Prophet Shamwil, also known as Ashmuwīl, was the son of Bāli ibn ‘Alqamah ibn Yarkhām ibn Alyahū ibn Tihū ibn Ṣūf ibn ‘Alqamah ibn Māḥith ibn ‘Amūsā ibn ‘Azaryā.
According to the scholar Mujāhid, his lineage ends here, while Maqātil stated that Shamwīl was from the descendants of Hārūn (Aaron), the brother of Mūsā (Moses).
His name Ashmuwīl means “Allah heard my prayer”, a title rooted in the miraculous circumstances of his birth. His mother was an elderly, barren woman who fervently prayed to Allah for a child after suffering mockery from her husband’s other wife, who had many children. Out of divine mercy, Allah accepted her supplication, and she conceived and gave birth to Shamwīl, saying, “Allah has heard my prayer.”
Prophet Shamwil | Early Life and Divine Mission
When Shamwīl grew up, his mother dedicated him to serve in Bayt al-Maqdis (Jerusalem), where he studied the Tawrāh (Torah) under the care of a righteous scholar who later adopted him.
As he matured, Allah sent Jibrīl (Gabriel) to him while he was praying. Jibrīl called him in the voice of his teacher, and when Shamwīl approached, Jibrīl revealed to him that Allah had chosen him as a prophet to the Children of Israel. He was commanded to warn his people and guide them back to obedience. Initially, they denied him, but eventually they followed him, and he led them for several years—some say ten years, others forty.
The Israelites and the Call for a King
After the death of Prophet Yūsha‘ (Joshua), the Israelites alternated between being led by prophets, judges, and rulers, or falling under oppression by their enemies. This continued for nearly 460 years until prophethood and leadership were restored through Shamwīl.
During his time, the Amāliqah (Amalekites), led by their mighty king Jālūt (Goliath), severely oppressed the Israelites. They seized the Sacred Ark (At-Tabūt), which contained the relics of the prophets Mūsā and Hārūn and had always brought victory to the Israelites. Crushed and humiliated, the Israelites pleaded with Shamwīl to appoint a leader under whom they could fight in the path of Allah.
The Appointment of Ṭālūt (Saul)
Allah commanded Shamwīl to anoint Ṭālūt (Saul) as king. He was a humble man, known as a tanner or water-carrier, from the tribe of Binyāmīn (Benjamin). When Shamwīl announced Allah’s choice, the Israelites objected:
“How can he have kingship over us when we are more deserving than him, and he has not been blessed with wealth?”
Shamwīl replied:
“Allah has chosen him above you and increased him abundantly in knowledge and stature. Allah grants His authority to whom He wills.”
As a sign of divine confirmation, Shamwīl told them that the Sacred Ark would return, carried by angels, as proof of Ṭālūt’s rightful kingship. Soon, the Ark miraculously appeared, suspended between heaven and earth, before the people—containing the tranquillity of their Lord and relics left by the family of Mūsā and Hārūn. Witnessing this, they accepted Ṭālūt as king, though reluctantly.
The Test of the River
Before facing Jālūt’s army, Ṭālūt tested his soldiers, saying:
“Indeed, Allah will test you with a river. Whoever drinks from it is not of me, and whoever does not taste it is of me—except for a single handful by his hand.”
The majority disobeyed and drank, leaving only a few thousand faithful soldiers who resisted their thirst. When they met Jālūt and his massive army, many despaired, but the true believers declared:
“How many a small group has overcome a large group by Allah’s permission! And Allah is with the patient.”
(Qur’an 2:249)
The Courage of Prophet Dāwūd (David) عليه السلام
Among Ṭālūt’s army was Dāwūd (David), the youngest son of a man named Īshī, who had thirteen sons. Dāwūd was known for his skill with a sling and his bravery. When he volunteered to fight Jālūt, Allah inspired him and blessed his strike.
He placed three stones in his sling and hurled them toward Jālūt—the stones fused into one and struck Jālūt between his eyes, killing him instantly. The enemy army scattered, and victory was granted to the believers by Allah’s permission.
As the Qur’an states:
“And Dāwūd killed Jālūt, and Allah gave him kingship and wisdom and taught him whatever He willed.”
(Qur’an 2:251)
The Return of Justice and Faith
This victory marked the divine restoration of honour and power to the Children of Israel. Through Shamwīl’s prophethood, Allah brought them guidance, a righteous king, and a prophet-warrior who would later become King Dāwūd عليه السلام.
The story illustrates how faith, patience, and divine selection triumph over arrogance, wealth, and might. It teaches that Allah grants victory to the steadfast and that true leadership is not measured by lineage or riches, but by knowledge, righteousness, and sincerity.
Summary of the Story of Prophet Shamwil عليه السلام
- Lineage: Shamwīl ibn Bāli from the descendants of Hārūn (Aaron).
- Meaning of His Name: “Allah heard my prayer” — his mother conceived him after old age through supplication.
- Mission: Sent to the Israelites when the Ark was taken and they were oppressed by Jālūt.
- Role: Appointed Ṭālūt (Saul) as king; through his era, the Ark was returned by angels; and under his leadership, Dāwūd عليه السلام killed Jālūt and was later granted kingship and wisdom.
