The Gifts of Dawud
The Zabur (Psalms): “And We gave to Dawud a book [called] the Zabur.” (17:55) The Zabur is identified as one of four major divine books alongside the Tawrat (Torah), Injil (Gospel), and Quran. Its content — hymns, prayers, and psalms of praise — is reflected in the Quran’s description of Dawud’s voice causing creation to glorify Allah.
Mantic al-Tayr: “He was taught the language of birds.” (27:16) — a gift also given to Sulaiman. This is interpreted both literally (communication with birds) and allegorically (the ability to understand the divine signs manifest in the natural world).
Armor-making: “And We taught him the fashioning of coats of armor to protect you from your [enemy in] battle.” (21:80) — a remarkable Quranic emphasis on the prophetic dignity of craftsmanship. Prophets make things; the craftsman produces protection for communities.
The Mountains and Birds in Tasbih (38:17-20)
“And remember Our servant Dawud — a man of strength; indeed, he was one who repeatedly turned back [to Allah]. Indeed, We subjected the mountains [to praise] with him, exalting [Allah] in the evening and [after] sunrise. And the birds were assembled — all repeating [praises] to him.”
Dawud’s voice was so imbued with divine remembrance that when he recited the Zabur, the mountains and birds joined his glorification. This is a window into the Quran’s cosmology: all created things are in a state of tasbih (glorification) — the unusual gifted human can make this latent glorification audible.
The Repentance (38:21-25)
Two men appeared in Dawud’s court and asked him to judge between them (one had 99 ewes and wanted the 1 ewe of the other). Dawud judged immediately in favor of the one with 99, without properly hearing both sides — a violation of judicial procedure. He recognized his error: “He perceived that We had tested him.” He fell prostrating and repented. Divine forgiveness: “So We forgave him that; and indeed, for him is nearness to Us and a good place of return.”
See also: Prophets In Islam, Quran Sciences, Seerah Sulaiman, Tawbat Nasuha, Akhlaq, Al Anbiya