Surah Sad — Verse 41

Word Meanings:

• Nusb (نُصْب): Severe fatigue, hardship, and exhaustion that overwhelms the body.
• Adhāb (عَذَاب): Pain and suffering, referring here to the torment of illness and affliction.

Tafsir (Explanation):

O Messenger, recall and mention the story of Our servant Ayyūb (Job, peace be upon him) — a servant of immense patience and unwavering faith. When he called out to his Lord in his time of distress, saying: "Indeed, Satan has touched me with hardship and torment." He meant that the devil was the cause of the suffering that befell him — the loss of his wealth, his children, and the severe illness that afflicted his body. Yet, notice his beautiful manners with Allah: he attributed the affliction to Satan rather than to Allah, out of profound respect and adab (etiquette) toward his Creator. He knew that everything comes from Allah, but he expressed it this way because Satan was the means and the whisperer behind his trials — and he did not want to complain directly to Allah about what Allah had decreed.

This verse teaches us a powerful lesson in patience and trust. Ayyūb was tested with the loss of everything he held dear — his health, his family, his possessions — for a long period of time. Yet he never despaired, never lost hope, and never turned away from his Lord. Instead, he turned to Allah in humble supplication, acknowledging his weakness and his need for divine mercy. He did not blame Allah, nor did he question His wisdom. He simply presented his state to his Lord, seeking relief.

Dear believer, when trials come your way — whether sickness, loss, or hardship — remember the example of Ayyūb. He teaches us that complaining to Allah is not a sign of weak faith; rather, it is a sign of deep reliance upon Him. Allah loves to hear His servant call upon Him, especially in times of difficulty. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Supplication is worship." So turn to your Lord with a sincere heart, just as Ayyūb did, and trust that His mercy is greater than any trial you face. For indeed, after every hardship comes ease, and after every test comes reward beyond measure.