The Patience of Prophet Ayub (Job) (AS)

Prophet Ayub (AS) was a wealthy man with abundant land, animals, and a large family. He was also known for his righteousness, always thanking Allah and helping others. Allah tested him by taking away his wealth, his family, and even his health. Despite these severe hardships, Prophet Ayub (AS) remained patient and continued to worship Allah, never complaining about his fate.

His wife supported him during these difficult times. One day, when she expressed concern about their situation, Ayub (AS) reminded her of Allah’s blessings in the past and how they had no right to complain. Eventually, Ayub (AS) prayed to Allah, saying, “Truly adversity has touched me, but You are the Most Merciful of those who show mercy” (Qur’an, 21:83).

Allah, pleased with Ayub’s patience, restored his health, returned his wealth, and blessed him with a new family. His story remains a timeless example of faith and perseverance in the face of suffering.

Learned Lessons

1. Patience in Adversity: Prophet Ayub (AS) teaches us that patience in difficult times brings immense rewards. We should always remain steadfast in our faith, no matter the trials we face.
2. Gratitude: Even in his worst moments, Ayub (AS) acknowledged the blessings he had once received. Gratitude is key, regardless of circumstances.
3. Reliance on Allah: Ayub (AS) turned to Allah in his distress, showing us that seeking help from Allah is the most effective way to overcome challenges.
4. Trials are Temporary: Just as Ayub (AS)’s difficulties eventually passed, our trials in life are temporary and serve as a means of testing our faith.

 

Questions

 

1. Multiple Choice Question:

What did Prophet Ayub (AS) lose during his trials?
– a) His wealth
– b) His health
– c) His family
– d) All of the above

2. Short Answer Question:

How did Prophet Ayub (AS) respond to his trials and suffering?

3. True or False:

Prophet Ayub (AS) complained about his situation when he was tested.

Reference
– Qur’an, Surah Al-Anbiya (21:83-84): “And (mention) Ayub, when he called to his Lord, ‘Indeed, adversity has touched me, and You are the most merciful of the merciful.’ So We responded to him and removed what afflicted him of adversity. And We gave him (back) his family and the like thereof with them as mercy from Us and a reminder for the worshippers (of Allah).”

Story 2: The Sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS)

Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was tested by Allah with a command that would challenge any father: to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail (AS). This command came to Ibrahim (AS) in a dream, and without hesitation, he shared it with his son. To his astonishment, Ismail (AS) responded with obedience, saying, “O my father, do as you are commanded; you will find me, if Allah wills, of the steadfast” (Qur’an, 37:102).

Just as Ibrahim (AS) was about to carry out the sacrifice, Allah replaced Ismail (AS) with a ram, sparing his son and rewarding Ibrahim (AS) for his unwavering faith and submission. This event is commemorated every year during Eid al-Adha.

Learned Lessons

1. Submission to Allah’s Will: Prophet Ibrahim (AS) teaches us the importance of submitting to Allah’s commands, even when they seem difficult or beyond understanding.
2. Trust in Allah: Both Ibrahim (AS) and Ismail (AS) exhibited complete trust in Allah, knowing that His wisdom is greater than ours.
3. The Reward of Sacrifice: Allah rewarded Ibrahim (AS) with the preservation of his son and made this story a lasting lesson for generations to come.

Questions

1. Multiple Choice Question:

Who did Allah command Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice?
– a) His son Ishaq (AS)
– b) His son Ismail (AS)
– c) A ram
– d) A friend

2. Short Answer Question:

How did Ismail (AS) respond to his father’s command to sacrifice him?

3. True or False:

Prophet Ibrahim (AS) hesitated when commanded to sacrifice his son.

Reference
– Qur’an, Surah As-Saffat (37:102-107): “So when they had both submitted and he put him down upon his forehead, We called to him, ‘O Ibrahim, You have fulfilled the vision.’ Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good.”

The Story of the Cow (Surah Al-Baqarah)

In the time of Prophet Musa (AS), a murder took place, and the people of Bani Israel were unable to identify the killer. Allah commanded them, through Musa (AS), to sacrifice a cow and use a part of it to touch the deceased person. The people, instead of obeying immediately, questioned Musa (AS) repeatedly about the specifics of the cow: its color, age, and condition. Despite the detailed instructions given, they continued to delay and make the task difficult for themselves.

Finally, after much hesitation, they sacrificed the cow, and Allah brought the dead man back to life, revealing the identity of the murderer.

Learned Lessons

1. Obey Allah’s Commands Without Hesitation: The story highlights the importance of obedience to Allah’s commands without unnecessary questioning or delay.
2. Simplicity in Religion: Overcomplicating simple commands can lead to unnecessary difficulty, as demonstrated by Bani Israel’s constant questioning.
3. Divine Justice: Allah’s wisdom and justice prevail, as He revealed the truth and ensured that justice was served.

Questions

1. Multiple Choice Question:

What was Bani Israel commanded to do to identify the murderer?
– a) Ask everyone in the community
– b) Pray to Allah
– c) Sacrifice a cow
– d) Consult a wise man

2. Short Answer Question:

What did the people of Bani Israel do that made the task more difficult for themselves?

