17:08,289 --> 00:17:11,819 One day, 499 00:17:11,819 --> 00:17:13,819 while Dawud, peace be upon him, 500 00:17:13,819 --> 00:17:15,819 was alone by himself, 501 00:17:15,819 --> 00:17:17,819 worshiping in his sanctuary, 502 00:17:17,819 --> 00:17:19,819 having closed his door, 503 00:17:19,819 --> 00:17:21,890 he was startled by a group 504 00:17:21,890 --> 00:17:23,890 scaling the walls of the sanctuary upon him. 505 00:17:23,890 --> 00:17:25,890 He was terrified of them 506 00:17:25,890 --> 00:17:27,890 because they had entered upon him 507 00:17:27,890 --> 00:17:29,890 at an unusual time 508 00:17:29,890 --> 00:17:31,890 and without seeking permission, 509 00:17:31,890 --> 00:17:33,890 and because of how they managed 510 00:17:33,890 --> 00:17:35,890 to bypass all the guards 511 00:17:35,890 --> 00:17:37,950 and reach him. 512 00:17:37,950 --> 00:17:39,950 In reality, 513 00:17:39,950 --> 00:17:41,950 they were none other than 514 00:17:41,950 --> 00:17:43,950 angels. 515 00:17:43,950 --> 00:17:45,950 They said to him, 516 00:17:45,950 --> 00:17:48,049 "Do not fear. 517 00:17:48,049 --> 00:17:50,049 We are two disputants who have differed 518 00:17:50,049 --> 00:17:52,049 between ourselves, 519 00:17:52,049 --> 00:17:54,049 and we have come to you so that you may judge 520 00:17:54,049 --> 00:17:56,049 between us with truth. 521 00:17:56,079 --> 00:17:58,079 Do not exceed the bounds by inclining 522 00:17:58,079 --> 00:18:00,079 toward either party." 523 00:18:00,079 --> 00:18:02,400 One of the disputants said, 524 00:18:02,400 --> 00:18:04,400 "Indeed, this is my brother; 525 00:18:04,400 --> 00:18:06,400 “Lo! this my brother hath ninety and nine ewes while I had one ewe; and he said: Entrust it to me, and he conquered me in speech.” (38:23) 526 00:18:06,400 --> 00:18:08,400 and I have only one, 527 00:18:08,400 --> 00:18:10,400 yet he demanded it from me 528 00:18:10,400 --> 00:18:12,400 to add it to his ewes, 529 00:18:12,400 --> 00:18:14,400 and he pressured me 530 00:18:14,400 --> 00:18:16,400 and overpowered me in speech 531 00:18:16,400 --> 00:18:18,400 because he is stronger 532 00:18:18,400 --> 00:18:20,529 and more articulate than I am." 533 00:18:20,529 --> 00:18:22,529 Faced with this matter 534 00:18:22,529 --> 00:18:24,529 which seemed so clear, 535 00:18:24,529 --> 00:18:26,529 and with his brother raising no objection 536 00:18:26,529 --> 00:18:28,529 to what he said, 537 00:18:28,529 --> 00:18:30,529 Dawud did not hesitate to say 538 00:18:30,529 --> 00:18:32,529 in his judgment: 539 00:18:32,529 --> 00:18:34,529 “(David) said: He hath wronged thee in demanding thine ewe in addition to his ewes, and lo! many partners oppress one another, save such as believe and do good works, and they are few. And David guessed that We had tried him, and he sought forgiveness of his Lord, and he bowed himself and fell down prostrate and repented.” (38:24) 540 00:18:34,529 --> 00:18:36,529 "to his ewes." 541 00:18:36,529 --> 00:18:38,529 That was before he had heard 542 00:18:38,529 --> 00:18:40,589 from the other party. 543 00:18:40,589 --> 00:18:42,589 Thereupon, the two disputants vanished, 544 00:18:42,589 --> 00:18:44,589 and Dawud, 545 00:18:44,589 --> 00:18:46,589 peace be upon him, realized his mistake. 546 00:18:46,589 --> 00:18:48,589 He knew that this 547 00:18:48,589 --> 00:18:50,589 was a test for him from Allah; 548 00:18:50,589 --> 00:18:52,589 he ought to 549 00:18:52,589 --> 00:18:54,589 have heard from both parties 550 00:18:54,589 --> 00:18:56,589 before issuing a ruling. 