Lessons from the life of Prophet Dawood: Allah Almighty sent Prophets for the guidance of mankind, to show us the right way. Some of them came with the holy books, and the others showed us guidance through their preaching. Thus, from Adam (A.S) to Muhammad (P.B.U.H), every Prophet came to take out humanity from the pit of destruction.
His son inherited his prophethood too; see the lessons from the story of Prophet Solaiman.
Who was Hazrat Dawud?
Hazrat Dawood was a Prophet and king sent to Bani Israel, centuries after Hazrat Musa. In the time of Hazrat Musa, Banu Israel escaped from Egypt, and later they settled in the land of Palestine. He was among those many people of Bani Israel. He was famous for the bravery and wisdom Allah Almighty bestowed him with. Allah gave him the Zabur (Quran 4:163). He showed the teachings of Zabur to the people of Bani Israel. Zabur is also known as the Book of Psalms.
Main Events from the Life of Hazrat Dawood
Hazrat Dawood’s life has been the epitome of wise judgments, bravery, and perseverance. He remained close to Almighty Allah throughout his life and never for once turned himself away from him. Some of the main events from his life are as follows:
The bravery of Hazrat Dawud
Prophet Dawood, the messenger of Allah,was not only gifted with a holy book, but he was a brave man too. Once, he joined the army of Talut (King Saul) when it marched out to fight the army of Jalut (Quran 2:246-251). The enemy side had a powerful soldier who was called Jalut or Goliath. Because of Jalut, people feared fighting the army, and no one stepped forwards even when the King claimed that he would marry his daughter to anyone who would kill Jalut.
Prophet Dawood, the messenger of Allah,was just a lean boy at that time who stepped forward and received laughter from everyone, but with the help of Allah Prophet, Dawood killed Jalut with just a pebble hurled towards him.
I also recommend that you go through these Lessons from the Story of Prophet Yunus (AS).
Prophet Dawood’s Faith on the Almighty
It was narrated by the Last Prophet of Allah, Hazrat Muhammad(pbuh), that the best prayer with Allah is that of Prophet Dawood. He was sent with the Holy book Zabur upon the famous nation Bani Israel. Prophet Dawood persevered on the path of one God. He slept half the night and stood for prayer for the third part of the night, and then he would sleep for the sixth part of it. He used to observe fast one day and leave it the other day. He would never run away after seeing an enemy.
He had a staunch belief in the Almighty Allah, that he came forward to confront Jalut, even when he knew that he was lean and not that strong. But still, he put all his faith in Allah and stood up for what was right. And he got the reward for it, as he was succeeded before the King that was considered “powerful.”
The Matter of Judgements
The Almighty Allah often tests prophets in many forms to see their reaction to a particular situation or towards certain people. Prophet Dawood, the messenger of Allah, was also tested similarly.Two brothers came to Prophet Dawood one day and asked for his judgment.
The Quran (38:21-25) tells that Dawood then realized that Allah had tested him, so he asked for forgiveness, fell down in prostration and turned back to Allah, and Allah forgave him. Many commentators say the two disputants were angels sent as a test, although the Quran does not state this explicitly.
Revelations and Kingdom
Prophet Dawood was bestowed with the holy Book Zabur. The book of psalms had many messages and warnings for the people of Bani Israel. The kingdom of Prophet Dawood was vast, and he ruled over the Bani Israel for a very long time with his wise judgments and kind heart.
Allah made the mountains and the birds join Prophet Dawood in glorifying Him (Quran 38:18-19, 21:79), and he was blessed with a beautiful voice.
Death of Hazrat Dawud
When Prophet Dawood reached the end of his life on earth, according to reports he began preparing for the construction of the mosque in Jerusalem (Al-Aqsa), the second mosque established on earth after the Sacred Mosque in Makkah (Bukhari, Muslim). It is said that the work was completed by his son, the Prophet Sulaiman. The location of Prophet Dawood’s grave is not established in authentic sources.
Lesson Learned from Story of Prophet Dawood
There are many lessons that we get to learn from the lives of Prophets as Allah chose them to be our guidance in every field and step of life. Some of the lessons that Prophet Dawood taught us in his life are:
4. Keep your faith strong
Throughout his life, Prophet Dawood prayed to Almighty Allah and he prayed so much that he was praised by the last messenger of Allah too. Whenever there was any problem that he countered, he always turned towards Almighty Allah for help. He kept fast one day, skipping the other, and stayed up for prayers when everyone was asleep. Through his life, we get to learn how even when the Almighty destines you to be in a sacred position, even then, you don’t stop praying to him. He was given the status of the king, yet he bowed only in front of Allah, the King of the worlds. Here are some Tips to Keep Your Faith Strong.
3. Make Wise Judgements
From the story of two men who came to Prophet Dawood regarding the judgment of sheep, we learn that the prophets were tested too. When Dawood realized he had been tried, he immediately turned to Allah in repentance and prostration. That’s what our Prophets have taught us; we should always be fair in our judgments no matter what.
2. Earning money with hard work
Like every other Prophet of Allah, Prophet Dawood worked with his hands and earned money for a living. Another important lesson that we learn from his life is always working hard to earn a living no matter what high position you are in. No one can be above the Prophets, and if they lived while earning money, then so should us. Here are some Duas to Increase Rizq & Wealth from the Quran & Sunnah.
1. Good deeds count even after death
A believer’s good deeds can continue to benefit him after death, as the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) taught that the deeds of a person end except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, and a righteous child who prays for him (Muslim). Allah knows best how much reward continues for the works of earlier prophets. So, we should engage in acts to help humanity; it can be even a small thing like planting a tree, that deed won’t ever go in vain, and we will get the reward for it even after our death.
Concluding Remarks
Thus, we see Prophet Dawood’s life is a model for Muslims today. We should incorporate Prophets’ stories in our everyday lives (see also the duas of the Prophets and life lessons from the Quran). This can be done by telling our children about these great personalities. We should make our Ibadah as sincere as the way Prophet Dawood beautifully praised Allah. What amazes me about Prophet Dawood’s life is that he was never arrogant and always humble despite being blessed with a kingdom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which book was given to Prophet Dawood (AS)?
Allah gave him the Zabur (Quran 4:163 and 17:55). It is often compared to the Psalms, but Muslims believe that earlier scriptures were altered over time, so the Quran is the final criterion.
How did Prophet Dawood (AS) defeat Jalut?
The Quran (2:251) says that Dawood killed Jalut by the permission of Allah. Details such as the sling and the stone come from tradition and commentary rather than from the Quran itself.
What was the fasting and prayer of Prophet Dawood (AS)?
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said that the most beloved prayer to Allah is the prayer of Dawood, who slept half the night, stood for a third and slept a sixth, and the most beloved fasting is the fasting of Dawood, who fasted every other day (Bukhari, Muslim). This is not required, and scholars advise against going beyond one’s ability. See also our guide to how to pray Tahajjud.
Who succeeded Prophet Dawood (AS)?
His son Sulaiman (AS), who inherited his knowledge and kingdom (Quran 27:16).
Was Prophet Dawood (AS) a king as well as a prophet?
Yes. Allah strengthened his kingdom and gave him wisdom and decisive speech (Quran 38:20). He also earned his living by his own labor, making armor (Quran 21:80). For personal questions, please ask a qualified scholar.