[ Asad’s note 232 - ..the fear of physical death leads to the moral death moral death of nations and communities, just as their regeneration (or “coming back to life”) depends on their regaining their moral status through overcoming the fear of death. This is undoubtedly the purport of the elliptic story of Samuel, Saul and David told in verse 246 -251 ]

2. Surah Al Baqarah

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَى الْمَلإِ مِن بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ مِن بَعْدِ مُوسَى ...

2: 246. Hast thou not turned thy vision to the chiefs of the children of Israel after (the time of) Moses?

C277. The next generation after Moses and Aaron was ruled by Joshua, who crossed the Jordan and settled the tribes in Palestine. His rule lasted for 25 years, after which there was a period of 320 years when the Israelites had a chequered history. They were not united among themselves, and suffered many reverses at the hands of the Midianites, Amalekites and other tribes of Palestine.

They frequently lapsed into idolatry and deserted the worship of the true Allah. From time to time a leader appeared among them who assumed dictatorial powers. Acting under a sort of theocratic commission from Allah, he pointed out their backsliding, re-united them under His banner, and restored, from time to time and place to place, the power of Israel.

These dictators are called Judges in the English translation of the Old Testament. The last of their line was Samuel, who marks the transition towards the line of Kings on the one hand and of the later Prophets on the other. He may be dated approximately about the 11th century B.C.

... إِذْ قَالُواْ لِنَبِيٍّ لَّهُمُ ابْعَثْ لَنَا مَلِكًا نُّقَاتِلْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللّهِ...

They said to a Prophet (that was) among them: "Appoint for us a king, that we may fight in the Cause of Allah."

C278. This was Samuel. In his time Israel had suffered from much corruption within and many reverses without. The Philistines had made a great attack and defeated Israel with great slaughter.

The Israelites, instead of relying on Faith and their own valour and cohesion, brought out their most sacred possession, the Ark of the Covenant, to help them in the fight. But the enemy captured it, carried it away, and retained it for seven months.

The Israelites forgot that wickedness cannot screen itself behind a sacred relic. Nor can a sacred relic help the enemies of faith. The enemy found that the Ark brought nothing but misfortune for themselves, and were glad to abandon it.

It apparently remained twenty years in the village (qarya) of Yaarim (Kirjath-jeafim): I. Samuel, 7:2.

Meanwhile the people pressed Samuel to appoint them a king. They thought that a king would cure all their ills, whereas what was wanting was a spirit of union and discipline and a readiness on their part to fight in the cause of Allah.

... قَالَ هَلْ عَسَيْتُمْ إِن كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الْقِتَالُ أَلاَّ تُقَاتِلُواْ...

He said: "Is it not possible if ye were commanded to fight, that ye will not fight?"

C279. Samuel knew as a Prophet that the people were fickle and only wanted to cover their own want of union and true spirit by asking for a king.

They replied with spirit in words, but when it came to action, they failed. They hid themselves in caves and rocks, or ran away, and even those who remained "followed him trembling": I. Samuel, 13:6-7.

... قَالُواْ وَمَا لَنَا أَلاَّ نُقَاتِلَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللّهِ وَقَدْ أُخْرِجْنَا مِن دِيَارِنَا وَأَبْنَآئِنَا...

They said: "How could we refuse to fight in the Cause of Allah, seeing that we were turned out of our homes and our families?"

... فَلَمَّا كُتِبَ عَلَيْهِمُ الْقِتَالُ تَوَلَّوْاْ إِلاَّ قَلِيلاً مِّنْهُمْ ...

But when they were commanded to fight, they turned back, except a small band among them.

... وَاللّهُ عَلِيمٌ بِالظَّالِمِينَ ﴿٢٤٦﴾

But Allah has full knowledge of those who do wrong.

وَقَالَ لَهُمْ نَبِيُّهُمْ إِنَّ اللّهَ قَدْ بَعَثَ لَكُمْ طَالُوتَ مَلِكًا...

