1 00:00:00,460 --> 00:00:02,459 Stories of the Prophets, 2 00:00:02,459 --> 00:00:05,580 Stories of the Prophets, 3 00:00:05,580 --> 00:00:07,580 peace be upon them, 4 00:00:07,580 --> 00:00:09,679 Allah's blessings 5 00:00:09,679 --> 00:00:11,679 followed by 6 00:00:11,679 --> 00:00:13,679 peace 7 00:00:13,679 --> 00:00:15,679 upon the best 8 00:00:15,679 --> 00:00:17,679 of all creation— 9 00:00:17,679 --> 00:00:20,160 men of firm resolve 10 00:00:20,160 --> 00:00:22,160 whose station 11 00:00:22,160 --> 00:00:24,510 is exalted. 12 00:00:24,510 --> 00:00:26,510 The Story of Ayyub (Job), 13 00:00:26,510 --> 00:00:28,510 peace be upon him. 14 00:00:28,510 --> 00:00:32,689 In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful. 15 00:00:32,689 --> 00:00:34,750 Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds, 16 00:00:34,750 --> 00:00:36,750 and peace and blessings 17 00:00:36,750 --> 00:00:38,750 be upon our Prophet Muhammad, 18 00:00:38,750 --> 00:00:40,750 and upon his family and Companions, 19 00:00:40,750 --> 00:00:42,750 all of them. 20 00:00:42,750 --> 00:00:44,820 To proceed: 21 00:00:44,820 --> 00:00:47,140 In the land of Hawran, 22 00:00:47,140 --> 00:00:49,140 in the Levant, 23 00:00:49,140 --> 00:00:51,140 there lived a man 24 00:00:51,140 --> 00:00:53,140 among the finest of men. 25 00:00:53,140 --> 00:00:55,140 Allah revealed inspiration to him 26 00:00:55,140 --> 00:00:57,140 and he became a prophet; 27 00:00:57,140 --> 00:00:59,140 He showered him with abundant blessings, 28 00:00:59,140 --> 00:01:01,140 and he became wealthy. 29 00:01:01,140 --> 00:01:03,200 He was Ayyub, 30 00:01:03,200 --> 00:01:05,200 from the lineage 31 00:01:05,200 --> 00:01:07,200 of Ishaq (Isaac), son of Ibrahim (Abraham), 32 00:01:07,200 --> 00:01:10,129 peace be upon them. 33 00:01:10,129 --> 00:01:12,129 Ayyub, peace be upon him, was 34 00:01:12,129 --> 00:01:14,129 among the most handsome of people in appearance 35 00:01:14,129 --> 00:01:16,219 and the strongest in physical build. 36 00:01:16,219 --> 00:01:18,219 Allah bestowed upon him every 37 00:01:18,219 --> 00:01:20,219 kind of wealth: 38 00:01:20,219 --> 00:01:22,219 he possessed lands and farms, 39 00:01:22,219 --> 00:01:24,219 livestock and servants, 40 00:01:24,219 --> 00:01:26,219 not to mention 41 00:01:26,219 --> 00:01:28,219 vast wealth of gold 42 00:01:28,219 --> 00:01:30,290 and silver. 43 00:01:30,290 --> 00:01:32,290 In addition to that, he was blessed with children; 44 00:01:32,290 --> 00:01:34,290 his offspring were numerous, 45 00:01:34,290 --> 00:01:36,290 and they gathered around him 46 00:01:36,290 --> 00:01:38,319 as a source of support and honor. 47 00:01:38,319 --> 00:01:40,319 He, peace be upon him, was 48 00:01:40,319 --> 00:01:42,379 one whose supplications were readily answered: 49 00:01:42,379 --> 00:01:44,379 whenever he had a need from Allah, 50 00:01:44,379 --> 00:01:46,379 he would prostrate and ask it of Him, 51 00:01:46,379 --> 00:01:48,379 and Allah Almighty would grant him 52 00:01:48,379 --> 00:01:50,420 his request. 53 00:01:50,420 --> 00:01:52,420 Above all of this, 54 00:01:52,420 --> 00:01:54,420 Allah endowed him with knowledge 55 00:01:54,420 --> 00:01:56,420 and wisdom, 56 00:01:56,420 --> 00:01:58,420 and favored him with prophethood, 57 00:01:58,420 --> 00:02:00,420 so he was among the chosen and the righteous. 58 00:02:03,730 --> 00:02:05,730 The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: 59 00:02:05,730 --> 00:02:07,730 "The people who are most severely 60 00:02:07,730 --> 00:02:09,729 tested 61 00:02:09,729 --> 00:02:11,729 are the prophets, then the righteous, 62 00:02:11,729 --> 00:02:13,729 then the next best, 63 00:02:13,729 --> 00:02:15,759 then the next best. 64 00:02:15,759 --> 00:02:17,759 A man is tested according to his religious commitment: 65 00:02:17,759 --> 00:02:19,759 if he is steadfast 66 00:02:19,759 --> 00:02:21,759 and firm in his religion, 67 00:02:21,759 --> 00:02:23,759 his trial is made severe; 68 00:02:23,759 --> 00:02:25,759 but if there is weakness in his religion, 69 00:02:25,759 --> 00:02:27,759 he is tested in proportion 70 00:02:27,759 --> 00:02:29,819 to his religious commitment. 