Jordan, Syria, Palestine
Coordinates: 33.186700, 35.619200
The Jordan River or River Jordan, also known as Nahr Al Sharieat, is a 251-kilometre-long (156 mi) river in the Middle East that flows roughly north to south through the Sea of Galilee and on to the Dead Sea.
It is believed ny many Islamic scholars that this is the river which the believing jews crossd along with Hz. Talut and Hz. Yusha عليه اسلام as it is mentioned in the Quran and also it is believed to be the site of baptism of Hz. Isa عليه اسلام by Hz. Yahya عليه اسلام
Hz. Talut
Talut is considered to be the Qur’anic name for Saul, as he was the King of Israel, or Gideon, with the reasoning that the Quran references the same incident of the drinking from the river as that found in the Book of Judges (7:5-7), and other factors associated with the latter.
Narrative in the Quran
Israelites demanded a King after the time of Hz. Musa عليه اسلام, to lead them into war against their foes.
Hz. Talut was chosen by Hz. Shammil عليه اسلام (Prophet Samuel: not mentioned by name explicitly, but rather as “a Prophet” of the Israelites) announced that Allah chose Hz. Talut as their King.
The Israelites questioned Hz. Shammil عليه اسلام about this, lacking respect for Hz. Talut as he was not wealthy. Hz. Shammil عليه اسلام then told them that Talut was more favored than they were. He was distinguished by the greatness of his knowledge and of his physique.
A sign of his role as King was that Allah brought back the Ark of the Covenant for Israel.
Hz. Talut tested his people at a river; whoever drank from it would not follow him in battle excepting one who took from it in “the hollow of the hand.” Many drank, and only the faithful ventured on.
He led the Israelites to victory over the army of Goliath, who was killed by Hz. Dawud عليه اسلام
Hz. Talut is not considered as a Nabi, but a Divinely appointed King.
Quranic Verse
And their prophet said to them, “Indeed, Allah has sent to you Talut as a king.” They said, “How can he have kingship over us while we are more worthy of kingship than him and he has not been given any measure of wealth?” He said, “Indeed, Allah has chosen him over you and has increased him abundantly in knowledge and stature. And Allah gives His sovereignty to whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing [in favor] and Knowing.”
And their prophet said to them, “Indeed, a sign of his kingship is that the chest will come to you in which is assurance from your Lord and a remnant of what the family of Musa and the family of Harun had left, carried by the angels. Indeed in that is a sign for you, if you are believers.”
And when Talut went forth with the soldiers, he said, “Indeed, Allah will be testing you with a river. So whoever drinks from it is not of me, and whoever does not taste it is indeed of me, excepting one who takes [from it] in the hollow of his hand.” But they drank from it, except a [very] few of them. Then when he had crossed it along with those who believed with him, they said, “There is no power for us today against Goliath and his soldiers.” But those who were certain that they would meet Allah said, “How many a small company has overcome a large company by permission of Allah. And Allah is with the patient.”
Quran 2:247-249
Mentioned in Hadith
Talut is also mentioned in a hadith:
Narrated Al-Bara: The companions of Hz. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who took part in Badr, told me that their number was that of Talut’s companions who crossed the river (of Jordan) with him, and they were over three-hundred-and-ten men. By Allah, none crossed the river with him, but a believer.”
Baptism site of Hz. Isa عليه اسلام
Jordan river is also the place where Hz. Isa عليه اسلام was baptized by Hz. Yahya عليه اسلام
