THE STORY OF PROPHET AYYUB

Family Tree of Prophet Ayyub

Prophet Ayyub (Job) was a descendant of Prophet Ibrahim. Ayyub’s mother was the daughter of
Prophet Lut and his wife was a direct descendant of Prophet Yusuf. Ayyub lived in Rome with his
dear wife Rahma and fourteen children.

Ayyub was a Prophet who was immensely blessed by Allah— he was strong and healthy, had large
plots of land, abundant livestock, and a righteous and beautiful family; he was also a community
leader who was highly respected and loved by his people. Despite his status and wealth, Ayyub was
never arrogant; he was always humble, he readily helped the deprived, and constantly thanked and
glorified Allah for everything he was blessed with.

One day, high up in the heavens, the angels began discussing about the best of humans who lived
on earth. An angel amongst them said,

“The best creature on earth today is Ayyub, a man of noble character who displays great patience
and always remembers his Generous Lord. He is an excellent model for the worshippers of Allah. In
return, his Lord has blessed him with a long life and plenty of servants; the needy and the poor
share in his good fortune— he feeds and clothes the poor and buys slaves to set them free. He
makes those who receive his charity feel as if they are favouring him— so kind and gentle is he.”

Satan, who was in the vicinity, overhead the discussion and became very angry. He immediately
began plotting to lure Ayyub away from the worship of Allah. He whispered evil thoughts to Ayyub
about the many pleasures of life that a man such as Ayyub could easily enjoy; but the Prophet was a
sincere servant of Allah and was not easily faltered—this enraged Satan further.

Satan approached Allah and informed Him that Ayyub was not a sincere servant of His and was only
glorifying Him in fear of losing all his wealth. He, Satan, suggested, “If You remove his wealth then
You will find that his tongue will no longer mention Your name and his praying will stop.” Allah, the
All-Knowing, did not believe Satan, for He knew that Ayyub was among His most sincere believers
and did not worship his Lord for mere material possessions. But He agreed to test Ayyub to show
Satan the absolute sincerity of His loyal servant. Overjoyed, Satan set out to destroy Prophet
Ayyub’s wealth.

As time passed, Prophet Ayyub’s wealth began to diminish—his land, livestock, servants, and
money slowly evaded him until he was left with nothing.

Immensely satisfied with Ayyub’s ordeal, Satan, disguised as a wise old man, approached the
Prophet and said, “All your wealth is lost, some people say that it is because you gave too much
charity and that you are wasting your time with your continuous prayers to Allah. Others say that
Allah has brought this upon you in order to please your enemies. If Allah had the capacity to
prevent harm, then He would have protected your wealth.”

Ayyub replied, “Allah gives whom He wills, and Allah takes from whom He wills. And all of the
wealth that I have belongs to Allah, so He has every authority to take it back from me”. Ayyub then
turned around and continued to thank and praise Allah.
Feeling rather frustrated, Satan returned to Allah and said, “I have stripped Ayyub of all his
possessions, but he still remains grateful to You. However, he is only hiding his disappointment. The
real test of a parent is through his children. You will see how Ayyub will reject You.” Allah still knew
that Ayyub’s faith and love for his Lord will not waver, but He agreed to test Ayyub further.

Before long, the building in which Ayyub’s children lived crashed killing all fourteen of his young,
beautiful children. Satan once again visited Ayyub disguised as sympathising bystander, and
remarked with sorrow, “The circumstances under which your children died were sad. Surely, your
Lord is not rewarding you properly for all your prayers.”

Ayyub responded, “Allah gives me what is good for me, and takes away what Allah sees that is
displeasing for Him and for me. Allah sees that all of these children may be a strong test & trial for
me, so Allah took them away from me. Whether a thing is beneficial or harmful to me, I will remain
firm in my belief and remain thankful to my Creator.”

Satan rushed back to Allah and said, “O my Lord, Ayyub’s wealth is gone, his children are dead, and
he is still healthy in body, and as long as he enjoys good health he will continue to worship You in
hopes of regaining his wealth and producing more children. Grant me authority over his body so
that I may weaken it. He will surely neglect worshipping You and will thus become disobedient.”

Allah granted his request but instructed, “I give you authority over his body but not over his soul,
intellect or heart, for in these places reside the knowledge of Me and My religion.”