71 00:02:29,819 --> 00:02:31,819 Trials will continue to afflict a servant 72 00:02:31,819 --> 00:02:33,819 until they leave him 73 00:02:33,819 --> 00:02:35,819 walking upon the earth 74 00:02:35,819 --> 00:02:38,020 without a single sin upon him." 75 00:02:38,020 --> 00:02:40,020 Thus, Allah Almighty tested 76 00:02:40,020 --> 00:02:42,020 the prophets with various types of affliction, 77 00:02:42,020 --> 00:02:44,020 to examine their patience 78 00:02:44,020 --> 00:02:46,020 and elevate their ranks; 79 00:02:46,020 --> 00:02:48,020 so they were patient 80 00:02:48,020 --> 00:02:50,020 and remained steadfast. 81 00:02:50,020 --> 00:02:52,020 Among them 82 00:02:52,020 --> 00:02:54,139 was Ayyub, peace be upon him. 83 00:02:54,139 --> 00:02:56,139 For Allah Almighty tested him 84 00:02:56,139 --> 00:02:58,139 with the loss of all his family, 85 00:02:58,139 --> 00:03:00,139 as he saw 86 00:03:00,139 --> 00:03:02,139 his fourteen children 87 00:03:02,139 --> 00:03:04,139 die before his very eyes, 88 00:03:04,139 --> 00:03:06,139 one after another, 89 00:03:06,139 --> 00:03:08,139 until he was left 90 00:03:08,139 --> 00:03:10,270 all alone. 91 00:03:10,270 --> 00:03:12,270 He also lost all of his wealth, 92 00:03:12,270 --> 00:03:14,270 transitioning from a life 93 00:03:14,270 --> 00:03:16,270 of ease to a life 94 00:03:16,270 --> 00:03:18,400 of hardship and poverty. 95 00:03:18,400 --> 00:03:20,400 Furthermore, Allah afflicted his body 96 00:03:20,400 --> 00:03:22,430 with various kinds of illness, 97 00:03:22,430 --> 00:03:24,430 to the extent that it was said 98 00:03:24,430 --> 00:03:26,430 no part of his body remained sound 99 00:03:26,430 --> 00:03:28,430 except his tongue and his heart. 100 00:03:28,430 --> 00:03:30,530 And this affliction 101 00:03:30,530 --> 00:03:32,530 lasted for a very long time, 102 00:03:32,530 --> 00:03:34,530 until people grew weary of him 103 00:03:34,530 --> 00:03:36,530 and stopped visiting him, 104 00:03:36,530 --> 00:03:38,590 and no one remained 105 00:03:38,590 --> 00:03:40,590 with him except his faithful, 106 00:03:40,590 --> 00:03:42,590 patient, and reward-seeking wife. 107 00:03:42,590 --> 00:03:44,590 She stayed by his side 108 00:03:44,590 --> 00:03:46,590 for the entire span of eighteen 109 00:03:46,590 --> 00:03:48,590 years— 110 00:03:48,590 --> 00:03:50,590 which was the duration of the affliction endured by 111 00:03:50,590 --> 00:03:52,590 Ayyub, peace be upon him. 112 00:03:52,590 --> 00:03:54,719 She would attend to 113 00:03:54,719 --> 00:03:56,719 his service and care, 114 00:03:56,719 --> 00:03:58,719 fulfilling his daily needs, 115 00:03:58,719 --> 00:04:00,879 and working for others 116 00:04:00,879 --> 00:04:02,879 to sustain herself 117 00:04:02,879 --> 00:04:04,879 and bring back food 118 00:04:04,879 --> 00:04:06,879 for her sick husband. 119 00:04:06,879 --> 00:04:09,300 Throughout this entire period, 120 00:04:09,300 --> 00:04:11,300 Ayyub, peace be upon him, 121 00:04:11,300 --> 00:04:13,300 never ceased 122 00:04:13,300 --> 00:04:15,300 remembering Allah, praising Him, 123 00:04:15,300 --> 00:04:17,300 and thanking Him, enduring patiently 124 00:04:17,300 --> 00:04:19,300 and seeking His reward. 125 00:04:19,300 --> 00:04:21,329 It was once said to him, "Ask 126 00:04:21,329 --> 00:04:23,420 Allah to heal you," 127 00:04:23,420 --> 00:04:25,420 but he replied, 128 00:04:25,420 --> 00:04:27,420 "I feel too shy before Allah to ask Him that, 129 00:04:27,420 --> 00:04:29,420 until 130 00:04:29,420 --> 00:04:31,420 the years of my illness equal 131 00:04:31,420 --> 00:04:34,639 the years of my good health." 