Many kids nowadays are all too familiar with fictional “superhero” stories – typically, these “superheroes” are characters who have so-called extraordinary abilities or “superpowers”.
In reality, however, in the Quran Allah SWT tells us true stories about real human beings who were blessed with many special, extraordinary abilities! Yes, these are all clearly mentioned in the Quran.
Let’s take a look at one very interesting example presented in verses 10-11 of Surah Saba’:
وَلَقَدْ ءَاتَيْنَا دَاوُۥدَ مِنَّا فَضْلًا ۖ يَـٰجِبَالُ أَوِّبِى مَعَهُۥ وَٱلطَّيْرَ ۖ وَأَلَنَّا لَهُ ٱلْحَدِيدَ
And We certainly gave David from Us bounty. [We said], “O mountains, repeat [Our] praises with him, and the birds [as well].” And We made pliable for him iron, (Saba’: 10)
اَنِ اعۡمَلۡ سٰبِغٰتٍ وَّقَدِّرۡ فِى السَّرۡدِ وَاعۡمَلُوۡا صَالِحًـا ؕ اِنِّىۡ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُوۡنَ بَصِيۡرٌ
[Commanding him], “Make full coats of mail and calculate [precisely] the links, and work [all of you] righteousness. Indeed I, of what you do, am Seeing.” (Saba’: 11)
Iron, as most of us know, is considered one of the world’s strongest types of metal. This is why it is a common choice for weaponmakers throughout history. We also know that hard, heavy metals don’t bend or melt easily. Iron has to be melted at a very, very high temperature and different tools are usually needed to bend and shape this very strong metal.
However, by the Will of Allah SWT, the iron became soft for Prophet Dawud a.s that he was able to simply flex it with his bare hands!
In verse 11, Allah SWT commanded Prophet Dawud a.s to make full coats of mail. This refers to the chain mail armour, a type of armour that consists of small metal rings that are linked together so that it forms a protective mesh when it is worn. It is lighter and more flexible than the plate armour. This makes it a reliable means of defense that gives protection against slashes and piercings in combat.
Allah SWT did not just make the iron soft for Prophet Dawud a.s, He also taught Prophet Dawud a.s how to put it together by making precise calculation of the links.
What is the wisdom and significance behind this?
The effectiveness and resistance of the chain mail armour depend on several factors such as weave density and the measurement of the metal rings. Also, the metal rings of the chain mail armour have to be firmly linked in such a way that the armour would be firm, yet still flexible. Therefore, the rivets cannot be too loose (that the rings would move and shake) or too tight. In fact, if you actually read about the process of making the chain mail armour, you will see that it requires effort and precision. Nevertheless, Allah SWT has granted Prophet Dawud a.s with the amazing ability to make this useful device with his own hands.
The chainmail armour continued to be worn as body armour by soldiers throughout history.
Activity suggestion: >> Search for pictures of different chain mail armour worn by soldiers throughout history, such as during the Mamluk Period, Ottoman Empire and Mughal rule. >> The use of chain mail has evolved from being used mainly in warfare to being utilized for other purposes in the modern times. What are some modern uses of chain mail today?
Gems for Juniors 
