Surah Al-Baqarah 2:247

When the Israelites asked their Prophet to appoint a king over them, he appointed Talut (Saul), who was then a soldier. But, Talut was not a descendant of the house of kings among them, which was exclusively in the offspring of Yahudha (Judah). This is why they said:

(How can he be a king over us) meaning, how can he be the king for us,

(when we are fitter than him for the kingdom, and he has not been given enough wealth) They said that Talut was also poor and did not have the wealth that justifies him being king. Some people stated that Talut used to bring water to the people, while others stated that his profession was dyeing skins. The Jews, thus, disputed with their Prophet while they were supposed to obey him and to say good words to him.

Their Prophet answered them:

(Verily, Allah has chosen him above you) meaning, `Allah chose Talut from amongst you while having better knowledge about him.' Their Prophet stated, "I did not choose Talut to be your king on my own. Rather, Allah has commanded that upon your request." Further:

(...and has increased him abundantly in knowledge and stature.) meaning, `Talut is more knowledgeable and honorable than you, and stronger and more patient during combat, and has more knowledge of warfare. In short, he has more knowledge and is stronger than you are. The king should have sufficient knowledge, be fair looking and should have a strong soul and body.' He then said:

(And Allah grants His kingdom to whom He wills.) meaning, Allah Alone is the Supreme Authority Who does what He wills and no one can ask Him about His actions, while they will be asked (about their actions by Him). This is because Allah has perfect knowledge, wisdom and kindness with His creation. Allah said:

(And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knower.) meaning, His favor is encompassing and He grants His mercy to whom He wills. He also knows those who deserve to be kings and those who do not deserve it.

Samuel mengatakan kepada Bani Israil, bahwa Allah swt telah mengangkat thalut (dalam Bibel Saul) sebagai raja. Orang-orang Bani Israil tidak mau menerima Talut sebagai raja dengan alasan, bahwa menurut tradisi yang boleh dijadikan raja hanyalah dari kabilah Yehuda, sedangkan thalut dari kabilah Bunyamin. Lagi pula disyaratkan yang boleh menjadi raja itu harus seorang hartawan, sedang thalut bukan hartawan. Oleh karena itu secara spontan mereka menolak, "Bagaimana thalut akan memerintah kami, padahal kami lebih berhak untuk mengendalikan pemerintahan daripada dia, sedang dia pun tidak diberi kekayaan yang cukup untuk menjadi raja?"

Samuel menjawab bahwa thalut diangkat menjadi raja atas pilihan Allah karena itu Allah menganugerahkan kepadanya ilmu yang luas dan tubuh yang perkasa sehingga ia mampu memimpin Bani Israil. Dari ayat ini dapat diambil pengertian bahwa seorang yang akan dijadikan raja itu hendaklah:

1.Mempunyai kekuatan fisik sehingga mampu untuk melaksanakan tugas-tugasnya sebagai kepala negara.

2.Menguasai ilmu pengetahuan yang luas, mengetahui letak kekuatan umat dan kelemahannya, sehingga dapat memimpinnya dengan penuh bijaksana.

3. Memiliki kesehatan jasmani dan kecerdasan pikiran.

4.Bertakwa kepada Allah agar mendapat taufik dan hidayah-Nya, untuk mengatasi segala kesulitan yang tidak mungkin diatasinya sendiri, kecuali dengan taufik dan hidayah-Nya.

Adapun harta kekayaan tidak dimasukkan menjadi syarat untuk menjadi raja, karena bila syarat-syarat yang empat tersebut telah dipenuhi maka mudah baginya untuk mendapatkan harta yang diperlukan, sebab Allah Mahaluas pemberian-Nya lagi Maha Mengetahui.