2: 247. Their Prophet said to them: "Allah hath appointed Talut as king over you."

C280. Talut is the Arabic name for Saul, who was tall and handsome, but belonged to the tribe of Benjamin, the smallest tribe in Israel. His worldly belongings were slender, and it was when he went out to search for some asses which had been lost from his father's house that he met Samuel and was anointed king by him.

The people's fickleness appeared immediately he was named. They raised all sorts of petty objections to him. The chief consideration in their minds was selfishness: each one wanted to be leader and king himself, instead of desiring sincerely the good of the people as a whole, as a leader should do.

... قَالُوَاْ أَنَّى يَكُونُ لَهُ الْمُلْكُ عَلَيْنَا وَنَحْنُ أَحَقُّ بِالْمُلْكِ مِنْهُ وَلَمْ يُؤْتَ سَعَةً مِّنَ الْمَالِ...

They say: "How can he exercise authority over us when we are better fitted than he to exercise authority, and he is not even gifted with wealth in abundance?"

... قَالَ إِنَّ اللّهَ اصْطَفَاهُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَزَادَهُ بَسْطَةً فِي الْعِلْمِ وَالْجِسْمِ...

He said: "Allah hath chosen him above you, and hath gifted him abundantly with knowledge and bodily prowess;

... وَاللّهُ يُؤْتِي مُلْكَهُ مَن يَشَاء...

Allah granteth His authority to whom He pleaseth.

... وَاللّهُ وَاسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ ﴿٢٤٧﴾

Allah careth for all, and He knoweth all things."

وَقَالَ لَهُمْ نِبِيُّهُمْ إِنَّ آيَةَ مُلْكِهِ أَن يَأْتِيَكُمُ التَّابُوتُ ...

2: 248. And (further) their Prophet said to them: "A sign of his authority is that there shall come to you the Ark of the Covenant,

C281. Ark of the Covenant: Tabut: a chest of acacia wood covered and lined with pure gold, about 6ft x 3ft x 3ft.

See Exod 25:10-22.

It was to contain the "testimony of Allah", or the Ten Commandments engraved on stone, with relics of Moses and Aaron. Its Gold lid was to be the "Mercy Seat" with two cherubims of beaten gold, with wings outstretched. This was a sacred possession to Israel. It was lost to the enemy in the early part of Samuel's ministry; see n. 278 to 2:246; when it came back, it remained in a village for twenty years and was apparently taken to the capital when kingship was instituted. It thus became a symbol of unity and authority. (R).

... فِيهِ سَكِينَةٌ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ ...

with (an assurance) therein of security from your Lord,

C282. Security sakina: safety, tranquility, peace.

Later Jewish writings use the same word for a symbol of Allah's Glory in the Tabernacle or tent in which the Ark was kept, or in the Temple when it was built by Solomon.

... وَبَقِيَّةٌ مِّمَّا تَرَكَ آلُ مُوسَى وَآلُ هَارُونَ تَحْمِلُهُ الْمَلآئِكَةُ...

and the relics left by the family of Moses and the family of Aaron, carried by angels.

C283. Carried by angels: these words refer to the Tabut or Ark, (R).

... إِنَّ فِي ذَلِكَ لآيَةً لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ ﴿٢٤٨﴾

In this is a Symbol for you if ye indeed have faith."

فَلَمَّا فَصَلَ طَالُوتُ بِالْجُنُودِ قَالَ إِنَّ اللّهَ مُبْتَلِيكُم بِنَهَرٍ...

2: 249. When Talut set forth with the armies, he said: "Allah will test you at the stream;

C284. A Commander is hampered by a large force if it is not in perfect discipline and does not whole-heartedly believe in its Commander. He must get rid of all the doubtful ones, as did Gideon before Saul, and Henry V. in Shakespeare's story long afterwards.

Saul used the same test as Gideon; he gave a certain order when crossing a stream; the greater part disobeyed, and were sent back.