132 00:04:34,639 --> 00:04:36,639 Ayyub, peace be upon him, had 133 00:04:36,639 --> 00:04:38,639 two brothers who were among his closest 134 00:04:38,639 --> 00:04:40,639 companions; 135 00:04:40,639 --> 00:04:42,639 they would visit him morning and evening, 136 00:04:42,639 --> 00:04:44,639 inquire about his state, 137 00:04:44,639 --> 00:04:46,800 and then depart. 138 00:04:46,800 --> 00:04:48,800 One of them said to his companion 139 00:04:48,800 --> 00:04:50,800 one day, 140 00:04:50,800 --> 00:04:52,800 "Ayyub must have committed a sin 141 00:04:52,800 --> 00:04:54,800 that no one 142 00:04:54,800 --> 00:04:56,829 in the world has ever committed!" 143 00:04:56,829 --> 00:04:58,829 His companion asked him, 144 00:04:58,829 --> 00:05:00,899 "And why is that?" 145 00:05:00,899 --> 00:05:02,899 He said, "For so many years 146 00:05:02,899 --> 00:05:04,899 he has been sick, 147 00:05:04,899 --> 00:05:06,899 yet his Lord has not shown him mercy by relieving him!" 148 00:05:06,899 --> 00:05:09,120 When they entered 149 00:05:09,120 --> 00:05:11,120 upon Ayyub, peace be upon him, 150 00:05:11,120 --> 00:05:13,120 the man could not restrain himself 151 00:05:13,120 --> 00:05:15,120 from mentioning what his companion 152 00:05:15,120 --> 00:05:17,180 had said. 153 00:05:17,180 --> 00:05:19,180 Ayyub said, "I do not know [what you mean], 154 00:05:19,180 --> 00:05:21,180 except," he continued, 155 00:05:21,180 --> 00:05:23,180 "Allah knows 156 00:05:23,180 --> 00:05:25,180 that I used to pass by two men 157 00:05:25,180 --> 00:05:27,180 who were quarreling 158 00:05:27,180 --> 00:05:29,180 and swearing oaths by Allah, 159 00:05:29,180 --> 00:05:31,180 and I would be greatly troubled by their conduct; 160 00:05:31,180 --> 00:05:33,180 so I would return to my home 161 00:05:33,180 --> 00:05:35,180 and offer expiation on their behalf, 162 00:05:35,180 --> 00:05:37,180 out of dislike that Allah's name should be mentioned 163 00:05:37,180 --> 00:05:40,019 except in truth." 164 00:05:40,019 --> 00:05:42,019 Eventually, the wife of Ayyub, 165 00:05:42,019 --> 00:05:44,019 peace be upon him, grew exhausted; 166 00:05:44,019 --> 00:05:46,019 she had grown advanced in age, 167 00:05:46,019 --> 00:05:48,019 her bones had grown frail, 168 00:05:48,019 --> 00:05:50,050 and she could no longer find anyone 169 00:05:50,050 --> 00:05:52,050 to employ her so she could earn enough 170 00:05:52,050 --> 00:05:54,209 to support them. 171 00:05:54,209 --> 00:05:56,209 One day, 172 00:05:56,209 --> 00:05:58,209 she could find no food to bring back 173 00:05:58,209 --> 00:06:00,209 to her husband, 174 00:06:00,209 --> 00:06:02,209 so she found no alternative 175 00:06:02,209 --> 00:06:04,209 but to sell her two braids of hair 176 00:06:04,209 --> 00:06:06,209 in exchange for money, 177 00:06:06,209 --> 00:06:08,209 in order to buy food for herself 178 00:06:08,209 --> 00:06:10,269 and for her husband. 179 00:06:10,269 --> 00:06:12,269 When she was late returning to him, 180 00:06:12,269 --> 00:06:14,269 Ayyub, peace be upon him, asked her 181 00:06:14,269 --> 00:06:16,269 about the cause of her delay, 182 00:06:16,269 --> 00:06:18,339 but she did not tell him. 183 00:06:18,339 --> 00:06:20,339 When he saw that she had brought fine 184 00:06:20,339 --> 00:06:22,339 food—unlike the customary meals 185 00:06:22,339 --> 00:06:24,339 she used to bring— 186 00:06:24,339 --> 00:06:26,339 he became suspicious of the matter, 187 00:06:26,339 --> 00:06:28,339 and swore that he would not eat from this 188 00:06:28,339 --> 00:06:30,339 food until she told him 189 00:06:30,339 --> 00:06:32,500 where she had obtained it. 190 00:06:32,500 --> 00:06:34,500 At that, 191 00:06:34,500 --> 00:06:36,500 she uncovered her head 192 00:06:36,500 --> 00:06:38,500 and informed him that she had sold 193 00:06:38,500 --> 00:06:40,500 her braids in order 194 00:06:40,500 --> 00:06:42,560 to obtain the food. 195 00:06:42,560 --> 00:06:44,560 When he saw that, 196 00:06:44,560 --> 00:06:46,560 he became angry with her 197 00:06:46,560 --> 00:06:48,560 and swore that if Allah cured him, 198 00:06:48,560 --> 00:06:50,560 he would strike her with a hundred lashes; 199 00:06:50,560 --> 00:06:52,720 So she turned away, 200 00:06:52,720 --> 00:06:54,720 poor, broken, 201 00:06:54,720 --> 00:06:57,040 and deeply sorrowful. 