3. True or False:

The people obeyed Prophet Musa (AS) immediately without questioning him.

Reference
– Qur’an, Surah Al-Baqarah (2:67-73): “And [recall] when Musa said to his people, ‘Indeed, Allah commands you to slaughter a cow.’ They said, ‘Do you take us in ridicule?’ He said, ‘I seek refuge in Allah from being among the ignorant.'”

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Story 4: The Patience of Prophet Yusuf (AS)

Prophet Yusuf (AS) was betrayed by his own brothers, thrown into a well, and sold into slavery. Despite these hardships, he remained steadfast in his faith. When he grew up, he faced another trial when he was falsely accused by the wife of the Egyptian ruler and was imprisoned for a crime he did not commit.

Even in prison, Yusuf (AS) displayed patience and continued to call people towards the worship of Allah. Eventually, Allah rewarded him by freeing him from prison and elevating him to a high position in Egypt, where he reunited with his family.

Learned Lessons

1. Patience in the Face of Injustice: Prophet Yusuf (AS) teaches us to remain patient even when faced with great injustice.
2. Trust in Allah’s Plan: Despite the challenges, Yusuf (AS) never lost hope in Allah’s plan, and his perseverance was rewarded.
3. Forgiveness: Yusuf (AS) forgave his brothers for their wrongdoing, showing us the power of forgiveness.

Questions

1. Multiple Choice Question:

What was Yusuf (AS) thrown into by his brothers?
– a) A well
– b) A prison
– c) A dungeon
– d) A pit

2. Short Answer Question:

How did Yusuf (AS) respond when he was falsely accused and imprisoned?

3. True or False:

Yusuf (AS) held a grudge against his brothers for what they did to him.

Reference
Qur’an, Surah Yusuf (12:22-24): “And when he [Yusuf] reached his maturity, We gave him judgment and knowledge. And thus We reward the doers of good. And the woman, in whose house he was, sought to seduce him. She closed the doors and said, ‘Come, you.’ He said, ‘I seek refuge in Allah.'”

Story 5: The Story of Qarun

Qarun was a man from the people of Musa (AS) who was blessed with immense wealth. However, instead of being grateful to Allah, Qarun became arrogant and believed that his wealth was due to his own knowledge and efforts. He ignored the warnings of the righteous people who advised him to be humble and charitable.

As a punishment for his arrogance and ingratitude, Allah caused the earth to swallow Qarun and his wealth, leaving nothing behind. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of pride and the importance of humility.

Learned Lessons

1. Gratitude to Allah: Wealth and success are blessings from Allah, and we should always be grateful and humble.
2. Avoid Arrogance: Qarun’s downfall was due to his arrogance and self-reliance, showing us the dangers of pride.
3. Use Wealth for Good: Instead of hoarding wealth, we should use it to help others and support righteous causes.

Questions

1. Multiple Choice Question:

What happened to Qarun as a result of his arrogance?
– a) He became more wealthy
– b) He repented and gave charity
– c) The earth swallowed him and his wealth
– d) He fled to another land

2. Short Answer Question:

How did Qarun respond when people advised him to be humble and charitable?

3.True or False:
Qarun acknowledged that his wealth was a blessing from Allah.
Reference
– Qur’an, Surah Al-Qasas (28:76-81): “Indeed, Qarun was from the people of Musa, but he tyrannized them. And We gave him of treasures whose keys would burden a band of strong men… So We caused the earth to swallow him and his home.”

Story 6: The Ant and Prophet Sulaiman (AS)

Prophet Sulaiman (AS) was blessed with the ability to understand the language of animals. One day, as he and his army were marching, he heard an ant warn the other ants to take shelter, saying, “O ants, enter your dwellings so that Sulaiman and his soldiers do not crush you while they are unaware.” (Qur’an, 27:18)

Sulaiman (AS) smiled at this and made a dua (prayer), asking Allah to enable him to remain grateful for the blessings he had been given and to do good deeds that Allah would be pleased with. The humility of Prophet Sulaiman (AS), despite his power, is a profound lesson for all of us.

Learned Lessons

1. Humility in Power: Prophet Sulaiman (AS) had immense power, yet he remained humble and grateful to Allah.
2. Gratitude for Blessings: Sulaiman (AS) always remembered to thank Allah for the special blessings he had been given.
3. Kindness to All Creatures: The story shows the importance of kindness and consideration for all of Allah’s creations, no matter how small.

Questions

1. Multiple Choice Question:

What did Prophet Sulaiman (AS) hear the ant say?
– a) “Gather food for the winter.”
– b) “Enter your dwellings to avoid being crushed.”
– c) “The rain is coming.”
– d) “Beware of the humans.”

2. Short Answer Question:

What did Prophet Sulaiman (AS) do after hearing the ant speak?

3. True or False:

Prophet Sulaiman (AS) was proud of his ability to understand the language of animals.

Reference
-Qur’an, Surah An-Naml (27:18-19): “Until, when they came upon the valley of the ants, an ant said, ‘O ants, enter your dwellings that you not be crushed by Sulaiman and his soldiers while they perceive not.’ So he smiled, amused at her speech, and said, ‘My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents and to do righteousness of which You approve.'”