Prophet Ayyub AS was one of the descendants of Prophet Ibrahim AS and a nephew of Prophet Yaakub AS. Ayyub’s AS steadfastness in the face of the most awesome trials originated the well-known expression, “the patience of Ayyub”, and he is one of the prophets to have received revelation from Allah, as the Qur’an says in Surat Al-An’am (6:84). AYYUB AS DISPLAYS PATIENCE It is reported that Ayyub AS lived in Syria, near Damascus. Allah had granted him great wealth in the form of lands, herds and servants, and he had a devoted family. With all that, he was a humble man of great piety, constantly glorifying and devoutly thanking his Lord. Allah then tested him with a series of calamities. Classical Qur’an commentators say that Allah first tested Ayyub AS by suddenly stripping away all his wealth and property. But Ayyub AS remained firm and constant, not shattered or even shaken by this disaster, and continued to glorify his Lord. Allah then took the lives of Ayyub’s AS many children. This too did not change him, and he continued to be steadfast in service and devotion to his Lord. Allah then took away his health, afflicting him with terrible pain and suffering, and such loathsome ailments that people shunned him. Still Ayyub’s AS faith and serenity remained undisturbed, for his heart was with Allah. It is said that there was no one on the face of the earth more honourable to Allah than Ayyub AS. Ayyub’s AS disease lasted so long that his companions left him and visitors were disgusted by him. They expelled him from his city and threw him onto a refuse heap outside the city, and people abandoned him and boycotted him. No one remained sympathetic to him except his wife. She would care for him and always recall his earlier good treatment of her and his love of her. “So she nursed him and looked after his welfare and helped him to fulfil his needs and stood by him. He condition deteriorated and her money decreased to the point at which she served people for wages to feed him and provide for his other needs, may Allah be pleased with her, and she was very patient with all that occurred as their wealth and children were taken away from them. Thus in addition to the calamity of her husband, she suffered from lack of means, and was obliged to serve people after having had wealth and happiness and servants and honour. To Allah we belong and to Him we return.” (Ibn Kathir) THE RESTORATION Ayyub AS remained in his trial for eighteen years, and his near and far friends and relatives left him. Then one day, Allah removed his affliction from him and he was as sound as he had been previously. When his wife saw him she said, “May Allah bless you, have you seen the prophet of Allah who was ill here? And by Allah, I have not seen a man more similar to him when he was healthy than you!” He said, “Indeed, I am he!” (Ibn Kathir) Together with his health, Ibn Abbas adds, Allah most High also restored Ayyub’s AS wealth and children to their previous state and granted him even more. Yet one difficulty still remained for Ayyub AS, referred to in Allah’s instructions to him, “And take in your hand a bunch [of grass] and strike with it and do not break your oath.” (Qur’an 38:44) And Allah adds about His prophet, Indeed, We found him patient, an excellent servant. Indeed, he was one repeatedly turning back [to Allah]. (Qur’an 38:44) Allah had previously ordered Ayyub AS to strike the earth with his foot for healing (Qur’an 38:42). And now, so that he would not violate an oath he had previously taken, Allah ordered him to take a bundle of something in his hand and strike something or someone with it. And according to Qur’anic commentators, that someone was his patient wife, who was an epitome of selflessness and goodness, being a descendent of prophets. According to commentators, for some reason Ayyub AS, the immensely patient prophet who bore such heavy afflictions without complaint, became angry with his wife for something she had done or
Posted on: Sun, 25 Jan 2015 14:17:16 +0000
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