Soon after, Ayyub’s health began to deteriorate. He was so ill that the skin of his body used to fall
off revealing his muscles and bone. But as Allah instructed, the only two organs that functioned in
his body were his heart and tongue—which he continued to use to glorify Allah. Ayyub suffered
through severe pain, but he never allowed himself to complain or falter in his belief in Allah.

The people of the city began discussing, “If Ayyub was a good person, Allah wouldn’t have done this
to him”. And eventually, they abandoned him— his relatives, friends, and everyone who loved and
respected Ayyub deserted him, except for Rahma, his beloved wife.

PROPHET AYYUB’S LOVE FOR ALLAH

For years Ayyub continued to suffer through his condition, with none but Rahma by his side to take
care of him. They had no money and no income, so his wife took up a job to provide for him. But
the people of the city did not allow Rahma to work for long for they feared that she would afflict
them with the same illness as her husband. Ayyub meanwhile, continued to pray to Allah to give
him the strength and patience to endure this pain and suffering.

One day, Satan appeared before Rahma in the form of man and asked her, “Where is your
husband?” Pointing at the almost lifeless figure of Ayyub, Rahma replied, “There he is, suspended
between life and death.”

Satan then went on to remind her of the blissful days of good health, children and wealth.
Overwhelmed with the years of pain and hardship, Rahma approached Ayyub and wailed, “O
Ayyub, you are the prophet and the messenger of Allah. You have the closest relationship to Allah.
Ask Allah to take you out of this harm that you are in!”
Ayyub sighed and replied, “Satan must have whispered to you and made you dissatisfied. Tell me
how long did I enjoy good health and riches?” His wife responded, “eighty years or so.” He replied,
“For how long am I suffering like this?” She said, “seven years.” Ayyub then said, “In that case I am
ashamed to call on my Lord to remove my hardship, for I have not suffered longer than the years of
good health and plenty. It seems your faith has weakened and you are dissatisfied with the fate of
Allah. If I ever regain health, I swear I will punish you with a hundred strokes! From this day onward,
I forbid myself to eat or drink anything by your hand. Leave me alone and let my Lord do with me as
He pleases.”

Feeling helpless Ayyub turned to Allah seeking His mercy. “Verily, Satan has touched me with
distress (by losing my health) and torment (by losing my wealth)!”, he prayed. Allah immediately
responded to Ayyub’s desperate call for help. Allah said, “Strike the ground with your foot: This is a
spring of water to wash in and cool and a refreshing drink.”

Ayyub immediately performed Allah’s bidding. As he struck the ground with his foot, cold water
gushed at his feet. As commanded, Ayyub drank and washed his entire body using the water.
Within a short while, Ayyub’s blisters disappeared, his skin renewed completely and his internal
organs began functioning. Indeed, Ayyub was completely cured by the grace of Allah!

Rahma, who could not stand to be away from her husband any longer, returned home; as she
entered their home, she was greeted by Ayyub whom she did not recognise.

She asked him, “Where is Ayyub? Who are you? You look very similar to him.” He replied smiling,
“It’s me!” Overjoyed, she immediately embraced him and thanked Allah for His mercy.

Ayyub remembered his promise to punish his wife with a hundred strokes once he regained his
health. He did not want to hurt his beloved wife, nor did he want to break his oath to Allah; so
Allah, the Most Wise, instructed Ayyub, “Take in your hand a bundle of thin grass and strike
therewith your wife, and break not your oath.”

Allah then restored Ayyub’s wealth. Allah sent down a rain of locusts made of gold that fell all
around Ayyub. When Ayyub began gathering the gold locusts, Allah asked him, “O Ayyub! Have I
not made you too rich to need what you see?” Ayyub replied, “Yes, My Lord! But I cannot shun Your
Blessings.”

Ayyub and Rahma were also given back their family. The couple were blessed with twenty-eight
beautiful, healthy children—fourteen girls and fourteen boys.

The story of Prophet Ayyub is one adversity mixed with patience. It is easy to be a faithful servant of
Allah when everything is going well but his faith never faltered during difficult times which is what
makes him a remarkable being.
 THE STORY OF PROPHET YUNUS
Yunus Ibn Matta (referred to Jonah in English) was a Messenger of Allah sent to Nineveh, a city in
northern Iraq with a population of over a hundred thousand. Prophet Yunus was seemingly an ordinary
man who was born and raised amongst the fellow citizens of Nineveh.

