The Trial of Patience – The Story of Nabi Ayyoob (عليه السلام) and Lessons for the Afflicted
بسم اللہ الرحمن الرحیم
The Greatest Test of Patience
Allah Ta’ala says in the Qur’an:
“Indeed, We found him patient, an excellent servant! Indeed, he was one repeatedly turning back (to Allah).” (Surah Saad 38:44)
Hazrat Ayyoob (عليه السلام) was a prophet blessed with immense wealth, health, and a loving family—until Allah tested him in ways unimaginable:
- His body was afflicted with painful sores.
- His wealth was destroyed.
- His children perished in a tragedy.
- Even his wife, in a moment of weakness, questioned his faith.
Yet, through it all, he never complained. Instead, he turned to Allah with a heart full of submission.
The Dua That Moved the Heavens
When his suffering reached its peak, he called upon Allah with these profound words:
“أَنِّي مَسَّنِيَ الضُّرُّ وَأَنتَ أَرْحَمُ الرَّاحِمِينَ“
“Indeed, adversity has touched me, and You are the Most Merciful of the merciful.” (Surah Al-Ambiya 21:83)
Why This Dua is So Powerful?
- No Demand, Just Trust – He didn’t ask for immediate relief; he affirmed Allah’s mercy, knowing relief would come in the best way.
- Humility in Suffering – He acknowledged his pain but never accused Allah of injustice.
- A Model for Us – When we say this dua, we surrender our pain to the One who controls all healing.
The Divine Cure & Restoration
Allah not only healed Hazrat Ayyoob (عليه السلام) but also:
- Restored his health – “Strike the ground with your foot; this is a spring for a cool bath and drink.” (Surah Saad 38:42)
- Returned his wealth – Allah gave him twice what he had lost.
- Blessed him with a new family – His wife bore him more righteous children.
This teaches us:
All tests are temporary.
Allah’s mercy is greater than any pain.
Patience leads to elevation in this life & the Hereafter.
Hazrat Thanwi’s (رحمه الله) Insights
In Bayaanul Qur’an, Hazrat Thanwi explains:
- Trials purify the soul – Just as gold is refined by fire, a believer is purified through hardship.
- Suffering erases sins – Every moment of pain is a chance for sins to be wiped away.
- Allah tests those He loves – The greater the test, the higher the rank in Jannah.
A Message for My Bed-Ridden Friend
Dear Friend,
You are not forgotten. Just as Hazrat Ayyoob (عليه السلام) was tested, your suffering is a divine opportunity:
- Your patience is being recorded by the angels.
- Every pain is removing sins you may not even remember.
- Allah’s mercy is closer than your next breath.
Say Ayyoob’s Dua Daily – Let it be your anchor.
Trust in Allah’s Plan – Relief will come, in this life or the next.
A Closing Prayer
“O Allah! Just as You healed Ayyoob (عليه السلام), grant my friend ease. Replace his pain with peace, his loneliness with Your nearness, and this despair with unwavering faith. Ameen.”
“Verily, with hardship comes ease.” (Qur’an 94:6)
