Dawud was not only recognized as a respected king; he was also a Messenger chosen by Allah. He was given a divine revelation intended to supplement the Torah, which is known in Islamic tradition as the Zabur, and is recognized biblically as the Psalms. Through this revelation, Allah informed the people about His guidance and the significance of obedience.

The Qur’an highlights that Allah chose some Prophets over others, and among them was Dawud, who exemplified wisdom, courage, and devotion to Allah. His story is intertwined with teachings that inspire individuals to approach their lives with faith and patience. He was the first person to be both a prophet and a king to the children of Israel.

Significantly, the Qur’an recounts an episode from Dawud’s life that showcases his bravery and reliance on Allah. It tells of the time when the leaders of the children of Israel requested from one of their prophets a king to lead them against the Philistines. The wanted to earn the right to fulfill the promise from Allah. Allah told them if they go to the promised land with sincerity and willingness to sacrifice and put the effort to follow Allah’s command, then they would win over the nonbelievers who ruled the promised land. Talut, recognized as Saul in biblical tradition, was anointed king by Allah for them, although he initially faced resistance from his people. They told the prophet of Allah that Talut is not rich, and that they had people who are more deserving to be a king than him. This shows how they used to receive the commands of Allah by disrespect and rejection. The prophet told them that Allah chose Talut from among them and gave him advantage both physique and knowledge. Eventually, Talut led a campaign against the Philistines, with Dawud as a member of his army.

Talut did a test on his army to make sure only those who are true believers would continue the journey with him. He told the army that they will be passing a river soon and that no soldier is allowed to drink from it except one handful sip. Most soldiers drank from the river and left the army. Only few endured threw their thirst and temptation and continued with Talut.

Some of the remaining soldiers then told Talut, “We are too few now to be able to confront the army of Jalut.” Some of the true believers replied “There are many occasions where few were able to overtake many in battle. Allah is with the enduring believers”

When the two armies faced each other, King Talus’s (Saul’s) soldiers were paralyzed with fear at Jalut’s (Goliath’s) taunts and might. He had challenged anyone from Talut’s army to single combat, but none dared to step forward. In a moment of unexpected bravery, a young man named Dawud (David), volunteered to face Jalut (Goliath). Despite being the youngest and initially not even allowed to fight, Dawud’s courage shone through.

Equipped with a sling and a few stones according to some sources, Dawud approached the formidable Jalut, who mocked him. With a bold declaration, David stated his faith that Allah would grant him victory, revealing the power of divine will over brute strength. With one powerful shot from his sling, David struck Jalut down, leading the Israelites to a decisive victory and reclaiming their lost honor. They finally won the promised land.

Talut (Saul) eventually died, and Dawud was chosen as the new king of Israelites.

After the defeat of the nonbelievers, Dawud succeeded Talut as king. His reign was marked by the revival of unity among the tribes of Israel, which had become divided. Not only was Dawud notable for his leadership abilities, but he was also granted the knowledge of metallurgy, particularly in crafting chain-mail armor. This skill indicated his role as a ruler and a protector of his people. Allah taught Dawud how to make this metal suit to protect soldiers in war.

The Qur’an mentions his life’s challenges and responsibilities, painting a portrait of a leader who fervently sought to uphold justice and maintain the welfare of his subjects. His capacity to render fair judgments is well documented, showcasing his wisdom and fair-mindedness.

Throughout his reign, David maintained a deep connection with Allah. He was a prophet and messenger of Allah. He was known for his melodious voice when reciting the Zabur (Psalms) that sounded like singing, which was so captivating that creation joined him in glorification of Allah. The mountains, animals, and birds joined him in the prayers according to Quran. His commitment to worship was evident in his routines, as he divided his days into time for rest, prayer, listening to the needs of his people, and teaching them. According to Hadeeth Daud used to fast half the year.

David’s leadership was not only characterized by his strength in battle but also by his compassion and application of justice. He practiced fasting and prayer, as well as engaging in trade to avoid burdening his people financially.

Dawud was the first king and prophet at the same time to be anointed by Allah for the children of Israel. He founded the kingdom on the principle of justice and the following of Allah’s commands.

Dawud organized his days into days to rule the kingdom and to respond to people’s requests, pleas, and to take the role of a judge between adversaries. Other days were dedicated for worship and prayer. Allah gave Dawud wisdom, and knowledge. His Son Soliman (Solomon) was also given wisdom and knowledge. Sometimes they shared the court sessions. According to authentic Hadeeth, Dawud fasted a day and broke his fast the next day for the whole year. He slept half the night and prayed for the other half. He also used to make his own food with his own hands even though he was a king.

According to the authentic Hadeeth, when Allah created Adam the father of humans, he showed him a glimpse of his future offspring. One of them drew his attention so he asked Allah about him. Allah said to Adam this is Dawud, and he will be a prophet. Adam asked how long he will live, and Allah said sixty years. Adam asked Allah to take fourty years of his life and to add it to Dawud’s life. Allah accepted that request from Adam.

Dawud was a just and beloved king by his people. He went into many wars to defend his kingdom. He was courageous and God fearing. He used to sit in court judging between people. When his son Suliman grew up he used to join him in court.