Gideon's story will be found in Judges, 7:2-7.

... فَمَن شَرِبَ مِنْهُ فَلَيْسَ مِنِّي وَمَن لَّمْ يَطْعَمْهُ فَإِنَّهُ مِنِّي إِلاَّ مَنِ اغْتَرَفَ غُرْفَةً بِيَدِهِ...

if any drinks of its water, he goes not with my army; only those who taste not of it go with me; a mere sip out of the hand is excused."

... فَشَرِبُواْ مِنْهُ إِلاَّ قَلِيلاً مِّنْهُمْ ...

But they all drank of it, except a few.

... فَلَمَّا جَاوَزَهُ هُوَ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ مَعَهُ قَالُواْ لاَ طَاقَةَ لَنَا الْيَوْمَ بِجَالُوتَ وَجُنودِهِ...

When they crossed the river, he and the faithful ones with him, they said: "This day we cannot cope with Goliath and his forces."

C285. Even in the small band that remained faithful, there were some who were appalled by the number of the enemy when they met him face to face, and saw the size and strength of the enemy Commander, the giant Goliath (Jalut).

But there was a very small band who were determined to face all odds because they had perfect confidence in God and in the cause for which they were fighting. They were for making a firm stand and seeking Allah's help. Of that number was David;

see next note.

... قَالَ الَّذِينَ يَظُنُّونَ أَنَّهُم مُّلاَقُو اللّهِ ...

But those who were convinced that they must meet Allah, said:

... كَم مِّن فِئَةٍ قَلِيلَةٍ غَلَبَتْ فِئَةً كَثِيرَةً بِإِذْنِ اللّهِ...

"How oft, by Allah's will, hath a small force vanquished a big one?

... وَاللّهُ مَعَ الصَّابِرِينَ ﴿٢٤٩﴾

Allah is with those who steadfastly persevere."

وَلَمَّا بَرَزُواْ لِجَالُوتَ وَجُنُودِهِ قَالُواْ...

2: 250. When they advanced to meet Goliath and his forces, they prayed:

... رَبَّنَا أَفْرِغْ عَلَيْنَا صَبْرًا وَثَبِّتْ أَقْدَامَنَا وَانصُرْنَا عَلَى الْقَوْمِ الْكَافِرِينَ ﴿٢٥٠﴾

"Our Lord! pour out constancy on us and make our steps firm; help us against those that reject faith."

فَهَزَمُوهُم بِإِذْنِ اللّهِ وَقَتَلَ دَاوُدُ جَالُوتَ...

2: 251. By Allah's will they routed them: and David slew Goliath;

C286. Note how the whole story is compressed into a few words as regards narration, but its spiritual lessons are dwelt upon from many points of view.

The Old Testament is mainly interested in the narrative, which is full of detail, but says little about the universal truths of which every true story is a parable.

The Quran assumes the story, but tells the parable.

David was a raw youth, with no arms or armour. He was not known even in the Israelite camp, and the giant Goliath mocked him.

Even David’s own elder brother chide him for deserting the sheep, for he was a poor shepherded lad to outward appearance, but his faith had made him more than a match for the Philistine hosts. When Saul offered his own armour and arms to David, the young hero declined, as he had not tried them, while his shepherd's sling and staff were his well-tried implements. He picked up five smooth pebbles on the spot from the stream, and used his sling to such effect that he knocked down Goliath. He then used Goliath’s own sword to slay him. There was consternation in the Philistine army: they broke and fled, and were pursued and cut to pieces.

Apart from the main lesson that if we would preserve our national existence and our faith it is our duty to fight with courage and firmness, there are other lessons in David’ story:

1. Numbers do not count, but faith, determination and the blessing of Allah;

2. size and strength are of no avail against truth, courage, and careful planning;

3. the hero tries his own weapons, and rhose that are available to him at the time and place, even though people may laugh at him;

4. if Allah is with us, the enemy’s weapon may become an instrument of his own destruction;

5. personality conquers all dangers, and puts heart into our own wavering friends;

6. pure faith brings Allah's reward, which may take many forms; in David’s case it was Power, Wisdom, and other gifts; see next note.

