وَٱذْكُرْ عَبْدَنَآ أَيُّوبَ إِذْ نَادَىٰ رَبَّهُۥٓ أَنِّى مَسَّنِىَ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنُ بِنُصْبٍ وَعَذَابٍ 41
Translations
And remember Our servant Job, when he called to his Lord, "Indeed, Satan has touched me with hardship and torment."
Transliteration
Wa-dhkur 'abdana Ayyuba idh nada Rabbahu anni massani ash-shaytanu bi-nusbinw wa 'adhab
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah opens the mention of Prophet Ayub (Job), calling upon him to remember how he invoked his Lord, saying that Satan had afflicted him with tremendous hardship and torment. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir explain that 'nusbun' (نصب) refers to fatigue and exhaustion, while the 'adhab' (عذاب) encompasses both physical ailments and spiritual trials. The verse emphasizes Ayub's patient supplication despite severe afflictions, establishing him as an exemplary model of submission and reliance upon Allah during trials.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within Surah Sad, a Meccan chapter that emphasizes Allah's power and the patience of His servants. The broader context involves reminding the Messenger Muhammad and believers of stories of the prophets who endured great trials. Surah Sad (chapters 38-39) centers on monotheism, divine justice, and the steadfastness of believers, with Ayub's story serving as a paramount example of patient endurance.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari (3400): The Prophet Muhammad mentioned that Ayub was tested with loss of wealth and children, yet remained patient. Sahih Muslim also records traditions about Ayub's trials and his exemplary patience, emphasizing how he never complained to anyone except Allah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that trials and afflictions are tests from Allah, and that turning to Him through sincere supplication—rather than despairing or blaming others—is the path to relief and spiritual strength. Ayub's example demonstrates that patient endurance coupled with unwavering faith in Allah's wisdom ultimately leads to divine mercy and restoration.
Related Ayahs
وَعَجِبُوٓا۟ أَن جَآءَهُم مُّنذِرٌ مِّنْهُمْ ۖ وَقَالَ ٱلْكَـٰفِرُونَ هَـٰذَا سَـٰحِرٌ كَذَّابٌ
And they wonder that there has come to them a warner [i.e., Prophet Muḥammad (ﷺ)] from among themselves. And the disbelievers say, "This is a magician and a liar.
يَـٰدَاوُۥدُ إِنَّا جَعَلْنَـٰكَ خَلِيفَةً فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ فَٱحْكُم بَيْنَ ٱلنَّاسِ بِٱلْحَقِّ وَلَا تَتَّبِعِ ٱلْهَوَىٰ فَيُضِلَّكَ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَضِلُّونَ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ شَدِيدٌۢ بِمَا نَسُوا۟ يَوْمَ ٱلْحِسَابِ
[We said], "O David, indeed We have made you a successor upon the earth, so judge between the people in truth and do not follow [your own] desire, as it will lead you astray from the way of Allāh." Indeed, those who go astray from the way of Allāh will have a severe punishment for having forgotten the Day of Account.
لَأَمْلَأَنَّ جَهَنَّمَ مِنكَ وَمِمَّن تَبِعَكَ مِنْهُمْ أَجْمَعِينَ
[That] I will surely fill Hell with you and those of them that follow you all together."
وَخُذْ بِيَدِكَ ضِغْثًا فَٱضْرِب بِّهِۦ وَلَا تَحْنَثْ ۗ إِنَّا وَجَدْنَـٰهُ صَابِرًا ۚ نِّعْمَ ٱلْعَبْدُ ۖ إِنَّهُۥٓ أَوَّابٌ
[We said], "And take in your hand a bunch [of grass] and strike with it and do not break your oath." Indeed, We found him patient, an excellent servant. Indeed, he was one repeatedly turning back [to Allāh].