Quran Page 41: The Test of the River and the Victory of David (Surah Al-Baqarah 249-252)

📖 About Surah Al-Baqarah (Page 41)

Page 41 details the final trials of Saul's army. It begins with the test at the river, where the soldiers' discipline was measured by their restraint. Despite their small numbers, the believers' reliance on Allah led to the defeat of the formidable army of Goliath (Jalut). This page famously introduces David (Dawud), who slew Goliath and was subsequently granted kingship and wisdom by Allah. It concludes by affirming that these stories are true signs and revelations from Allah.

🕌 Arabic Text (Page 41)

 

🌍 English Translation (Sahih International)

Verse 249: And when Saul went forth with the soldiers, he said, "Indeed, Allah will be testing you with a river. So whoever drinks from it is not of me, and whoever does not taste it is indeed of me, except one who takes [from it] in the hollow of his hand." But they drank from it, except a [very] few of them. Then when he had crossed it along with those who believed with him, they said, "There is no capacity for us today against Goliath and his soldiers." But those who were certain that they would meet Allah said, "How many a small company has overcome a large company by permission of Allah. And Allah is with the patient."

Verse 250: And when they went forth to [face] Goliath and his soldiers, they said, "Our Lord, pour upon us patience and plant firmly our feet and give us victory over the disbelieving people."

Verse 251: So they defeated them by permission of Allah, and David killed Goliath, and Allah gave him the kingship and prophets and taught him from that which He willed. And if it were not for Allah checking [some] people by means of others, the earth would have been corrupted, but Allah is full of bounty to the worlds.

Verse 252: These are the verses of Allah which We recite to you, [O Muhammad], in truth. And indeed, you are from among the messengers.

Source: Sahih International Translation

💡 Vocabulary & Tajwid Insights

Arabic Word	Meaning / Context
Jālūt (جَالُوتَ)	Goliath (the leader of the opposing army).
Sabran (صَبْرًا)	Patience / Steadfastness.
Tajwid Rule	Qalqalah: In Verse 250, note the word "Sabran" (صَبْرًا). The 'Ba' has a Sukun and requires a bouncing sound. In Verse 251, observe the Idgham with Ghunnah in "Mulkun wa..."—where the 'n' sound of the Tanween blends into the 'Waw' with a nasal breath.

⚠️ Note: Tafsir/Explanation of the Quran should be learned under the tutelage of those certified (upholding Ijazah) to do so to ensure correct understanding and context.

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