551 00:18:56,589 --> 00:18:58,589 Therefore, he fell down 552 00:18:58,589 --> 00:19:00,589 prostrating to Allah Almighty 553 00:19:00,589 --> 00:19:03,200 and repented. 554 00:19:03,200 --> 00:19:05,200 Allah Almighty said: 555 00:19:05,200 --> 00:19:07,490 "And has there come to you 556 00:19:07,490 --> 00:19:09,490 the news of the disputants, when they climbed over the wall of 557 00:19:09,490 --> 00:19:11,490 the sanctuary? 558 00:19:11,490 --> 00:19:13,490 “How they burst in upon David, and he was afraid of them. They said: Be not afraid! (We are) two litigants, one of whom hath wronged the other, therefor judge aright between us; be not unjust; and show us the fair way.” (38:22) 559 00:19:13,490 --> 00:19:15,490 When they entered upon Dawud and he was frightened of them, 560 00:19:15,490 --> 00:19:17,490 they said, 'Fear not. 561 00:19:17,490 --> 00:19:19,490 We are two disputants, one of whom has wronged 562 00:19:19,490 --> 00:19:21,490 the other, 563 00:19:21,490 --> 00:19:23,490 so judge between us 564 00:19:23,490 --> 00:19:25,490 with truth, 565 00:19:25,490 --> 00:19:27,490 so judge between us with truth 566 00:19:27,490 --> 00:19:29,490 and do not exceed the bounds, 567 00:19:29,490 --> 00:19:31,490 and guide us to the even 568 00:19:31,490 --> 00:19:33,490 path. 569 00:19:33,490 --> 00:19:35,490 Indeed, this 570 00:19:35,490 --> 00:19:37,490 is my brother; he has ninety-nine 571 00:19:37,490 --> 00:19:39,490 ewes, 572 00:19:39,490 --> 00:19:41,490 while I have one ewe, 573 00:19:41,490 --> 00:19:43,490 while I have one ewe, 574 00:19:43,490 --> 00:19:45,490 so he said, 575 00:19:45,490 --> 00:19:47,490 "Entrust it to me," 576 00:19:47,490 --> 00:19:49,490 and he overpowered me in speech.' 577 00:19:49,490 --> 00:19:51,490 Dawud said, 'He has certainly 578 00:19:51,490 --> 00:19:53,490 wronged you in demanding 579 00:19:53,490 --> 00:19:55,490 your ewe in addition to his ewes. 580 00:19:55,490 --> 00:19:57,490 And indeed, many 581 00:19:57,490 --> 00:19:59,490 partners 582 00:19:59,490 --> 00:20:01,490 oppress 583 00:20:01,490 --> 00:20:03,490 one another, 584 00:20:03,490 --> 00:20:05,490 oppress one another, 585 00:20:05,490 --> 00:20:07,490 except those who believe 586 00:20:07,490 --> 00:20:09,490 and do righteous deeds— 587 00:20:09,490 --> 00:20:11,490 and few are they.' 588 00:20:11,490 --> 00:20:13,490 And Dawud became certain 589 00:20:13,490 --> 00:20:15,490 that We had only tested him, 590 00:20:15,490 --> 00:20:17,490 so he asked forgiveness of 591 00:20:17,490 --> 00:20:19,490 his Lord 592 00:20:19,490 --> 00:20:21,490 and fell down bowing 593 00:20:21,490 --> 00:20:23,490 and repented. 594 00:20:23,490 --> 00:20:25,490 So We forgave him that; 595 00:20:25,490 --> 00:20:27,490 and indeed, for him 596 00:20:27,490 --> 00:20:29,490 with Us 597 00:20:29,490 --> 00:20:31,490 is a near access 598 00:20:31,490 --> 00:20:33,490 and a good place of return. 599 00:20:33,490 --> 00:20:35,490 'O Dawud, 600 00:20:35,490 --> 00:20:37,490 indeed We have made you 601 00:20:37,490 --> 00:20:39,490 a successor upon the earth, 602 00:20:39,490 --> 00:20:41,490 so judge between the people 603 00:20:41,490 --> 00:20:43,490 in truth, 604 00:20:43,490 --> 00:20:45,490 "So judge between the people 605 00:20:45,490 --> 00:20:47,490 in truth, 606 00:20:47,490 --> 00:20:49,490 so judge between the people 607 00:20:49,490 --> 00:20:51,490 in truth, 608 00:20:51,490 --> 00:20:53,490 and do not follow desire, 609 00:20:53,490 --> 00:20:55,490 lest it mislead you from the path 610 00:20:55,490 --> 00:20:57,490 of Allah." 