202 00:06:57,040 --> 00:06:59,040 But when the Prophet of Allah, 203 00:06:59,040 --> 00:07:01,040 Ayyub (peace be upon him), regained his calm, 204 00:07:01,040 --> 00:07:03,040 he felt the bitter reality 205 00:07:03,040 --> 00:07:05,040 of what his wife had been reduced to, 206 00:07:05,040 --> 00:07:07,040 and that all of it 207 00:07:07,040 --> 00:07:09,259 was solely for his sake. 208 00:07:09,259 --> 00:07:11,259 So he raised his head toward the heavens 209 00:07:11,259 --> 00:07:13,259 and cried out in supplication to his Lord: 210 00:07:13,259 --> 00:07:15,389 "My Lord, 211 00:07:15,389 --> 00:07:17,389 adversity has touched me, 212 00:07:17,389 --> 00:07:19,389 and You are the Most Merciful of the merciful." 213 00:07:19,389 --> 00:07:21,490 His unspoken state was saying: 214 00:07:21,490 --> 00:07:23,519 "The affliction in my own body, O Lord, 215 00:07:23,519 --> 00:07:25,519 I can bear with patience, 216 00:07:25,519 --> 00:07:27,519 but 217 00:07:27,519 --> 00:07:29,519 this adversity has now reached my family." 218 00:07:29,519 --> 00:07:31,579 And he also said: 219 00:07:31,579 --> 00:07:33,579 "My Lord, 220 00:07:33,579 --> 00:07:35,579 Satan has afflicted me 221 00:07:35,579 --> 00:07:37,579 with distress and torment." 222 00:07:37,579 --> 00:07:39,579 Meaning: he has struck me with exhaustion 223 00:07:39,579 --> 00:07:41,649 and excruciating pain. 224 00:07:41,649 --> 00:07:43,649 This reflects his impeccable manners with his Lord, 225 00:07:43,649 --> 00:07:45,649 for he did not attribute 226 00:07:45,649 --> 00:07:47,649 the sickness to Allah Almighty, 227 00:07:47,649 --> 00:07:49,649 even though Allah 228 00:07:49,649 --> 00:07:51,649 is the One Who decrees sickness 229 00:07:51,649 --> 00:07:53,680 and cure; 230 00:07:53,680 --> 00:07:55,680 rather, he attributed the harm and illness 231 00:07:55,680 --> 00:07:57,680 to Satan, 232 00:07:57,680 --> 00:07:59,709 out of reverence before Allah. 233 00:07:59,709 --> 00:08:01,709 So Allah answered his supplication. 234 00:08:01,709 --> 00:08:04,899 Ayyub (peace be upon him) 235 00:08:04,899 --> 00:08:06,899 had sent his wife 236 00:08:06,899 --> 00:08:08,899 to run an errand for him, 237 00:08:08,899 --> 00:08:10,930 and she was delayed. 238 00:08:10,930 --> 00:08:12,930 While he remained in his place, [it was said to him]: 239 00:08:12,930 --> 00:08:14,930 "Strike with your foot!"— 240 00:08:14,930 --> 00:08:16,990 that is, strike the heel of your foot 241 00:08:16,990 --> 00:08:19,120 against the ground. 242 00:08:19,120 --> 00:08:21,120 He did so, 243 00:08:21,120 --> 00:08:23,220 and a spring of cool water gushed forth. 244 00:08:23,220 --> 00:08:25,220 Then Allah Almighty commanded him 245 00:08:25,220 --> 00:08:27,220 to drink from it and bathe, 246 00:08:27,220 --> 00:08:29,220 which he did, 247 00:08:29,220 --> 00:08:31,220 and his illness vanished, 248 00:08:31,220 --> 00:08:33,220 and Allah cured him completely. 249 00:08:33,220 --> 00:08:35,629 When his wife returned, 250 00:08:35,629 --> 00:08:37,629 she saw him after Allah had removed 251 00:08:37,629 --> 00:08:39,629 all his affliction, 252 00:08:39,629 --> 00:08:41,629 restored to the finest form 253 00:08:41,629 --> 00:08:43,629 and appearance, 254 00:08:43,629 --> 00:08:45,629 so she did not recognize him. 255 00:08:45,629 --> 00:08:47,659 She said to him, 256 00:08:47,659 --> 00:08:49,659 "May Allah bless you! 257 00:08:49,659 --> 00:08:51,659 Have you seen the afflicted Prophet of Allah? 258 00:08:51,659 --> 00:08:53,659 For, by Allah, I have never seen 259 00:08:53,659 --> 00:08:55,659 a man more resembling him than you, 260 00:08:55,659 --> 00:08:57,659 back when he was healthy." 261 00:08:57,659 --> 00:08:59,789 He said, 262 00:08:59,789 --> 00:09:01,789 "I am he! 263 00:09:01,789 --> 00:09:03,789 I am Ayyub, the afflicted Prophet 264 00:09:03,789 --> 00:09:06,049 of Allah." 