JOB
Ar: Ayub,
Heb: 'Iyowb
(
).
In the Bible, Job was afflicted with loss of family
members and diseases. His wife even told him to curse God and then die,
but Job's faith stayed firm
(Job 2:9-10).
His friends came to comfort him, and at the same
time, using their own limited understanding, accused Job of sinning,
which is why calamity befell him.
In the discourses with his friends, Job made clear that he wanted to
see God and asked why these were happening to him.
God finally spoke to Job and asked him:
Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge?"
(Job 37:2)
Job finally recognizes his smallness and
longer needed any explanation and realized his folly:
Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful
for me to know.... My ears have heard of you but now my eyes have seen
you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.
(Job 42:3b,5-6)
Before this encounter, Job was just a faithful servant, observing very
carefully many rituals and careful not to sin against God, and if
there was any sin, even unintentionally, he was quick to offer sacrifices to
atone for his and his family's sins. The calamity however finally
brought Job to a close, personal relationship with God.
In the Qur'an, it was not described Job's situation.
Sad 38:41-43 seemed to suggest Job's affliction had to do with not
having water.
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