Saul

Have you not seen the leaders of the Children of Israel after Moses? They said to their prophet, ‘Appoint for us a king so we may fight in Allah’s cause.’ He replied, ‘What if you refuse to fight when commanded?’ They said, ‘Why would we not fight when we have been driven from our homes and children?’ Yet when fighting was ordained, they turned away, except for a few. Allah knows the wrongdoers.

Their prophet said, ‘Allah has appointed Saul (Talut) as your king.’ They objected, ‘How can he be king when we are more worthy, and he has no great wealth?’ He replied, ‘Allah has chosen him over you and granted him knowledge and strength. Allah gives kingship to whomever He wills, Allah is Vast, All-Knowing.’

Their prophet continued, ‘The sign of his kingship is that the Ark will come to you, carrying tranquillity from your Lord and relics left by Moses and Aaron’s family. It will be brought by angels. Surely, this is a sign for you if you are truly believers.’

When Saul set out with his troops, he said, ‘Allah will test you with a river. Whoever drinks from it is not with me, but whoever refrains, except for a handful, is with me.’ Yet most of them drank their fill. When he and the believers crossed it, they said, ‘We have no strength today against Goliath and his army.’ But those who were certain they would meet Allah said, ‘How often has a small group triumphed over a larger one by Allah’s will? Allah is with those who remain steadfast.’