Prophet Ayyub: patience in hard times
Part 1A blessed and grateful man
Long ago there lived a noble prophet named Ayyub. He was known for his kindness, honesty and generosity, and for his devotion to Allah. Allah had given him land, animals, wealth, a loving wife and many children.
Yet Ayyub never became proud. He knew everything he had came from Allah. He spent his days worshipping Allah, helping the poor and feeding the hungry.
Part 2The tests
Then Allah tested His faithful servant. First, Ayyub lost his wealth: his animals died and his crops failed. Many expected him to complain, but he stayed patient. Allah had given him these blessings, he said, and Allah had every right to take them back.
Then came a harder test: Ayyub lost many of his children and loved ones. He felt sad, as any father would, but he never blamed Allah, never stopped praying and never lost hope.
Then came the hardest test of all: Ayyub became very ill. As the years passed, many people stopped visiting him. Some thought his suffering meant Allah was displeased with him, but they were wrong. Hardship does not mean Allah has left someone. His loyal wife stayed by his side and cared for him, and through it all Ayyub kept remembering Allah, morning and evening.
Part 3A prayer and an answer
At last, Ayyub raised his hands and made a beautiful prayer: “Hardship has touched me, and You are the Most Merciful of the merciful.” It was not a complaint. It was a prayer full of hope and trust in Allah's mercy.
Allah answered. He told Ayyub to strike the ground with his foot, and a spring of cool water appeared. Ayyub washed with it and drank from it, and his illness and pain were gone. Allah gave him back his family and blessed him with even more than before.