One day, two adversaries came to Dawud’s court. One of them was a farmer and the other was a sheep herder. The farmer as the plaintiff said that the sheep of the defendant ate his crops in the night and this caused him the loss of his crops. Dawud made a ruing to give the herd of sheep that caused the damage to the farmer. Suliman had another legal opinion. He recommended to swap the farm and the herd of sheep between the two adversaries until the farm grows back its crops. This meant the shepherd would have to work to make up for the damage his sheep caused, and the farmer would benefit from using the sheep herd during that time. The Quran mentions that in this case Allah inspired Suliman the understanding of the better judgment and that Allah gave both the father and the son good judgment and knowledge.

In another case, two women came to Dawud and Suliman. Each of them had a baby, but a wolf came and took one of them. They were disputing over the other baby where each of them claimed it is her baby. When they listened to them Dawud Judged for the elder one as the true mother of the remaining baby. Suliman had another idea. He asked the soldiers to cut the baby into two halves and to give each women a half. One of them immediately said ‘no, give the baby to her’ pointing to the other woman. Suliman knew that this was the real mother who acted immediately with her mother instinct. He ruled for her to take the baby.

A conspiring Dawud: One of the more controversial aspects of Dawud’s story involves his relationship with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah. According to the Biblical text, despite being a Prophet, Dawud faced trials that tested his character and judgment. He wanted to take the wife of one of his army leaders for himself, so he conspired to send the husband to the front lines of battles and as a result the husband was killed, and Dawud married the wife. Islam rejects this story and offers correction to the biography of Daud as a revered and pious prophet and messenger of Allah.

A lesson in justice: According to Islam, one day Dawud was in his sanctuary that was surrounded by a high fence. He suddenly found two persons standing in front of him in his special place of worship and prayer. He was startled by their presence, but they told him, don’t be afraid we are two adversaries, and we are looking for your just judgment.

Dawud used to set in his court as a judge between adversaries and to play the role of the judge of the court of his kingdom.

The plaintiff started speaking and said “This is my brother, and he has 99 sheep, and I have one. He said add it to my sheep and he overwhelmed me with his influence.”

Dawud responded “He was unjust to you by asking to take the only sheep you have. Many associates act unjustly with their associates, except those who are pious and God fearing but those are few.” At this moment, Dawud started to realize the situation. Those two are not human beings. They were angels and they were sent to teach him a lesson about a mistake he committed. However, some scholars mention that they were actually human adversaries who climbed the fence to meet Dawud and to have an opportunity to get his advice. In both cases what matters are the lessons behind the story.

The mistake Dawud made was that he spoke too early as a judge, and he did not wait to hear the defendant. This was against the principle of justice that was one of the foundation pillars of his kingdom. The defendant may have told a different story to clear himself. Dawud fell down kneeling and the prostrating to Allah and asking for forgiveness.

Allah forgave Dawud and reminded him that he put him as his Khalif on Earth and that he needs to rule justly and fairly and to make sure he gives the time and opportunity to his people to fulfil his role. That was the incident and that was the lesson learned for Dawud. No women or conspiracies involved as mentioned in biblical text. Dawud was so sensitive to even small mistakes that he was always keen to learn how to correct his approach to governance or justice.

Dawud had many wives that some accounts estimate at around hundred wives. One day he wanted to have a baby with many of them to raise an army for Israelite kingdom. He ignored to associate his intention with saying ‘God’s willing’. This resulted in failure and with no babies to be born. He learned the lesson of paying attention to associating personal intentions with hope and praying for God’s willing to be on his side.

The Qur’an speaks about Dawud’s continuous striving for forgiveness and acceptability before Allah. His ability to recognize his shortcomings and turn back to Allah exemplifies the importance of humility and the pursuit of righteousness. Turning back and consistent repentance by prophets serve as a lesson to their followers.

According to authentic Hadeeth, Dawud said

“Be like a merciful father to the orphan, and know that as you sow, so shall you reap. What is uglier than poverty after wealth, and even more ugly than that is going astray after guidance, and if you promise your companion, fulfill what you promise him, for if you do not, it will create enmity between you and him. And seek refuge in Allah from a companion who, if you remember Allah, does not help you, and if you forget, does not remind you.”

Furthermore, during Dawud’s time, Luqman also emerged as a significant figure known for his wisdom. Though it is not agreed between scholars if he was a prophet, Luqman’s teachings, shared in the Qur’an, advise gratitude towards Allah and caution against polytheism, emphasizing moral integrity and respect for one’s parents.

According to authentic Hadeeth, Luqman was setting with Dawud one day while Dawud was making a new armor as taught by Allah. Luqman, the wise kept silent until Dawud was done and then told Luqman “This is a good armor for protection in war” and Luqman replied “I wanted to ask you, but I know silence and patience is wisdom, so I waited for you and you answered my curiosity”

In summary, the story of Dawud serves as a source of inspiration and guidance for individuals seeking to understand divine justice, the importance of repentance, and the power of sincerity in faith. His life embodies essential themes in Islam, touching on leadership, the quest for knowledge, and the necessity of turning back to Allah with humility. The accounts in the Qur’an celebrate Dawud not only as a king and messenger but also as a man who continually sought to better himself and his society through faith and righteousness. The contrast is clear between the Quran and Bible in how prophets are addressed. Quran confirms the prophets as chosen people with pious life who can make mistakes and get corrected by Allah, but not to commit horrendous crimes or sins.