The booming city of Nineveh had long forgotten the message of Allah and became a city filled with idol
worshiping and sin. Allah decided to send Prophet Yunus, a man born amongst them, as a Messenger to
guide them to His path—the path of light.

Prophet Yunus immediately set out to fulfill his Lord’s wish and invited his people to turn to Allah and
shun idol worship. But the people of Nineveh rejected Yunus, just as many nations rejected the prophets
and messengers before him. Yunus was not deterred; he continued to call them to the worship of Allah,
reminding them of the terrible wrath of Allah that was directed at Ad, Thamud and the people of Nuh.

But they rejected this and said, “We and our forefathers have worshipped these gods for many years
and no harm has come to us.”

Prophet Yunus wanted to help them and was persistent, he did not give up on his people; despite their
ignorance and harsh words, he continued to warn them of Allah’s punishment.

“Let it happen”, the men laughed, and informed Yunus that they were not the least afraid of his empty
threats. Prophet Yunus was disheartened; he gave up on his people. Without the permission of Allah, he
decided to leave the city of Nineveh in hopes of finding a community far away that would accept him
and enter the fold of Islam.

The calm skies over Nineveh soon turned red with anger preparing to spit out the wrath of Allah. Men,
women and children gathered at the mountain tops watching the combat of the skies above them with
hearts filled with fear.

They soon remembered Yunus’s warning of Allah’s punishment and feared the predicament of Ad,
Thamud, and the people of Nuh. With new found faith, they fell on their knees; with their hands
stretched out they began to beg for Allah’s forgiveness and mercy. Moved by this display of sincere
repentance, Allah lifted His punishment, forgave his subjects and showered his blessings upon them. As
the skies cleared, the people prayed for the safe return of their beloved Prophet Yunus, so that he could
guide them through the path of Allah.

Meanwhile, Prophet Yunus, who had left Nineveh, had boarded a small passenger ship with the
intention of travelling as far away from his people as possible. The ship travelled through the calm
waters during the day; but as the night closed in, a storm raged on rocking the ship wildly to and fro. The
crew and passengers began to fear for their lives as the sea water gradually began flooding into the
deck, slowly sinking the ship.

As the tempest continued through the night, the Captain of ship ordered his men to throw out the
luggages and all other excess load overboard to lighten the ship’s load. As instructed, the crew threw
out the ship’s excess load; but, the ship continued to sink as it was still too heavy. The Captain was left
with no choice—he had to sacrifice the life of one man if he wished to save the lives of his crew and
passengers. As it was a common practise among men during those times, the Captain decided to draw
lots to choose the passenger to be sacrificed.
The lots were cast and Prophet Yunus’s name was selected. The men knew that Yunus was a
young, righteous, honest and a blessed man, so they refused to throw him out and agreed to
draw lots again.

So the lots were cast, and Yunus’s name appeared again. The men refused to throw Yunus
saying, “We are not going to get rid of Yunus. He is our blessing on the boat. He is the best man
we have on the boat; we are not going to get rid of him.” So they drew lots for the third time,
and Yunus’s named appeared yet again! The men were baffled, but Prophet Yunus knew that
this was the verdict of Allah for he had left his people without his Lord’s consent. So Yunus
jumped out of the ship into the dark, angry waves in the middle of ocean.

As Allah commanded, the largest whale in the ocean swallowed Yunus just as he hit the water.
Yunus, who was unconscious, awoke to find himself enveloped by sheer darkness.

He believed he was in his grave; but as his senses awakened, he realised that he was not in his
grave but was in fact in the stomach of a large fish.

Deep in the stomach of the whale, Prophet Yunus prostrated to Allah and said, “O Allah, I am
prostrating to you in a place where no one has prostrated to you before, in the stomach of a
fish.” He then called out to Allah, repeating, “None has the right to be worshipped but You.
Glorified be You. Truly, I have been among the wrongdoers.” The creatures of the deep sea
heard the invocations of Yunus, and gathered around the whale to join along in the celebration
of the praises of Allah.