611 00:20:57,490 --> 00:20:59,490 "Indeed, those who go astray 612 00:20:59,490 --> 00:21:01,490 from the path of Allah 613 00:21:01,490 --> 00:21:03,490 will have a punishment 614 00:21:03,490 --> 00:21:05,490 severe, 615 00:21:05,490 --> 00:21:07,490 will have a punishment 616 00:21:07,490 --> 00:21:09,490 severe, 617 00:21:09,490 --> 00:21:13,059 because they forgot the Day 618 00:21:13,059 --> 00:21:15,059 of Reckoning." 619 00:21:15,059 --> 00:21:17,059 Dear honorable brothers, 620 00:21:17,059 --> 00:21:19,059 the Prophet of Allah 621 00:21:19,059 --> 00:21:21,059 Dawud, peace be upon him, 622 00:21:21,059 --> 00:21:23,180 has been mentioned in the Qur'an sixteen times. 623 00:21:23,180 --> 00:21:25,180 And from his story, 624 00:21:25,180 --> 00:21:27,180 we derive many lessons 625 00:21:27,180 --> 00:21:29,599 and morals. 626 00:21:29,599 --> 00:21:31,599 Among them is that Allah's Sunnah 627 00:21:31,599 --> 00:21:33,599 is executed among His creation, 628 00:21:33,599 --> 00:21:35,599 just as He destroyed the leader of the Amalekites, Goliath (Jalut), 629 00:21:35,599 --> 00:21:37,599 by the slingshot of Dawud, 630 00:21:37,599 --> 00:21:39,599 peace be upon him, 631 00:21:39,599 --> 00:21:41,599 and destroyed his people, who possessed superior numbers 632 00:21:41,599 --> 00:21:43,599 and equipment, 633 00:21:43,599 --> 00:21:45,599 through merely three hundred and a dozen or so 634 00:21:45,599 --> 00:21:48,210 men who believed in Allah. 635 00:21:48,210 --> 00:21:50,210 High positions do not alter 636 00:21:50,210 --> 00:21:52,210 a person's true character. 637 00:21:52,210 --> 00:21:54,210 For Dawud, peace be upon him, 638 00:21:54,210 --> 00:21:56,210 despite the kingdom and immense wealth he possessed, 639 00:21:56,210 --> 00:21:58,210 was nonetheless a blacksmith 640 00:21:58,210 --> 00:22:00,210 who ate from the labor of his own hands, 641 00:22:00,210 --> 00:22:02,210 and he was constant in fasting and standing in night prayer, 642 00:22:02,210 --> 00:22:04,210 abundant in the remembrance and glorification 643 00:22:04,210 --> 00:22:06,210 of Allah Almighty. 644 00:22:06,210 --> 00:22:09,039 The grace of Allah Almighty 645 00:22:09,039 --> 00:22:11,039 upon Dawud, peace be upon him: 646 00:22:11,039 --> 00:22:13,039 Adam, peace be upon him, saw him 647 00:22:13,039 --> 00:22:15,039 in the primordial realm ('Alam al-Dharr) 648 00:22:15,039 --> 00:22:17,039 among his descendants, 649 00:22:17,039 --> 00:22:19,039 and between his eyes 650 00:22:19,039 --> 00:22:21,039 was a shining glimmer of light. 651 00:22:21,039 --> 00:22:23,039 So he asked about him, 652 00:22:23,039 --> 00:22:25,039 and Allah said: 653 00:22:25,039 --> 00:22:27,039 "This is a righteous servant 654 00:22:27,039 --> 00:22:29,039 from among the latter generations of your offspring." 655 00:22:29,039 --> 00:22:32,190 Allah Almighty 656 00:22:32,190 --> 00:22:34,190 praises and loves 657 00:22:34,190 --> 00:22:36,190 strength in His obedience— 658 00:22:36,190 --> 00:22:38,190 strength of both heart and body. 659 00:22:38,190 --> 00:22:40,190 For indeed, there results from it 660 00:22:40,190 --> 00:22:42,190 effects of obedience, its excellence, 661 00:22:42,190 --> 00:22:44,190 and its abundance 662 00:22:44,190 --> 00:22:46,190 such as cannot be attained with feebleness 663 00:22:46,190 --> 00:22:48,190 and lack of strength. 