King Saul V246-252

After the prophethood of Musa AS, Bani Israel asked for a leader from one of their prophets. They wanted a king whom they would fight for in the cause of Allah. Their prophet asked, "So if fighting was a direct order, you would do so?" They were convinced and said, "Yes, how could we not!" However, because their intentions were not correct, their trust in Allah was weak.

Once it came to fighting, the majority were weak and cowardly; they ran, except for a few who were on the straight path. Those on the straight path attained honour in this life and the next.

I must mention that Bani Israel are just like us. If anything, they are an example for us because there is good as well as bad among them. I've mentioned this because I always had a negative portrayal of Bani Israel and thought the whole nation was doomed, but as you read tafseer, you realize that there is good amongst them as well.

A leader was appointed by the name of Talut (Saul). He was poor and had little to no wealth. Although this appointment was made by Allah SWT, the chiefs thought he was inferior as there were more suitable candidates with wealth and lineage. However, Allah knows best and appointed Talut because of his strength and insight. These are two key characteristics needed for a leader. Strength without insight would mean rash decisions being made. Insight without strength would mean rules not being followed through. If either one was missing, Allah SWT wouldn't have chosen him.

This helped the doubters come to acceptance of Talut being king, but just to further remove any niggling doubts, tangible evidence in the form of Tabut Asakina was sent down by Allah SWT. This was the Ark of the Covenant, a heavenly weapon that was thought to bring victory to Bani Israel whenever they had gone into war since the times of Musa and Haroon AS.

What we should take away is that no one is better than anyone else. The only differentiation is of those who are on the straight path and are committed to Allah SWT at all times. Talut was a poor man, yet he rose in position over those with money, status and lineage.

As Talut and Bani Israel set out, he explicitly said, "Allah will test you through a river. Those who drink from it do not belong with me, and those who do not drink from it are from me." This was a great indication of those who would flee when it came to fighting. And as the river foreshadowed, those who drank from it ran away, leaving Talut and the remaining troops in a small number. When crossing the river, some were getting a bit nervous due to the opposition outnumbering them, however, this is the beauty of when you're around those who have Allah SWT in their hearts and minds. They calmed them and reminded them how small groups have conquered the larger enemy in the past. When an individual or group has strong hearts, patience, and is steadfast, Allah SWT responds by giving victory.

What we can see is that the river is used as a means of testing patience. Also, we should never rely on ourselves; always have Allah SWT in the back of your mind and in your heart. Once this is established, a win becomes a win, and even something that may seem like a loss (i.e. not drinking the water) is also a win (creates patience). Finally, sometimes it's not about having just numbers in whatever cause. Sometimes being lesser in numbers but having those hearts that are pledged to Allah SWT is where the real win lies.

If I've made any mistakes, may Allah correct my mistakes and keep me away from the hell fire, Ameen.