yellow-complexioned (1), blue-eyed (2), and hairless (3). Saul summoned him. It is also said that Saul himself went out to him and found that the valley had flooded between him and the sheepfold where David used to bring his flock to rest. He found him carrying two ewes across the torrent rather than making them wade through the water. When he saw him, he said, “This is surely the one; there can be no doubt about it. He is compassionate towards animals, so he will be still more compassionate towards people.” He called him and placed the horn upon his head, and the oil flowed forth.

Saul said, “Would you kill Goliath if I were to give you my daughter in marriage and make your signet authoritative in my kingdom?” He replied, “Yes.” Saul asked, “Have you perceived in yourself any ability by which you could overcome him and kill him?” He said, “Yes. I tend sheep, and when a lion, tiger, or wolf comes and takes a sheep, I rise against it, pry open its jaws to free the sheep, and strike it upon the back of its neck.” Saul then sent him back to his army.

As David, peace be upon him, was on his way, he passed by a stone, and the stone called out to him, “David, carry me, for I am the stone of Aaron by which a certain king was slain.” So he carried it in his shepherd’s bag. Then he passed by another stone, which said, “Carry me, for I am the stone of Moses by which such-and-such a king was slain.” So he carried it in his bag. Then he passed by a third stone, which said, “Carry me, for I am your stone, by which you will kill Goliath.” So he put it in his bag.

When the two sides formed their ranks for battle, Goliath came forth and called for single combat. David volunteered to face him, and Saul gave him a horse, armour, and weapons. David put on the armour, mounted the horse, and rode a short distance, but then turned back to the king. Those around him said, “The boy has lost his nerve.” David came and stood before the king, who asked, “What is the matter with you?” He replied, “If Allah does not grant me victory, this armour will avail me nothing. So let me fight as I wish.” He said, “Then do as you wish.”

David then took his shepherd’s bag and slung it over his shoulder. Taking up the sling, he went forth towards Goliath. Goliath was among the fiercest and strongest of men; he would rout armies single-handedly. He had a helmet (4) weighing three hundred pounds of iron. When he looked at David, terror was cast into his heart, and he said to him, “Are you coming forth to face me?” David replied, “Yes.”

Goliath was mounted on a piebald horse (5), clad in full armour. He said, “Have you come at me with a sling and stones, as one comes at a dog?” David answered, “Yes—and you are worse than a dog.” Goliath said, “Then I shall certainly divide your flesh among the beasts of the earth and the birds of the sky.” David replied, “Or Allah will divide your flesh.”

Then David said, “In the name of the God of Abraham,” and drew out one stone. Then he drew out the second and said, “In the name of the God of Isaac,” and placed it in his sling. Then he drew out the third and said, “In the name of the God of Jacob,” and placed it in his sling. All three became a single stone. David whirled the sling and cast it, and Allah subjected the wind to it until the stone struck the nosepiece of Goliath’s helmet, penetrated his brain, and emerged from the back of his neck. It killed thirty men behind him, and Allah Most High routed the army. Goliath fell dead, and David dragged him until he cast him down before Saul.

The Muslims rejoiced greatly and returned to the city safe and laden with spoils, while the people spoke of David. David then came to Saul and said, “Fulfil for me what you promised me.” Saul said, “Do you seek the king’s daughter without a dowry?” David replied, “What