664 00:22:48,190 --> 00:22:50,190 And a servant ought to adopt 665 00:22:50,190 --> 00:22:52,190 the means to attain it, 666 00:22:52,190 --> 00:22:54,190 and not succumb to laziness and idleness, 667 00:22:54,190 --> 00:22:56,190 which compromise strength 668 00:22:56,190 --> 00:22:59,339 and weaken the soul. 669 00:22:59,339 --> 00:23:01,339 Allah Almighty's care 670 00:23:01,339 --> 00:23:03,339 for His prophets and chosen ones 671 00:23:03,339 --> 00:23:05,339 whenever any lapse occurs on their part, 672 00:23:05,339 --> 00:23:07,339 by trying 673 00:23:07,339 --> 00:23:09,339 and testing them 674 00:23:09,339 --> 00:23:11,339 with that which removes the shortcoming from them, 675 00:23:11,339 --> 00:23:13,339 so that they return 676 00:23:13,339 --> 00:23:15,339 to a state even more perfect than their initial one. 677 00:23:15,339 --> 00:23:18,589 The utter forbearance 678 00:23:18,589 --> 00:23:20,589 of Dawud, peace be upon him: 679 00:23:20,589 --> 00:23:22,589 for he did not become angry with the two litigants 680 00:23:22,589 --> 00:23:24,589 when they entered upon him without permission— 681 00:23:24,589 --> 00:23:26,589 even though he was the king— 682 00:23:26,589 --> 00:23:28,589 nor did he rebuke them 683 00:23:28,589 --> 00:23:31,579 or scold them. 684 00:23:31,579 --> 00:23:33,579 A servant ought to accept 685 00:23:33,579 --> 00:23:35,579 admonition and sincere counsel, 686 00:23:35,579 --> 00:23:37,579 even if he is of great status 687 00:23:37,579 --> 00:23:39,579 and profound knowledge. 688 00:23:39,579 --> 00:23:41,579 Thus, if anyone admonishes or advises him, 689 00:23:41,579 --> 00:23:43,579 he should not grow angry or feel resentful, 690 00:23:43,579 --> 00:23:45,579 but rather hasten to accept it 691 00:23:45,579 --> 00:23:47,579 and show gratitude. 692 00:23:47,579 --> 00:23:49,579 For the two disputants admonished Dawud, 693 00:23:49,579 --> 00:23:51,579 peace be upon him, 694 00:23:51,579 --> 00:23:54,539 yet he was neither resentful nor angered. 695 00:23:54,539 --> 00:23:56,539 Mingling among 696 00:23:56,539 --> 00:23:58,539 relatives and associates, 697 00:23:58,539 --> 00:24:00,539 and worldly and financial dealings 698 00:24:00,539 --> 00:24:02,539 between them, 699 00:24:02,539 --> 00:24:04,539 tend to incite enmity among them 700 00:24:04,539 --> 00:24:06,539 and cause some of them to wrong 701 00:24:06,539 --> 00:24:08,609 one another; 702 00:24:08,609 --> 00:24:10,609 and nothing restrains from that 703 00:24:10,609 --> 00:24:12,609 except practicing the consciousness of Allah, 704 00:24:12,609 --> 00:24:14,609 exercising patience in all matters 705 00:24:14,609 --> 00:24:16,609 through faith and righteous deeds. 706 00:24:16,609 --> 00:24:18,609 And indeed, this is among the rarest 707 00:24:18,609 --> 00:24:23,069 of traits among people. 708 00:24:23,069 --> 00:24:25,069 To be continued, 709 00:24:25,069 --> 00:24:27,069 if Allah wills. 710 00:24:27,069 --> 00:24:29,069 And Allah knows best. 711 00:24:29,069 --> 00:24:31,069 And may the peace and blessings of Allah be 712 00:24:31,069 --> 00:24:33,069 upon our Prophet Muhammad, 713 00:24:33,069 --> 00:24:35,069 and upon his family 714 00:24:35,069 --> 00:24:37,069 and all his Companions. 715 00:24:37,069 --> 00:24:40,259 You were listening to Stories 716 00:24:40,259 --> 00:24:49,200 of the Prophets.