Prophet Ayyub, known as Job in the Christian tradition, was a prophet of immense piety and unshakeable belief in Allah’s wisdom and mercy. Yet he was tested with grievous hardship. He suffered from severe illness and witnessed the fading of his worldly wealth. Nonetheless, his faith in Allah The Exalted remained steadfast, his devotion unwavering even in the face of such rigorous trials.
Prophet Ayub’s Dua | The Qur’an shares with us a particular moment of his supplication to Allah in Surah Al-Anbiya [21:83-84]:
“وَأَيُّوبَ إِذْ نَادَىٰ رَبَّهُ أَنِّي مَسَّنِيَ الضُّرُّ وَأَنتَ أَرْحَمُ الرَّاحِمِينَ.
فَاسْتَجَبْنَا لَهُ فَكَشَفْنَا مَا بِهِ مِن ضُرٍّ ۖ وَآتَيْنَاهُ أَهْلَهُ وَمِثْلَهُم مَّعَهُمْ رَحْمَةً مِّنْ عِندِنَا وَذِكْرَىٰ لِلْعَابِدِينَ”
“Undoubtedly, Ayyub, when he called his Lord, said, ‘Distress has afflicted me, and You are the Most Merciful of all those who show mercy.’ So, We answered his call, and We removed the affliction from which he suffered, and We gave him his family and the like thereof along with them, a mercy from Our store and remembrance for the worshippers.”
Prophet Ayyub’s dua is a plea to Allah highlighting his complete surrender, his inherent understanding that it is Allah, The Most Compassionate, The Most Merciful, who can alleviate his pain and restore tranquility in his life.
The English transliteration of the dua is: ” anni massaniya alddurru waanta arhamu alrrahimeen.”
Today, we glean from this story that we, too, may face hardship and severe tests in our life, tests that may make us feel distraught and overwhelmed. It is in those times that we need to pull from the well of patience and steadfastness exemplified by Prophet Ayyub, understanding that our trials are temporary, while the mercy and bounty of Allah are limitless and everlasting.
Let Prophet Ayyub’s dua and story remind us to hold steadfastly onto our faith, never losing hope or resorting to despair. Embrace the wisdom of his story, realizing the power of prayer, the promise of patience, and the boundless mercy of Allah. In times of hardship, let us reach out in earnest dua, as did Prophet Ayyub, knowing well that Allah hears us, sees us, and will respond in the manner that is best for us.
May Allah grant us patience in times of trials and tribulations, steadfastness in our faith, and unwavering trust in His mercy. Aameen.