Dawud (David)

Dawud (David) is both prophet and king. The Quran presents him as a servant full of strength and repentance, to whom God gave kingship, wisdom, and the Zabur (the Psalms). He is the father of Sulayman (Solomon).

Still young, Dawud confronted and killed the giant Jalut (Goliath); God then gave him kingship and wisdom.

God granted him singular gifts: the mountains and birds glorified God alongside him, and iron softened in his hands, from which he crafted coats of mail to protect people. His voice, when reciting the Psalms, was of rare beauty.

Established as a judge among people, Dawud received from God the reminder to judge with equity, without following passion. Once tested by a case brought before him, he understood the warning, sought forgiveness and repented. God forgave him and gifted him with Solomon, his son and heir to his wisdom.

Dawud teaches that power is not a privilege but a responsibility: to govern and judge with equity, without yielding to passion, and to return to God as soon as one has erred.

يَا دَاوُودُ إِنَّا جَعَلْنَاكَ خَلِيفَةً فِي الْأَرْضِ فَاحْكُم بَيْنَ النَّاسِ بِالْحَقِّ وَلَا تَتَّبِعِ الْهَوَىٰ فَيُضِلَّكَ عَن سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ

« David ! Nous avons fait de toi Notre vicaire sur terre. Rends donc justice en toute équité, sans jamais écouter tes passions qui pourraient te détourner de la voie d’Allah. Quiconque, en vérité, s’écarte de la voie du Seigneur est voué à un terrible châtiment pour avoir oublié le Jour du jugement dernier. »

38:26