Prophet Ayyub (Job)

Who was Prophet Ayyub?

Ayyub (Job) was a prophet of Allah, renowned throughout history as the model of patience. After enjoying great blessings — wealth, family, and health — he was tested by losing them one after another, yet he endured with steadfast faith, never complaining against Allah, until Allah restored to him even more than before.

His Story

Ayyub was a wealthy and righteous man, blessed with abundant property and a large family. Allah tested him by taking away his wealth and children, and then by afflicting his body with a long and severe illness, until only his faith remained. Throughout years of hardship, Ayyub remained patient and grateful, continuing to remember Allah. At last he turned to his Lord with a gentle, humble supplication: "Indeed, adversity has touched me, and You are the most merciful of the merciful." Allah answered him, commanded him to strike the ground so that a cool spring gushed forth to heal and refresh him, and restored his health, his family, and his wealth, doubling what he had lost — a mercy and a sign for all who worship Him.

Ayyub in the Quran

• "And [mention] Ayyub, when he called to his Lord: Indeed, adversity has touched me, and You are the most merciful of the merciful." (21:83)
• "So We responded to him and removed what afflicted him of adversity. And We gave him his family and the like thereof with them..." (21:84)
• "Indeed, We found him patient, an excellent servant. Indeed, he was one repeatedly turning back [to Allah]." (38:44)

Lessons from His Life

Ayyub embodies sabr (patience) and shukr (gratitude) in adversity. His story teaches that trials are not a sign of Allah's anger but can be a test that raises a servant's rank, and that the believer's response is patience without despair and supplication without complaint. Allah praised him as "an excellent servant" precisely because of how he bore his trial. His example consoles everyone facing illness, loss, or prolonged hardship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Ayyub the symbol of patience?

Because he endured the loss of wealth, children, and health over a long period without ever turning away from Allah or losing hope in His mercy. The phrase "the patience of Job/Ayyub" has become proverbial. The Quran honours him as an excellent, ever-returning servant, making him the timeless example of steadfastness in trial.

What supplication did Ayyub make?

He said: "Indeed, adversity has touched me, and You are the most merciful of the merciful" (21:83). Notably, he did not demand or complain; he simply stated his condition and praised Allah's mercy — a model of how to make du'a with adab (good manners) in hardship.