In the Name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Prophet Job

Young Enlightened Submitters

Job was a steadfast servant of God, and was a perfect example of one who turns completely onto his Creator when distressed by misfortune. His prophethood served two purposes: (1) To spread the message of God's oneness and absolute Submission to His will, and (2) to show how the believers should not be discouraged by trials and tribulations that may arise in the quest for Submission.

Job lost his wealth and his health and most of his family, but never lost his faith in God. Instead of denouncing God due to his hardships (since he knew God was allowing the devil to afflict him in order to try his faith, see 38:41), Job implored his Lord saying: "Adversity has befallen me, and, of all the merciful ones (O God), You are the Most Merciful." God responded to him, and instructed him: "Strike the ground with your foot. A spring will give you healing and drink."

God thus rewarded him for his unwavering Submission, and restored to him his family, even twice as much. God then commissioned Job to "travel the land and preach the message," in order to fulfill a pledge that he had made to spread God's word.

Quran

I seek refuge in God from Satan the rejected

[Sad, 38:41] Remember our servant Job: he called upon his Lord, "The devil has afflicted me with hardship and pain."
[Sad, 38:42] "Strike the ground with your foot. A spring will give you healing and a drink."
[Sad, 38:43] We restored his family for him; twice as many. Such is our mercy; a reminder for those who possess intelligence.
[Sad, 38:44] "Now, you shall travel the land and preach the message, to fulfill your pledge." We found him steadfast. What a good servant! He was a submitter.

Vocabulary

Steadfast: loyal, unwavering

Distressed: upset

Misfortune: disaster, adversity

Trials & tribulations: tests

Arise: occur

Afflict: trouble

Commissioned: ordered, commanded

Quiz
  1. Job lost his health, wealth and most of his family, but he never lost what ?
  2. what should a good believer do if something bad happens to him/her ?
  3. what would God do to those who are steadfast and implore Him?