Who was Prophet Hazrat Shumail – story?

Allah has sent 124,000 Prophets out of which one was Hazrat Shumail عليه السلام who was a Nabi from Bani Israel.

• Biblical Name: Prophet Samuel.
• Full Name: Shumail Ibn Elkanah.
• He was a descendent of Prophet Harun عليه السلام.

Prophet Shumail Birth

Prophet Shumail عليه السلام was born in 1154 BC in present-day Palestine and died in 1012 BC at the age of 142 years.

Hannah, the mother of Hazrat Shumail عليه السلام was a barren woman. She begged Allah to give her a child and in return, she would place the child in His service.

Soon, he was born in the house of Hannah. When he became a teenager, he was placed in priest’s care where he learned about Allah’s ways.

Prophet Shumail in Quran

Prophet Shumail عليه السلام is not mentioned in the Holy Quran with his name but his story of the appointment of his successor Prophet Talut عليه السلام is referred to in Surah Baqarah as explained below.

Battle of Aphek

Prophet Shumail عليه السلام grew up among Bani Israel in Shilioh guiding them to the path of Allah. He was also a judge and used to resolve the issues of people.

At that time, the biggest threat to Bani Israel was the Philistines who used to reside in the areas around the settlements of Israel. There had been many fights and battles between Israelis and the Philistines. 

In the Battle of Aphek, the Israelis lost 34,000 men as well as the Ark of the Covenant and it went into the custody of the Philistines.

Ark of the Covenant was a gold-plated wooden chest that in biblical times housed the two tablets of the Law given to Prophet Musa by Allah.

Battle of Mizpah

Prophet Shumail عليه السلام had become a prominent and major figure in Bani Israel with a great following. Finally, Allah gave them the task to raise an army at the hill of Mizpah against the Philistines to recover the Ark of the Covenant.

In 1084 BC, the battle of Mizpah took place in which Israelis defeated the Philistines and killed them in great numbers. However, the Ark of the Covenant could not be recovered.

Appointment of Talut as King

The people of Bani Israel wanted a king to be their new leader. It is mentioned in the Holy Quran.

Bani Israel said to one of their prophets: “Appoint for us a king, ˹and˺ we will fight in the cause of Allah.” – Al-Baqarah 2:246

In 1037 BC, Hazrat Shumail عليه السلام told them, “Allah has appointed Talut (Saul) to be your king.

Bani Israel said: How can he be our king when some of us are more deserving of kingship than he, and he has not been blessed with vast riches?”

Prophet Shumail عليه السلام replied: Allah has chosen him over you and blessed him with knowledge and stature. Allah grants kingship to whoever He wills. – Al-Baqarah 2:247

Hazrat Shumail عليه السلام further told Bani Israel: The sign of Talut’s kingship is that the Ark will come to you. – Al-Baqarah 2:248

Prophet Shumail Tomb

Prophet Shumail عليه السلام died in 1012 BC in present-day Palestine at the age of 142 years.

• Hazrat Shumail’s tomb location.