265 00:09:06,049 --> 00:09:08,049 Do not ask of her immense joy 266 00:09:08,049 --> 00:09:10,049 at her husband's cure 267 00:09:10,049 --> 00:09:12,049 after this 268 00:09:12,049 --> 00:09:14,049 long lifetime 269 00:09:14,049 --> 00:09:17,389 and beautiful patience! 270 00:09:17,389 --> 00:09:19,389 Ayyub (peace be upon him) had 271 00:09:19,389 --> 00:09:21,389 two threshing floors: 272 00:09:21,389 --> 00:09:23,389 one for wheat 273 00:09:23,389 --> 00:09:25,419 and the other for barley. 274 00:09:25,419 --> 00:09:27,419 Allah sent two clouds; 275 00:09:27,419 --> 00:09:29,419 when one of them stood 276 00:09:29,419 --> 00:09:31,419 over the wheat floor, 277 00:09:31,419 --> 00:09:33,419 it poured out gold into it 278 00:09:33,419 --> 00:09:35,580 until it overflowed, 279 00:09:35,580 --> 00:09:37,580 and the other poured out over 280 00:09:37,580 --> 00:09:39,580 the barley floor silver 281 00:09:39,580 --> 00:09:42,100 until it overflowed. 282 00:09:42,100 --> 00:09:44,100 Life returned 283 00:09:44,100 --> 00:09:46,100 to the household of Ayyub (peace be upon him) 284 00:09:46,100 --> 00:09:48,100 anew: 285 00:09:48,100 --> 00:09:50,100 Allah restored youth to his wife, 286 00:09:50,100 --> 00:09:52,100 and to Ayyub, 287 00:09:52,100 --> 00:09:54,100 his health and well-being. 288 00:09:54,100 --> 00:09:56,100 Allah also revived for him 289 00:09:56,100 --> 00:09:58,100 all of his children 290 00:09:58,100 --> 00:10:00,100 after they had died, 291 00:10:00,100 --> 00:10:02,100 restoring them to him in their exact persons, 292 00:10:02,100 --> 00:10:04,100 and granting him the like of them in addition. 293 00:10:04,100 --> 00:10:06,100 Thus Allah bestowed upon him 294 00:10:06,100 --> 00:10:08,100 all that he deserved, 295 00:10:08,100 --> 00:10:10,100 as a reward for his patience. 296 00:10:10,100 --> 00:10:12,480 Allah Almighty said: 297 00:10:12,480 --> 00:10:14,480 "And [remember] Ayyub, 298 00:10:14,480 --> 00:10:16,509 when he called out to his Lord, 299 00:10:16,509 --> 00:10:18,509 'Truly, 300 00:10:18,509 --> 00:10:20,509 adversity has touched me, 301 00:10:20,509 --> 00:10:22,509 and You are the Most Merciful 302 00:10:22,509 --> 00:10:24,509 of the merciful.' 303 00:10:24,509 --> 00:10:26,509 So We responded to him 304 00:10:26,509 --> 00:10:28,509 and removed what was upon him 305 00:10:28,509 --> 00:10:30,509 of adversity, 306 00:10:30,509 --> 00:10:32,509 and We gave him his family 307 00:10:32,509 --> 00:10:34,509 and the like of them 308 00:10:34,509 --> 00:10:36,509 along with them, as a mercy 309 00:10:36,509 --> 00:10:38,509 from Us 310 00:10:38,509 --> 00:10:40,509 and a reminder 311 00:10:40,509 --> 00:10:42,509 from Us 312 00:10:42,509 --> 00:10:44,509 and a reminder 313 00:10:44,509 --> 00:10:46,509 for the worshippers." 314 00:10:46,509 --> 00:10:49,700 Yet one matter remained 315 00:10:49,700 --> 00:10:51,700 weighing heavily on the mind of the Prophet of Allah, 316 00:10:51,700 --> 00:10:53,700 Ayyub (peace be upon him): 317 00:10:53,700 --> 00:10:55,700 the oath that 318 00:10:55,700 --> 00:10:57,700 he had sworn to strike 319 00:10:57,700 --> 00:10:59,700 his loyal, patient wife 320 00:10:59,700 --> 00:11:01,700 with a hundred lashes. 321 00:11:01,700 --> 00:11:03,700 How could he fulfill his oath, 322 00:11:03,700 --> 00:11:05,700 and how could he bring harm upon her 323 00:11:05,700 --> 00:11:07,700 after all she had sacrificed for him? 324 00:11:07,700 --> 00:11:09,700 And was it permissible 325 00:11:09,700 --> 00:11:11,700 for him not to fulfill his oath? 326 00:11:11,700 --> 00:11:13,919 But just as 327 00:11:13,919 --> 00:11:15,919 Allah Almighty said: 328 00:11:15,919 --> 00:11:17,919 "And whoever fears Allah, 329 00:11:17,919 --> 00:11:19,919 He will make for him a way out," 330 00:11:19,919 --> 00:11:22,049 the solution came 331 00:11:22,049 --> 00:11:24,049 from Allah, the All-Mighty, the All-Wise, 332 00:11:24,049 --> 00:11:26,049 as an alleviation for 333 00:11:26,049 --> 00:11:28,049 Ayyub and his wife, 334 00:11:28,049 --> 00:11:30,049 without him breaking his oath. 335 00:11:30,049 --> 00:11:32,139 Allah revealed to him 336 00:11:32,139 --> 00:11:34,139 to take a bundle 337 00:11:34,139 --> 00:11:36,139 of thin branches, 338 00:11:36,139 --> 00:11:38,139 containing small and large, 339 00:11:38,139 --> 00:11:40,139 green and dry, 340 00:11:40,139 --> 00:11:42,139 totaling one hundred twigs, 341 00:11:42,139 --> 00:11:44,139 varying in size 342 00:11:44,139 --> 00:11:46,240 and weight, 343 00:11:46,240 --> 00:11:48,240 and to strike his wife with them 344 00:11:48,240 --> 00:11:50,240 a single blow, 345 00:11:50,240 --> 00:11:52,240 which would cause her no harm 346 00:11:52,240 --> 00:11:54,240 yet fulfill his oath. 347 00:11:54,240 --> 00:11:56,340 So Ayyub (peace be upon him) did 348 00:11:56,340 --> 00:11:58,340 what Allah commanded him to do, 349 00:11:58,340 --> 00:12:00,340 and was thus absolved 350 00:12:00,340 --> 00:12:02,850 of this oath. 351 00:12:02,850 --> 00:12:04,879 Allah Almighty said: 352 00:12:04,879 --> 00:12:06,879 "And remember Our servant 353 00:12:06,879 --> 00:12:08,879 Ayyub, when he called out 354 00:12:08,879 --> 00:12:10,879 to his Lord, 355 00:12:10,879 --> 00:12:12,879 'Satan has touched me 356 00:12:12,879 --> 00:12:14,879 with distress and torment.' 357 00:12:14,879 --> 00:12:16,879 'Strike with your foot! 358 00:12:16,879 --> 00:12:18,879 This is 359 00:12:18,879 --> 00:12:20,879 a cool bathing spring 360 00:12:20,879 --> 00:12:22,879 and a drink.' 361 00:12:22,879 --> 00:12:24,879 And We granted him 362 00:12:24,879 --> 00:12:26,879 his family and the like of them 363 00:12:26,879 --> 00:12:28,879 along with them, as a mercy 364 00:12:28,879 --> 00:12:30,879 from Us 365 00:12:30,879 --> 00:12:32,879 and a reminder 366 00:12:32,879 --> 00:12:34,879 from Us, and a reminder 367 00:12:34,879 --> 00:12:36,879 for people of understanding. 368 00:12:36,879 --> 00:12:38,879 'And take in your hand 369 00:12:38,879 --> 00:12:40,879 a bundle of rushes and strike 370 00:12:40,879 --> 00:12:42,879 with it, and do not break your oath.' 371 00:12:42,879 --> 00:12:44,879 Truly, We found 372 00:12:44,879 --> 00:12:46,879 him patient— 373 00:12:46,879 --> 00:12:48,879 an excellent servant he was! Truly, 374 00:12:48,879 --> 00:12:50,879 he was ever turning [to Allah]." 375 00:12:50,879 --> 00:12:54,289 Once, Ayyub (peace be upon him) 376 00:12:54,289 --> 00:12:56,289 was taking a bath 377 00:12:56,289 --> 00:12:58,289 naked, 378 00:12:58,289 --> 00:13:02,490 when Allah showered upon him a swarm of golden locusts. 379 00:13:03,169 --> 00:13:07,370 He began gathering those locusts and scooping them into his garment, 380 00:13:08,070 --> 00:13:09,509 so Allah called to him: 381 00:13:10,070 --> 00:13:14,629 "O Ayyub, have I not made you wealthy enough to do without what you see?"— 382 00:13:15,340 --> 00:13:18,779 meaning: "Did I not fill your heart with contentment 383 00:13:19,299 --> 00:13:21,580 so that you no longer care for gold?" 384 00:13:22,470 --> 00:13:24,750 Ayyub (peace be upon him) replied: 385 00:13:25,269 --> 00:13:26,470 "Yes indeed, my Lord, 386 00:13:27,190 --> 00:13:30,309 but I can never be independent of Your blessing!" 387 00:13:32,419 --> 00:13:33,940 Dear noble brothers, 388 00:13:34,740 --> 00:13:40,419 the name of the Prophet of Allah, Ayyub (peace be upon him), is mentioned four times in the Qur'an, 389 00:13:41,179 --> 00:13:44,500 and his story is recounted twice across two surahs. 390 00:13:45,299 --> 00:13:48,820 It contains an abundance of lessons and profound insights, 391 00:13:49,809 --> 00:13:50,690 among which is, 392 00:13:51,860 --> 00:13:52,500 first: 393 00:13:53,100 --> 00:13:56,899 whatever Allah Almighty decrees for His servant, 394 00:13:57,460 --> 00:13:59,379 all good resides entirely within it, 395 00:14:00,059 --> 00:14:02,779 and He, Glorified is He, is the Most Merciful of the merciful, 396 00:14:03,299 --> 00:14:05,100 and ever Gentle with His servants; 397 00:14:05,860 --> 00:14:08,580 Affliction was not sent down to torment His servants, 398 00:14:09,139 --> 00:14:10,940 but rather to test them; 399 00:14:11,700 --> 00:14:13,220 whoever shows patience gains, 400 00:14:13,779 --> 00:14:15,419 and whoever despairs loses. 