... وَآتَاهُ اللّهُ الْمُلْكَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَعَلَّمَهُ مِمَّا يَشَاء...

and Allah gave him power and wisdom and taught him whatever (else) He willed.

C287. David was not only a shepherd, a warrior, a king, a wise man, and a prophet, but was also endowed with the gifts of poetry and music. (R).

... وَلَوْلاَ دَفْعُ اللّهِ النَّاسَ بَعْضَهُمْ بِبَعْضٍ لَّفَسَدَتِ الأَرْضُ...

And did not Allah check one set of people by means of another, the earth would indeed be full of mischief,

... وَلَـكِنَّ اللّهَ ذُو فَضْلٍ عَلَى الْعَالَمِينَ ﴿٢٥١﴾

but Allah is full of bounty to all the worlds.

C288. Allah's plan is universal. He loves and protects all His creatures and His bounties are for all worlds (1:2, n. 20).

To protect one He may have to check another, but we must never lose faith that His love is for all in boundless measure.

تِلْكَ آيَاتُ اللّهِ نَتْلُوهَا عَلَيْكَ بِالْحَقِّ ...

2: 252. These are the signs of Allah; We rehearse them to thee in truth:

... وَإِنَّكَ لَمِنَ الْمُرْسَلِينَ ﴿٢٥٢﴾

verily thou art one of the apostles.

Other versions:

2: 246

Asad Art thou not aware of those elders of the children of Israel, after the time of Moses, how they said unto a prophet of theirs, “Raise up a king for us, [and] we shall fight in God’s cause”?

Said he: “Would you, perchance, refrain from fighting if fighting is ordained for you?

They answered: “And why should we not fight in God’s cause when we and our children have been driven from our homelands?”

Yusuf Ali Hast thou not turned thy vision to the chiefs of the children of Israel after (the time of) Moses? They said to a Prophet (that was) among them: "Appoint for us a king that we may fight in the cause of Allah." He said: "Is it not possible if ye were commanded to fight that ye will not fight?" They said: "How could we refuse to fight in the cause of Allah seeing that we were turned out of our homes and our families?" But when they were commanded to fight they turned back except a small band among them. But Allah has full knowledge of those who do wrong.

Pickthall Bethink thee of the leaders of the Children of Israel after Moses, how they said unto a Prophet whom they had: Set up for us a King and we will fight in Allah's way. He said: Would ye then refrain from fighting if fighting were prescribed for you? They said: Why should we not fight in Allah's way when we have been driven from our dwellings with our children? Yet, when fighting was prescribed for them, they turned away, all save a few of them. Allah is Aware of evil-doers.

Transliteration Wa qa_la lahum nabiyyuhum innalla_ha qad ba'asa lakum talu_ta malika_(n), qa_lu_ anna_ yaku_nu lahul mulku 'alaina_ wa nahnu ahaqqu bil mulki minhu wa lam yu'ta sa'atam minal ma_l(i), qa_la innalla_has tafa_hu 'alaikum waza_dahu_ bastatan fil 'ilmi wal jism(i), walla_hu yu'ti mulkahu_ may yasya_'(u), walla_hu wa_si'un 'alim(un).

2: 247

Yusuf Ali Their Prophet said to them: "Allah hath appointed Talut as king over you." They say: "How can he exercise authority over us when we are better fitted than he to exercise authority and he is not even gifted with wealth in abundance?" He said: "Allah hath chosen him above you and hath gifted him abundantly with knowledge and bodily prowess; Allah granteth His authority to whom He pleaseth. Allah careth for all and He knoweth all things."

