Story of Prophet Ayyub (Job) – عليه السلام

June 23, 2025

The Prophet of Patience and Gratitude

A very long time ago, in a land full of hills, green pastures, and flowing water, lived a man who was known for his honesty, kindness, and deep love for Allah. His name was Ayyub (Job), peace be upon him. He came from the noble family line of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), peace be upon him, and he lived in what is believed to be parts of modern-day Syria or Arabia.

A Life Full of Blessings

Prophet Ayyub was blessed in every way possible. He had:

Wealth: Huge lands, countless cattle, sheep, and horses.
A Big Family: Many sons and daughters who loved and obeyed him.
Good Health: A strong and healthy body.

Respect: People admired him for his honesty, generosity, and faith.

But even with all this, Ayyub never became proud. He would say, “All of this is from Allah. I am only a servant, and He is the Giver of everything.” He always remembered Allah and gave to the poor and needy.

The Test from Allah

To show the angels and the people the true strength of Ayyub’s faith, Allah decided to test him. The tests came one by one, but they were heavy and painful.

First, His Wealth Was Lost

A terrible storm and fire destroyed his farms. Raiders stole his cattle and animals. He became poor almost overnight. Yet he said:

"Alhamdulillah. Allah gave it to me, and He has taken it back. Everything belongs to Him."

Then, His Children Died

One day, a strong wind came and caused the house where all his children were gathered to collapse. It was the saddest moment of his life. All his children passed away. But still, Ayyub bowed in prayer and said:

"Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. We belong to Allah, and to Him we return."

Finally, He Lost His Health

He became very ill. Painful wounds appeared all over his body. His skin became infected. People began to fear him and stayed away from him. He was once a strong man, but now he was weak and couldn’t even stand.

His Only Companion – His Wife

Everyone left him, except one person — his loving wife. She cared for him with patience and kindness. She brought him food, helped him clean his wounds, and reminded him of Allah’s mercy.

Even when people said, “Look at Ayyub! He is sick and cursed!” — his wife stood by him, knowing that his heart was still full of faith.

His Beautiful Du’a

Years passed like this. Some narrations say it was 7 years or even more. Yet Ayyub never complained. But one day, with great humility and love, he made a gentle prayer to Allah:

“Indeed, adversity has touched me, and You are the Most Merciful of the merciful.”
(Quran – Surah Al-Anbiya 21:83)

He didn’t ask angrily or question Allah. He simply expressed his pain with full hope in Allah’s mercy.

The Miracle and Recovery

Allah, the Most Merciful, answered his prayer.

Allah said to him:

“Strike [the ground] with your foot. This is a spring for a cool bath and a drink.”
(Quran – Surah Sad 38:42)

Ayyub struck the ground, and a spring of pure water gushed out. When he bathed in it, his skin became clean and strong. When he drank from it, he became healthy again. His body was restored, and his pain disappeared.

More Blessings Returned

But Allah didn’t stop there.

He gave Ayyub more children to replace the ones he lost.

He gave him double the wealth he once had.
His people returned, and they loved him again.
Allah honoured him forever as a Prophet and role model for all of humanity.

What We Learn from Prophet Ayyub’s Story

This story is not just about patience, but about beautiful patience — sabr jameel. Ayyub teaches us to:

Be thankful in good times.
Be patient and calm in difficult times.
Trust Allah always — because His help comes at the best time.

Never lose hope, even if everything seems lost.

Quranic Mentions

Surah Al-Anbiya (21:83–84)

Surah Sad (38:41–44)