The Untold Story of Prophet Dawud (David) (AS): All Life Events In Detail

Moeslemcreed - Prophet Dawud (David) (AS) was considered to be one of the greatest prophets and kings in history; even Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) acknowledged this fact. From his conquest of Goliath to the unfortunate circumstances that led to his eventual demise, here’s the untold story of Prophet Dawud (David) (AS).

Chapter 1 - Birth and Infancy

Prophet Dawud (AS) was born in Jerusalem in 1085 BCE. His father's name was Jesse and his mother's name was Nitzevet. He was the youngest of seven sons. When he was born, his father Jesse named him after the great king David who had ruled over Israel centuries before.

Dawud's childhood was spent largely in obscurity. Not much is known about his early years other than that he grew up tending sheep with his brothers on the hillsides around Jerusalem. Despite his humble beginnings, Allah had big plans for Dawud (AS).

Chapter 2 - Childhood

Prophet Dawud (David) (AS) was born in 1028 BCE in the city of Jerusalem. His father's name was Jesse and his mother's name was Nitzevet. He had seven brothers and sisters. When he was born, his father named him after the great king David who had ruled over Israel centuries before. 

Dawud's childhood was spent living in the countryside near Bethlehem. He grew up herding sheep and learning how to fight with a sling and a sword. As a young boy, he killed a lion and a bear that had attacked his flock. He also fought against the Philistine giant Goliath when he was only seventeen years old.

Chapter 3 - Youth

Dawud (David) was born in the city of Bethlehem in Judea. His father's name was Jesse and his mother's name was Nitzevet. He had seven brothers and one sister. When he was a young boy, he tended sheep with his brothers. One day, while he was out tending the sheep, he heard a voice from heaven saying, Dawud, I have chosen you to be the king of Israel. From that day forward, Dawud devoted himself to serving God.

 While David was tending his father's sheep, God spoke to him saying, I have chosen you to be a king and a prophet. Obey My commands and keep My laws. If you do so, I will make you My chosen one. So when he returned home from his daily duties, he would talk to Jesse about what God had told him that day. He devoted himself more diligently than before to serving God and obeying His commandments.

Chapter 4 - Spouses, Children, and Details of Jihad Against the Philistines

Prophet Dawud (David) (AS) was a great military leader and is known for his victory against the Philistines. What is not as well known, however, are the details of his personal life. Dawud (AS) was married to multiple women and had children with each of them. He also fought in many battles against the Philistines, culminating in a great victory that earned him much respect.

 The life story of Prophet Dawud (David) is fairly well known, with all his marriages and offspring being mentioned in numerous books and verses of both, Muslim and non-Muslim scholars. However, what is often not mentioned are details regarding who each wife was and how he dealt with them. According to a book called Adab Al Mufrad by Imam Bukhari, there were three women married to Prophet Dawud—Ahinoam from Jezreel, Abigail from Carmel’s land, and Eglah from Naftali.

Chapter 5 - Death, Burial, and Memorials

Dawud (AS) passed away at the age of 70. His body was laid to rest in a grand mausoleum that he had built for himself during his lifetime. After his death, his body was anointed with oil and wrapped in a shroud. A large funeral procession was held in his honor, and he was buried with great pomp and circumstance. A memorial service was also held for him, at which many eulogies were delivered.

 The first person to attend his funeral was his son Ishaq ibn Dawud. The other attendees included Uthman ibn Madh'un, Salim, Abi Talib, Marwan ibn al-Hakam, and Marwan's son Usama ibn Zayd. After everyone paid their last respects to him, he was buried in his grave beside several other prophets. His tomb has since become a place for Muslims from all over to visit and pay their respects. His tomb is currently located in Siffin at the Jannatul Baqi cemetery where many famous Islamic figures are buried including Imam Ali, Jabir ibn Abdillah al-Ansari, Abu Bakr as-Siddiq, and Ammar bin Yasir among others.