Pickthall Their Prophet said unto them: Lo! Allah hath raised up Saul to be a king for you. They said: How can he have kingdom over us when we are more deserving of the kingdom than he is, since he hath not been given wealth enough? He said: Lo! Allah hath chosen him above you, and hath increased him abundantly in wisdom and stature. Allah bestoweth His sovereignty on whom He will. Allah is All Embracing, All Knowing.

Transliteration Wa qa_la lahum nabiyyuhum inna a_yata mulkihi ay ya'tiyakumut ta_bu_tu fihi sakinatum mir rabbikum wa baqiyyatum mimma_ taraka a_lu mu_sa_ wa a_lu ha_ru_na tahmiluhul mala_'ikah(tu), inna fi za_lika la'a_yatal lakum in kuntum mu'minin(a).

2: 248

Asad

Yusuf Ali And (further) their Prophet said to them: "A sign of his authority is that there shall come to you the Ark of the Covenant with (an assurance) therein of security from your Lord and the relics left by the family of Moses and the family of Aaron carried by angels. In this is a Symbol for you if ye indeed have faith."

Pickthall And their Prophet said unto them: Lo! the token of his kingdom is that there shall come unto you the ark wherein is peace of reassurance from your Lord, and a remnant of that which the house of Moses and the house of Aaron left behind, the angels bearing it. Lo! herein shall be a token for you if (in truth) ye are believers.

Transliteration Fa lamma_ fasala ta_lu_tu bil junu_di qa_la innalla_ha mubtalikum bi nahar(in), faman syariba minhu fa laisa minni, famal lam yat'amhu fa innahu_ minni illa_ manigtarafa gurfatam biyadih(i), fa syaribu_ minhu illa_ qalilam minhum, fa lamma_ ja_wazahu_ huwa wallazina a_manu_ ma'ah(u_), qa_lu_ la_ ta_qata lanal yaumabi ja_lu_ta wa junu_dih(i), Qa_lal lazina yazunnu_na annahum mula_qulla_h(i), kam min fi'atin qalilatin galabat fi'atan kasiratam bi iznilla_h(i), walla_hu ma'as sa_birin(a).

2: 249

Asad And when Saul set out with his forces, he said: “Behold, God will now try you by a river: he who shall drink of it will not belong to me, whereas he who shall refrain from tasting it – he indeed will belong to me; but forgiven shall be he [ note 241] who shall scoop up but a single handful.” However, save for a few of them, they all drank (their fill) of it. And as soon as he and those who had kept faith with him had crossed the river, the others said: “No strength have we today (to stand up) against Goliath and his forces!” [Yet] those who knew with certainty that they were destined to meet God, replied: “How often has a small host overcome a great host by God’s leave! For God is witht hose who are patient in adversity.”

Yusuf Ali When Talut set forth with the armies he said: "Allah will test you at the stream; if any drinks of its water he goes not with my army; only those who taste not of it go with me; a mere sip out of the hand is excused." But they all drank of it except a few. When they crossed the river he and the faithful ones with him they said: "This day we cannot cope with Goliath and his forces." But those who were convinced that they must meet Allah said: "How oft by Allah's will hath a small force vanquished a big one? Allah is with those who steadfastly persevere."

Pickthall And when Saul set out with the army, he said: Lo! Allah will try you by (the ordeal of) a river. Whosoever therefore drinketh thereof he is not of me, and whosoever tasteth it not he is of me, save him who taketh (thereof) in the hollow of his hand. But they drank thereof, all save a few of them. And after he had crossed (the river), he and those who believed with him, they said: We have no power this day against Goliath and his hosts. But those who knew that they would meet their Lord exclaimed: How many a little company hath overcome a mighty host by Allah's leave! Allah is with the steadfast.

