وَعَلَّمْنَـٰهُ صَنْعَةَ لَبُوسٍ لَّكُمْ لِتُحْصِنَكُم مِّنۢ بَأْسِكُمْ ۖ فَهَلْ أَنتُمْ شَـٰكِرُونَ 80
Translations
And We taught him the fashioning of coats of armor to protect you from your [enemy in] battle. So will you then be grateful?
Transliteration
Wa allamnahoo sanaata laboosin lakum lituhsinakum min ba'sikum, fahal antum shakıroon
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to Prophet Dawud (David), to whom Allah taught the skill of making armor (coats of mail) to protect people in warfare. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize that this was a divine gift of knowledge and craftsmanship that benefited humanity. The ayah concludes with a rhetorical question urging gratitude for such blessings, connecting material provision with the obligation of thankfulness to Allah.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within Surah Al-Anbya, which recounts the stories of various prophets and their miracles. The ayah specifically highlights Dawud's unique gift—the ability to work with metals and create protective armor—as a sign of Allah's favor. This is thematically connected to the broader Quranic narrative of prophets as bearers of beneficial knowledge for their communities.
Related Hadiths
The craftsmanship of Dawud is mentioned in Surah Saba 34:10-11, where it describes how the molten brass and the making of large vessels were taught to him. A relevant hadith from Tirmidhi discusses how knowledge and beneficial skills are among the best deeds that continue benefiting people after one's death.
Themes
Key Lesson
Beneficial knowledge and skills are divine gifts meant to serve humanity and protect communities; such blessings should inspire gratitude to Allah rather than pride in human achievement alone. Muslims are encouraged to develop useful crafts and technology while recognizing that all beneficial ability ultimately comes from the Creator.