PROPHET AYYUB (AS) Learning Objectives: To understand who Prophet Ayyub (Peace be upon him) was and learn about his blessings To learn about his tests and how he dealt with them To draw lessons from the story and focus on understanding that Allah is the one who controls illness and health

Unscramble the words Yyaub Cstulo Dolg Ptaience ikrz

BLESSINGS OF ALLAH Allah had given Ayyub alayhis salaam a lot of wealth; he had many animals, a lot of land and a lot of servants and sons with whom he was very pleased. When Ayyub became very old, Allah decided to test him with regards to all his blessings and took everything away. This did not stop him from constantly remembering Allah. Ayyub Alayhis Salaam felt all alone. No one was there to look after him except for his wife.

PATIENCE OF AYYUB Though Allah tested Ayyub with many afflictions and troubles, he remained patient and committed to Allah’s obedience. He continued to praise Allah and thank Him for his remaining blessings­ - despite losing everything. He never complained nor got angry; he remained in this condition patiently, for a number of years.

ALLAH REWARDS AYYUB FOR HIS PATIENCE Many years had passed and situation of Ayyub Alayhis Salaam had not improved. Allah then inspired him to make a Dua through which Allah restored his health, family and wealth. Allah says in the Quran, “And Ayyub, when he called to his Lord: ‘great harm has afflicted me and You are the most Merciful.’ We responded to him and removed from him the harm which was afflicting him and restored his family to him, along with more [family members] like them, as a mercy from us and a reminder for all worshippers.”

Allah ordered him, “Stamp the ground with your foot Allah ordered him, “Stamp the ground with your foot. This [spring] is a cool bath and a refreshing drink” So Ayyub Alayhis Salaam stamped the ground with his foot and two springs of water began to flow. As he bathed from one of these springs, all his external illnesses were cured. And when he drank the cool, refreshing water from the other spring, all his internal illnesses were cured. His body now had become extremely handsome and energetic, such that when his wife returned home she hardly recognised him!

The Prophet said, “…When Ayyub was bathing golden locusts began to fall on him and Ayyub began to collect them in his garment. His Lord called to him, ‘O Ayyub! Have We not made you wealthy enough not to need what you see? He said, ‘Yes, indeed, by Your might, but I still need Your blessing!’

THE PROMISE OF AYYUB While Ayyub was ill, he had made a promise to hit his wife 100 times after he becomes well again. This was because she went out one day to carry out some tasks and returned home late after getting held up. So, out of anger, Ayyub made the promise. He now regretted what he said, but he made the promise in Allah’s name. Allah, through His mercy, showed Ayyub how to fulfil his promise without hurting his wife. Allah ordered Ayyub to take 100 light straws in his hand, and then hit her gently with them, once. Allah says in the Quran that this story is a “reminder for all worshippers,” so that believers may take Ayyub Alayhis Salaam as an example of patience in accepting the decrees of Allah with hope and patience.

Questions List the blessings Allah had given Ayyub List 2 tests that Ayyub faced? Explain how Muslims should deal with tests and trails. What blessing happened as Ayyub was bathing? Who controls all health and illness? Extension You have a friend who is not very well. Using the story of Ayyub alayhis salaam, write a letter to your friend about the example of Ayyub and how Allah rewards patience.

Lessons The Prophet said in a hadith, “Believers, both men and women, will continue to be tested in respect to themselves, their children and their wealth until they meet Allah without any sins.” Tests and troubles in life wipe our sins away and increase our reward for the Hereafter. When we face any difficulty, we should remember to turn to Allah and ask Him to help us. We should never lose hope and continue to be patient, just like Ayyub Alayhis Salaam remained patient throughout his test. A loss of something can always be replaced by Allah with something better. So if we lose something that is dear to us, we should not become angry or hopeless. Allah can replace what we lost with something even better.