[Asad’s note 241 - Lit., “excepting him”. The symbolic implication is that faith – and, thus, belief in the justice of one’s cause – has no value unless it is accompanied by heightened self-discipline and disregard of one’s material interests. ]

[Ali’s note - Ali’s notes - 284 A Commander is hampered by a large force if it is not in perfect discipline and does not whole-heartedly believe in its Commander. He must get rid of all the doubtful ones, as did Gideon before Saul, and Henry V. in Shakespeare's story long afterwards. Saul used the same test as Gideon; he gave a certain order when crossing a stream; the greater part disobeyed, and were sent back. Gideon's story will be found in Judges, vii. 2-7. (2.249)

285 Even in the small band that remained faithful, there were some who were appalled by the number of the enemy when they met him face to face, and saw the size and strength of the enemy Commander, the giant Goliath (Jalut). But there was a very small band who were determined to face all odds because they had perfect confidence in God and in the cause for which they were fighting. They were for making a firm stand and seeking God's help. Of that number was David; see next note. (2.249) ]

2: 250

Asad And when they came face to face with Goliath and his forces, they prayed: “O our Sustainer! Shower us with patience in adversity, and make firm our steps, and succor us against the people who deny the truth!”

Yusuf Ali When they advanced to meet Goliath and his forces they prayed: "Our Lord! pour out constancy on us and make our steps firm; help us against those that reject faith."

Pickthall And when they went into the field against Goliath and his hosts they said: Our Lord! Bestow on us endurance, make our foothold sure, and give us help against the disbelieving folk.

Transliteration Wa lamma_ barazu_ li ja_lu_ta wa junu_dihi qa_lu_ rabbana_ afrig 'alaina_ sabraw wa sabbit aqda_mana_ wansurna_ 'alal qaumil ka_firin(a).

2: 251

Asad …..And if God had not enabled people to defend themselves against one another [note 243], corruption would surely overwhelm the earth: but God is limitless in His bounty unto all the worlds.

Yusuf Ali By Allah's will they routed them: and David slew Goliath; and Allah gave him power and wisdom and taught him whatever (else) He willed. And did not Allah check one set of people by means of another the earth would indeed be full of mischief but Allah is full of bounty to all the worlds.

Pickthall So they routed them by Allah's leave and David slew Goliath; and Allah gave him the kingdom and wisdom, and taught him of that which He willeth. And if Allah had not repelled some men by others the earth would have been corrupted. But Allah is a Lord of Kindness to (His) creatures.

Transliteration Fa hazamu_hum bi iznilla_h(i), wa qatala da_wu_du jalu_ta wa a_ta_hulla_hul mulka wal hikmata wa 'allamahu_ mimma_ yasya_'(u), wa lau la_ daf'ulla_hin na_sa ba'dahum bi ba'dil lafasatil ardu wala_kinnalla_ha zu_ fadlin'alal 'a_lamin(a).

[ Asad’s note 242 – Lit., “were it not that God repels some people by means of others”: an elliptic reference to God’s enabling people to defend themselves against aggression or oppression. Exactly the same phrase occurs in 22: 40, which deals with fighting in self-defence. ]

[ ali’s notes - 286 Note how the whole story is compressed into a few words as regards narration, but its spiritual lessons are dwelt upon from many points of view. The Old Testament is mainly interested in the narrative, which is full of detail, but says little about the universal truths of which every true story is a parable. The Qur-an assumes the story, but tells the parable. (2.251)

287 David was not only a shepherd, a warrior, a king, a wise man, and a prophet, but was also endowed with the gifts of poetry and music. His Psalms (sabur) are still extant. (2.251)

288 Carried by angels: these words refer to the Tabut or Ark, the cherubims with outstretched wings on the lid may well be supposed to carry the security or peace which the Ark symbolized. (2.251) ]

2: 252

Yusuf Ali These are the signs of Allah; We rehearse them to thee in truth: verily thou art one of the apostles.

Pickthall These are the portents of Allah which We recite unto thee (Muhammad) with truth, and Lo! thou art of the number of (Our) messengers;

Transliteration Tilka a_ya_tulla_hi natlu_ha_'alaika bil haqq(i), wa innaka laminal mursalin(a).