History of the Prophets
by Maulana Muhammad Ali
Job
Of the other Biblical prophets, Job is mentioned four times. The longest reference to him is in 38:41–44, which is most probably an account of his flight from one place to another, for when he complains of toil and torment, he is urged to go on further—a lesson not to despair under difficulties. He is also spoken of as being given
“his people and the like of them with them,”
which signifies that he was brought back to his people and was blessed with more followers. A similar statement occurs in 21:83–84. The forty-two chapters of the Bible are here condensed into perhaps as many words, and with more effect:
“… Surely we found him patient; most excellent the servant! Surely he ever turned (to Us)” (The Holy Quran, 38:44).
Job is an example of patience under the severest sufferings and trials without losing faith in the goodness of God.
References mentioned above:
“And remember Our servant Job. When he cried to his Lord: The devil has afflicted me with toil and torment.
Urge with thy foot; here is a cool washing-place and a drink.
And We gave him his people and the like of them with them, a mercy from Us, and a reminder for men of understanding.
And take in thy hand few worldly goods and earn goodness therewith and incline not to falsehood. Surely We found him patient; most excellent the servant! Surely he (ever) turned (to Us).” (The Holy Quran, 38:41–44)
“And Job, when he cried to his Lord; Distress has afflicted me! and Thou art the most Merciful of those who show mercy.
So We responded to him and removed the distress he had, and We gave him his people and the like of them with them: a mercy from Us and a reminder to the worshippers.” (The Holy Quran, 21:83–84)