Allah, the Most-Merciful, was immensely moved by Yunus’s repentance. He commanded the
whale to spit out His Messenger at the nearest shore. The whale obeyed Allah’s command and
swam to the nearest shore and ejected Yunus. Yunus’s body was inflamed as a result of the
acids in the whale’s stomach. He had no protection against the sun and wind so Allah
commanded a tree to grow over Yunus to provide him with food and shade. Allah forgave him
and informed him that if it were not for his sincere invocations, Yunus would continue to be in
the stomach of the whale till the Day of Judgment.

When Yunus was completely recovered, he travelled back to Nineveh to complete his mission.
Upon arriving at his hometown, Yunus was stunned—the entire population of Nineveh had
accepted Islam and were awaiting his arrival. Together with his people, Yunus prostrated to his
Lord and thanked him for all His blessings.

Yunus was the only Prophet whose entire community accepted Islam. Allah stated in the Holy
Quran regarding the people of Yunus Ibn Matta: “Was there any town community that believed
after seeing the punishment, and its Faith at that moment, saved it from the punishment? (the
answer is none)—except the people of Yunus; when they believed, We removed from them the
torment of disgrace in the life of the present world, and permitted them to enjoy for a while.”
[Surah Yunus Ayat 98]
 THE STORY OF PROPHET LUT
Prophet Lut (“Prophet Lot”) was born and raised by his uncle Prophet Ibrahim, may peace be upon him.
Prophet Lut loved, respected and believed in Ibrahim’s message even when everyone ridiculed him.
Ibrahim, together with Lut, often travelled far, across land and sea, trying to invite and spread man to the
fold of Islam.

During Ibrahim’s and Lut’s migration to Palestine, they received the divine decree of Allah that Lut had
been chosen as a Prophet and Messenger for the people of Sodom. Allah instructed the new Prophet to
travel to the city of Sodom, located on the border of Jordan and Palestine, and summon the transgressors
back to the worship of Allah.

Sodom was a thriving city that was visited by many travellers, merchants and businessmen for trade.
However, Sodom was also the most corrupt city with the highest criminal activity during that time.
Travellers passing Sodom were often waylaid and robbed of their belongings, and sometimes were
mercilessly murdered. But, the most notorious act of evil that was committed by this corrupt nation was
homosexuality.

Homosexuality was introduced into the world by the people of Lut—none in the history of mankind had
ever experienced or practiced homosexuality before Sodom. This shameful practice was the norm
amongst this nation, and the entire population engaged in it. They were immensely proud of their
conduct, spoke openly about it, and engaged in these immoral behaviors out in the open.

Homosexuality was introduced into the world by the people of Lut—none in the history of mankind had
ever experienced or practiced homosexuality before Sodom. This shameful practice was the norm
amongst this nation, and the entire population engaged in it. They were immensely proud of their
conduct, spoke openly about it, and engaged in these immoral behaviors out in the open.

Pleased with the Prophethood and his new mission, Prophet Lut soon settled in Sodom and began to
devise ways to bring his people in to the fold of Islam. He was well-aware that his nation was the most
corrupt nation of that time; but he held firm faith and hoped and prayed that they would soon see the
error of their ways and enter into the path of Allah.

Soon Prophet Lut approached the men of the city and reminded them of their Lord: “Will you not fear
Allah and obey Him? Verily! I am a trustworthy Messenger to you. So fear Allah, keep your duty to Him,
and obey me.” Puzzled, the men of the city began discussing amongst themselves: “This man has entered
our city, and is telling us to cease what we are doing? Clearly, he is gaining something out of this!”
Prophet Lut replied: “No reward do I ask of you for it. My reward is only from the Lord of the Worlds.”

Prophet Lut then broached the matter of homosexuality and informed them that it was indeed an
immoral practice. He said: “Do you approach males among the worlds, and leave those whom your Lord
has created for you as your wives? Nay, you are a people of transgressing!”

Prophet Lut then informed his people that he would never agree to be a part of this such a practice, and
warned them of a severe punishment from Allah. He said: “I am indeed, of those who disapprove with
severe anger and fury your action (of sodomy).” The men and women of Sodom became very angry at
Lut’s speech; they began to discuss amongst each other, planning to drive Lut away from their city. They
then warned Prophet Lut: “If you cease not, O Lut! Verily, you will be one of those who are driven out!”

