Surah Al-Anbiya — Verse 84

Word Meanings:

• Fa-stajabnā lahu: We responded to his supplication and answered his call.
• Kashafnā: We removed, lifted, and took away.
• Ḍurr: Affliction, harm, distress, and hardship — referring to the severe illness and trials that befell Prophet Ayyūb (Job), peace be upon him.
• Ātaynāhu ahlahu: We restored to him his family — his wife and children who had been taken from him or had passed away.
• Wa mithlahum ma‘ahum: And We gave him the like of them along with them — meaning his family was doubled in number.
• Raḥmatan min ‘indinā: As a mercy from Us — a gift of compassion and kindness from Allah.
• Wa dhikrā lil-‘ābidīn: And as a reminder and lesson for all those who worship and devote themselves to Allah.

Tafsir (Explanation):

When Prophet Ayyūb (Job), peace be upon him, called upon his Lord after years of unimaginable suffering — losing his wealth, his children, and his health, yet remaining patient and steadfast in his devotion — Allah responded to his call immediately. He removed every trace of the affliction that had befallen him, healing his body and restoring his well-being. Not only did Allah return to him his family, but He doubled them — giving him the same number again along with the original, as an overflowing bounty.

This was all done out of pure mercy from Allah — not because Ayyūb had earned it through his deeds alone, but as a divine favour that reflects Allah’s boundless compassion for His righteous servants. And beyond being a personal blessing, it stands as an eternal lesson and reminder for every worshipper who comes after him: that patience in the face of trials is never wasted, that the night of hardship is always followed by the dawn of relief, and that Allah never abandons those who turn to Him with sincere hearts.

Dear believer, look at the story of Ayyūb — a man who lost everything yet never lost his trust in Allah. He did not complain, he did not despair; he simply called upon his Lord with humility and submission. And what was the result? Allah did not merely return what was lost — He multiplied it, doubled it, and crowned it with mercy. This is the promise of Allah to every patient servant: that your trials are not punishments but opportunities for elevation, and your patience will be met with a reward far greater than what you could ever imagine. So when hardship touches you, remember Ayyūb — and know that the One who answered him is the same One who hears your call today. He is closer to you than your own veins, and His mercy encompasses all things. Let this be a source of hope and strength: never lose faith, never stop supplicating, and never doubt that relief is near.