401 00:14:16,639 --> 00:14:17,320 Second: 402 00:14:18,000 --> 00:14:21,639 Allah's decrees come to pass upon all human beings, 403 00:14:22,279 --> 00:14:24,080 regardless of their varying ranks, 404 00:14:24,559 --> 00:14:26,840 from prophets and the truthful, 405 00:14:27,279 --> 00:14:29,399 to leading scholars and reformers. 406 00:14:30,340 --> 00:14:32,620 The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: 407 00:14:33,299 --> 00:14:35,220 "The most severely tested of people 408 00:14:35,620 --> 00:14:36,700 are the prophets, 409 00:14:37,220 --> 00:14:38,700 then the righteous, 410 00:14:39,179 --> 00:14:41,419 then the next best, then the next best." 411 00:14:42,220 --> 00:14:43,419 Narrated by Muslim. 412 00:14:44,820 --> 00:14:45,580 Third: 413 00:14:46,340 --> 00:14:48,059 The elite of Allah's servants— 414 00:14:48,460 --> 00:14:51,620 who are His prophets and messengers (peace be upon them)— 415 00:14:52,259 --> 00:14:54,940 have their hearts devoted entirely to Allah alone, 416 00:14:55,500 --> 00:14:57,179 in supplication and hope, 417 00:14:57,539 --> 00:14:59,340 as well as reliance and repentance, 418 00:15:00,129 --> 00:15:04,450 just as Allah Almighty said recounting about Ayyub (peace be upon him): 419 00:15:05,090 --> 00:15:09,370 “And Job, when he cried unto his Lord, (saying): Lo! adversity afflicteth me, and Thou art Most Merciful of all who show mercy.” (21:83) 420 00:15:09,769 --> 00:15:12,169 "and You are the Most Merciful of the merciful." 421 00:15:13,759 --> 00:15:14,480 Fourth: 422 00:15:15,200 --> 00:15:18,159 Showing proper etiquette with Allah Almighty in supplication, 423 00:15:18,679 --> 00:15:20,320 as when he called upon Him saying: 424 00:15:21,169 --> 00:15:22,889 "Adversity has touched me," 425 00:15:23,639 --> 00:15:25,039 and likewise his saying: 426 00:15:25,679 --> 00:15:28,720 “And make mention (O Muhammad) of Our bondman Job, when he cried unto his Lord (saying): Lo! the devil doth afflict me with distress and torment.” (38:41) 427 00:15:29,620 --> 00:15:32,779 for he used the word "touch," meaning something slight, 428 00:15:33,500 --> 00:15:36,980 and he did not say, "The disease has destroyed me," or "harmed me," 429 00:15:37,580 --> 00:15:41,340 even though the illness afflicted him for eighteen years, 430 00:15:41,899 --> 00:15:45,620 to the point that companions shunned him and familiars grew weary of him. 431 00:15:46,960 --> 00:15:47,679 Fifth: 432 00:15:48,539 --> 00:15:51,539 Allah Almighty answers the supplication of the desperate, 433 00:15:52,139 --> 00:15:53,059 as He said: 434 00:15:53,779 --> 00:15:57,220 “Is not He (best) Who answereth the wronged one when he crieth unto Him and removeth the evil, and hath made you viceroys of the earth? Is there any Allah beside Allah? Little do they reflect!” (27:62) 435 00:15:58,049 --> 00:15:59,649 And as for Ayyub (peace be upon him), 436 00:16:00,210 --> 00:16:01,850 Allah answered his supplication, 437 00:16:02,450 --> 00:16:04,009 cured him of his illness, 438 00:16:04,649 --> 00:16:07,289 and restored his family to him, and the like thereof along with them. 439 00:16:08,120 --> 00:16:11,200 Allah Almighty answers the supplication of the desperate, 440 00:16:11,519 --> 00:16:13,200 even if he is a disbeliever, 441 00:16:13,919 --> 00:16:15,399 as Allah Almighty said: 442 00:16:16,120 --> 00:16:20,840 “And when they mount upon the ships they pray to Allah, making their faith pure for Him only, but when He bringeth them safe to land, behold! they ascribe partners (unto Him),” (29:65) 443 00:16:21,399 --> 00:16:25,840 “And when they mount upon the ships they pray to Allah, making their faith pure for Him only, but when He bringeth them safe to land, behold! they ascribe partners (unto Him),” (29:65) 444 00:16:26,919 --> 00:16:27,799 Sixth: 445 00:16:28,519 --> 00:16:32,480 Allah, Glorified and Exalted be He, made Ayyub (peace be upon him) 446 00:16:33,039 --> 00:16:36,799 a source of solace for the afflicted in whatever hardships befall them, 447 00:16:37,440 --> 00:16:38,720 as He said regarding him: 448 00:16:39,320 --> 00:16:41,399 "and a reminder for people of understanding," 449 00:16:42,080 --> 00:16:42,960 and He said: 450 00:16:43,399 --> 00:16:45,360 "and a reminder for the worshippers." 