After Musa, the Children of Israel asked one of their prophets for a king under whom they could fight in Allah's way. The prophet said: Allah has appointed Talut as your king. They objected: he is not rich! The prophet told them Allah had chosen him and increased him in knowledge and strength of body.
The test of the river
Talut set out with the army and said: Allah will test you with a river. Whoever drinks from it is not of my company, except one who takes a single scoop in his hand. But all except a few drank their fill.
Having crossed, the rest said: we have no strength today against Jalut and his army. But those who were certain of meeting Allah said:
“And when Saul went forth with the soldiers, he said, "Indeed, Allāh will be testing you with a river. So whoever drinks from it is not of me, and whoever does not taste it is indeed of me, excepting one who takes [from it] in the hollow of his hand." But they drank from it, except a [very] few of them. Then when he had crossed it along with those who believed with him, they said, "There is no power for us today against Goliath and his soldiers." But those who were certain that they would meet Allāh said, "How many a small company has overcome a large company by permission of Allāh. And Allāh is with the patient."”
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:249
Translation: Saheeh International (QuranEnc)
Facing Jalut's army they prayed: our Lord, pour patience on us, make our feet firm, and help us against the disbelieving people.
By Allah's permission they defeated Jalut's army, and Dawud killed Jalut. Allah gave Dawud kingship and wisdom.
The lesson Not numbers but patience and Allah's permission bring victory.
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Sources and review
• Surah Al-Baqarah 2:246–251 The main events of this story are from the Quran; we have tried not to add details the Quran does not give. Reviewed by: Md. Zubaer Ahammed · 2026-11-11 How we choose sources · Report a mistake