ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Hayat Al-Qulub, Vol. 1, Stories of the Prophets An account of Dawud Merits, perfections and miracles of Dawud It has been mentioned earlier that Dawud was Allah’s Prophet and he was born circumcised and that he was one of those four messengers whom Allah had selected for fighting with sword (jihad).

Henceforth it will be described that he was named Dawud because he had healed his heart’s wound (which was caused due to Tark al-Awla = giving up the preferable) through affection for Allah. Authentic narrators mention from Imam al-Baqir that Allah did not send, after Nuh any Messenger was also a king except Dhu’l-Qarnayn, Dawud, Sulayman and Yusuf. The kingdom of Dawud was from Syria to Istakhar in Iran.

It is mentioned in a reliable tradition from Imam Ja‘far as-Sadiq that Dawud expired on a Sunday. Birds of the air shaded him with their wings. Allah has said, And we gave wisdom and knowledge; and We made the mountains, and the birds to celebrate Our praise with Dawud; and We were the doers. (21:79) Meaning: It was not beyond our Might and Power. Some say when he started remembrance and praise of Allah, the mountains and the birds also sang along with him in chorus.

Some have said the birds in the air and the mountains used to walk with him. And We taught him the making of coats of mail for you, that they might protect you in your wars; will you then be grateful? (21:78) The first person to make an armor was Dawud. Before him, people used to join iron pieces on their body and were unable to fight due to their weight.

So Allah made iron as soft as a paste in his hands and he was making armors with his own hands and which were light in weight and could also protect the body from weapons. Allah said, And certainly We gave to Dawud excellence from Us: O mountains! sing praises with him, and the birds; (34:10) People have said that when Dawud was praising and remembering Allah, the Almighty used to make mountains and birds vocal (so they too sang with him in tune).

Some have said Allah had put all of them under control of Dawud and consequently whatever he desired from the mountains possible, for example, coming out of minerals from the mines or digging of wells etc. similarly whatever he ordered to the birds his command was also carried out by them. And We made the iron pliant to him, saying: Make ample (coats of mail), and assign a time to the making of coats of mail and do good; surely I am Seeing what you do.