451 00:16:46,149 --> 00:16:48,509 Thus, in Ayyub (peace be upon him) there is an exemplar, 452 00:16:49,110 --> 00:16:52,629 as he was tested with the greatest trials a human being can face, 453 00:16:53,110 --> 00:16:54,590 yet he was patient and sought Allah's reward, 454 00:16:55,070 --> 00:16:57,190 until relief came to him. 455 00:16:58,580 --> 00:16:59,460 Seventh: 456 00:17:00,100 --> 00:17:02,860 The words of Allah Almighty to Ayyub (peace be upon him): 457 00:17:03,259 --> 00:17:04,539 "Strike the ground with your foot," 458 00:17:05,059 --> 00:17:06,980 despite the severe illness he was enduring, 459 00:17:07,740 --> 00:17:10,259 demonstrates the importance of taking material means, 460 00:17:10,819 --> 00:17:13,180 which is a divinely legislated requirement we are commanded to fulfill, 461 00:17:13,660 --> 00:17:16,259 while maintaining reliance and trust in Allah. 462 00:17:16,900 --> 00:17:20,539 For Allah Almighty was fully capable of bringing forth the water for him 463 00:17:20,819 --> 00:17:22,859 without him having to move his feet, 464 00:17:23,579 --> 00:17:27,420 but He wanted him to take the necessary means toward healing. 465 00:17:28,960 --> 00:17:29,759 Eighth: 466 00:17:30,400 --> 00:17:33,359 Between the blink of an eye and its reopening, 467 00:17:33,839 --> 00:17:37,079 Allah changes things from one state to another. 468 00:17:37,980 --> 00:17:41,900 For Allah healed Ayyub (peace be upon him) from years of illness 469 00:17:42,180 --> 00:17:43,180 in mere moments, 470 00:17:43,930 --> 00:17:46,250 as if nothing had ever happened. 471 00:17:47,059 --> 00:17:48,059 The poet said: 472 00:17:48,930 --> 00:17:52,609 "O bearer of sorrow, sorrow will surely dissipate; 473 00:17:53,210 --> 00:17:56,970 rejoice in goodness, for the Reliever is Allah. 474 00:17:57,640 --> 00:18:00,839 Despair sometimes severs a person's resolve; 475 00:18:01,400 --> 00:18:05,039 do not despair, for the Sufficient is Allah. 476 00:18:05,789 --> 00:18:08,910 Allah brings about ease after hardship; 477 00:18:09,549 --> 00:18:13,190 do not be distressed, for the Ordainer is Allah. 478 00:18:13,829 --> 00:18:17,390 So when you are afflicted, trust in Allah and be content with Him; 479 00:18:18,029 --> 00:18:21,710 indeed, the One who removes affliction is Allah. 480 00:18:22,430 --> 00:18:25,750 By Allah, you have no one besides Allah; 481 00:18:26,390 --> 00:18:30,349 so Allah is sufficient for you in everything, and Allah is with you." 482 00:18:33,299 --> 00:18:38,140 Expiation for an oath was not legislated in the time of Ayyub (peace be upon him); 483 00:18:38,779 --> 00:18:42,779 therefore, he had no choice but to fulfill his oath, 484 00:18:43,619 --> 00:18:47,539 and Allah had mercy on the Ummah of Islam through the expiation for oaths. 485 00:18:48,849 --> 00:18:52,410 Tenth: The permissibility of seeking an abundance of the lawful. 486 00:18:53,130 --> 00:18:55,490 For Ayyub (peace be upon him) said: 487 00:18:56,089 --> 00:18:59,410 "O Lord, I cannot do without Your blessing." 488 00:19:01,670 --> 00:19:04,190 The rest of the discussion will follow, if Allah wills. 489 00:19:04,789 --> 00:19:08,589 And Allah knows best, and all praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 490 00:19:09,190 --> 00:19:12,349 May peace and blessings of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, 491 00:19:12,349 --> 00:19:15,950 and upon his family and all his Companions.