Prophet Dawud (David)

Who was Prophet Dawud?

Dawud (David) was a prophet and a righteous king of the Children of Israel, and the father of the Prophet Sulayman. Allah gave him both prophethood and kingship, revealed to him the scripture called the Zabur (Psalms), and granted him remarkable gifts — a beautiful voice, the glorification of mountains and birds in his company, and the ability to shape iron with his hands.

His Story

As a young man, Dawud killed the tyrant Jalut (Goliath) when the believers faced his army, and Allah then gave him kingship and wisdom. Dawud was known for his intense worship: he would fast on alternate days and pray through part of the night. When he glorified Allah, the mountains and birds echoed his praise. Allah taught him to fashion coats of armour, making iron soft in his hands. He was also a wise and just judge, though the Quran reminds us that even he turned to Allah in repentance. The Prophet ﷺ said the most beloved fasting to Allah is the fasting of Dawud — fasting one day and not the next — and the most beloved prayer is the prayer of Dawud (Bukhari 1131).

Dawud in the Quran

• "...and Dawud killed Jalut, and Allah gave him kingship and wisdom..." (2:251)
• "And We certainly gave Dawud from Us bounty. [We said], O mountains, repeat [Our] praises with him, and the birds [as well]..." (34:10)
• "And We strengthened his kingdom and gave him wisdom and decisive speech." (38:20)

Lessons from His Life

Dawud unites strength with devotion: a warrior and king who was also among the most worshipful of people. His life teaches balance — fulfilling worldly responsibility while keeping the heart turned to Allah in worship, gratitude, and repentance. His fasting and night prayer remain a prophetic ideal of moderation and consistency in devotion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the "fasting of Dawud"?

It is fasting every other day — one day fasting, the next not. The Prophet ﷺ described it as the most beloved voluntary fast to Allah, because it is sustainable and balanced, neither neglecting worship nor overburdening the body. Many Muslims aspire to it as a high but achievable form of regular fasting.

What was the Zabur?

The Zabur (Psalms) is the divine scripture Allah revealed to Dawud, mentioned in the Quran among the revealed books. It consisted largely of praise, glorification, and supplication to Allah. Muslims believe in it as originally revealed, while the Quran is the final, preserved revelation.