Companions & Great WomenA figure of the Quran

Talut

طالوت

The king Allah chose for the Children of Israel for his knowledge and strength, who led them against Jalut.

QuranSee it in the Atlas
Known as
King of the Children of Israel

Life

When the Children of Israel asked their prophet for a king to fight under, he told them Allah had sent them Talut as king; they objected that he had no wealth and others were worthier, and he answered that Allah had chosen him and increased him in knowledge and stature (2:247).

As-Sa'di explains that his knowledge of leadership and his bodily strength were what courage and good command need, and that kingship is not by wealth or by family. Talut tested his army with a river they were not to drink from, and most drank; with the steadfast few he went against Jalut, whom Dawud killed (2:249-251).

Evidence

QuranAl-Baqara (The Cow)Quran 2:247

وَقَالَ لَهُمْ نَبِيُّهُمْ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ قَدْ بَعَثَ لَكُمْ طَالُوتَ مَلِكًا ۚ قَالُوٓا۟ أَنَّىٰ يَكُونُ لَهُ ٱلْمُلْكُ عَلَيْنَا وَنَحْنُ أَحَقُّ بِٱلْمُلْكِ مِنْهُ وَلَمْ يُؤْتَ سَعَةً مِّنَ ٱلْمَالِ ۚ قَالَ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ ٱصْطَفَىٰهُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَزَادَهُۥ بَسْطَةً فِى ٱلْعِلْمِ وَٱلْجِسْمِ ۖ وَٱللَّهُ يُؤْتِى مُلْكَهُۥ مَن يَشَآءُ ۚ وَٱللَّهُ وَٰسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ ٢٤٧

And their prophet said to them, "Indeed, Allāh has sent to you Saul as a king." They said, "How can he have kingship over us while we are more worthy of kingship than him and he has not been given any measure of wealth?" He said, "Indeed, Allāh has chosen him over you and has increased him abundantly in knowledge and stature. And Allāh gives His sovereignty to whom He wills. And Allāh is all-Encompassing [in favor] and Knowing."

Saheeh International · QuranEnc v1.1.2

Another translation: Al-Hilali & Muhsin Khan · QuranEnc v1.1.2

247. And their Prophet (Samuel عليه السلام) said to them, "Indeed Allâh has appointed Tâlût (Saul) as a king over you." They said, "How can he be a king over us when we are fitter than him for the kingdom, and he has not been given enough wealth." He said: "Verily, Allâh has chosen him above you and has increased him abundantly in knowledge and stature. And Allâh grants His kingdom to whom He wills. And Allâh is All-Sufficient for His creatures’ needs, All-Knower."

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