Fall 2020: The Story of Talut and Jalut

Course Outline

Theme: The Story of Talut and Jalut

Sessions

1st Session: Introductions / Important Sciences of Quranic Study
2nd Session – Introduction to Nabī Dawūd (a), Tālūt and Jālūt.
Sūrat al-Baqarah Verse 246 (i): The appeal of the Banu Israel for the appointment of a
King; The foresight of Samuel. A leader’s knowledge of his people (Imam Ali (a) and
his people, The stance of Imam Hasan (a) and Imam Husayn (a))
3rd Session – Sūrat al-Baqarah Verse 246 (ii): The people’s reaction when fighting was
prescribed (Hypocrites during the time of the Prophet (s) – cross reference (33:13,
The response of the people of Kūfa)
4th Session – Sūrat al-Baqarah Verse 247 (i): The appointment of King Tālūt; the
people’s objection (Divine leadership as commanded by Allah, cross ref: 38:26)
5th Session – Sūrat al-Baqarah Verse 247 (ii): The Will and Power of Allah (swt)
(Accepting God’s decree; trusting His wisdom cross ref: 9:51,33:36)
6th Session – Sūrat al-Baqarah Verse 248: The sign of kingship (Line of Prophethood,
Tranquility from God; cross ref: 48:4, Following the stance of Prophet Musa in Imam
Husayn’s journey, cross ref: 28:21 and 22 )
7th Session – Sūrat al-Baqarah Verse 249 (i): Tālūt and the test for the people
(Enduring life’s tests and trials with strong conviction; cross ref: 2:155-156, 3:186)
8th Session – Sūrat al-Baqarah Verse 249 (ii): Tālūt and the faithful cross the stream;
(The strength of the minority, Being on the Truth, cross ref: 8:165)
9th Session – Sūrat al-Baqarah Verse 250: The prayer of Steadfastness (Equipping the
self to face threats, cross ref: 2:286, 3:147)
10th Session – Sūrat al-Baqarah Verse 251 – Nabī Dawūd’s victory over Jālūt and his
blessings from Allah (God’s Help and Grace for the believers; cross ref: 17:81, 61:13,
Wisdom as a reward, cross ref: 4:54, 38:20)
11th (LAST) Session – Review and activities

Contemporary topics that can be linked to the lessons

Role of Religion and faith in strengthening morale
Social Activism
Being a minority
Skepticism in Divine leadership
Types of Blessings

Each session will include a reading of verses in Arabic and English, an explanation, and its commentary. Cross reference to other verses of the Quran on the same theme may also be explored.