Prophet Lut became distressed. After years and years of inviting people to Islam, not one person in Sodom
had entered the fold of Islam. The only Muslim household in Sodom was Lut’s house and not all its
occupants were Muslims—Lut and his daughters were steadfast in their religion, but his wife continued to
be among the non-believers. So Prophet Lut raised his hands to the heavens and prayed: “My Lord,
support me against the corrupting people. My Lord, save me and my family from what they do.”
Meanwhile, Allah sent three angels, including Angel Jibreel, disguised as men to Prophet Ibrahim’s
house as guests. Ibrahim, who failed to recognise the angels, prepared a grand feast for his guests. But
his guests refused the meals offered to them. Prophet Ibrahim became fearful; he asked: “Who are
you?” The angels replied: “Do not be afraid! We are the angels of Allah. We have been sent to the
people of Lut and we have been sent to give you glad tidings of a son possessing much knowledge and
wisdom.” Prophet Ibrahim knew that Allah’s punishment for the people of Sodom was near. He
immediately feared for his nephew, Lut; he said to the angels: “Indeed, within it is Lut.” The Angels
replied: “We are more knowing of who is within it.” They reassured Ibrahim that Lut will be saved.

The angels then proceeded towards Sodom disguised as handsome young men. The daughter of Lut, a
believer, witnessed the handsome men entering the city and frantically ran to her father and informed
him of the three men. Prophet Lut approached the men and welcomed them to city of Sodom. He knew
too well of the fate that would befall the young men at the hands of the men of Sodom; so he intended
to convince the men to leave the city for their own safety. But Prophet Lut was too embarrassed to ask
the guests to leave, so he guided the guests to his home ensuring that none saw the three handsome
men.

Lut’s wife, a non-believer, saw the men as they entered her house, together with her husband, Lut. She
hurried to the men of the city and informed them that Lut had three attractive, young men in his house.
The men rejoiced at the news and slowly gathered outside the house of Lut and began pounding on his
door. Lut shouted: “Do not disgrace me concerning my guests. Is there not among you a man of
reason?” Growing restless, the men shouted back: “Have we not forbidden you from [hosting] people?”

The whole nation of Sodom had now gathered at Lut’s doorstep. They grew impatient by the minute
and began breaking down his door. Feeling agitated, Lut called out to his people: “These [the girls of the
nation] are my daughters [to marry lawfully] if you must act so.” The men responded: “You have already
known that we have no interest in your daughters; and indeed, you know what we want.” Prophet Lut
became helpless against the corrupt people. “If only I had against you some power or could take refuge
in a strong power”, he thought. The three men then spoke up: “O Lut, indeed we are angels of your
Lord; [therefore] they will never reach you.”

Angel Jibreel then stepped out of Lut’s house and struck the men causing all men to lose their eyesight.
Shocked and enraged, the men shouted: “What’s this magic that just hit us? Where did this come from?
O Lut! You are the one behind this. You will see what we will do to you tomorrow.” The blind men then
returned to their homes plotting to destroy Lut the following day.

Allah commanded Lut: “Set out with your family during a portion of the night and let not any among you
look back, except your wife. Indeed she will be struck by that which strikes them. Indeed, their
appointment is [for] the morning. Is not the morning near?” As instructed, Prophet Lut, together with
his daughters, left Sodom during the night.

As the morning dawned, a loud, piercing cry ensued through the city that shook the occupants with
great pain and fear. Jibreel then grabbed the nation from the edge of his wing, raised them high up,
twisted the land, and crashed it to the ground. Allah then caused the skies to rain down stones of hard
clay—each stone inscribed with the name of a transgressor for whom it was intended for, ending the
vain lives of the occupants of Sodom.

Prophet Lut, who left Sodom with his daughters, returned to his uncle, Prophet Ibrahim. Together with
Ibrahim, Lut continued to spread the message of Allah till his death.

Today, the Dead Sea lies at the site of the corrupt city of Sodom, and remains as a powerful reminder of
Allah’s wrath against the people of Prophet Lut. Allah the Exalted says in the Holy Quran: “Surely! In this
are signs for those who see. And verily! They (the cities) are right on the highroad (from Mecca to Syria,
i.e. the place where the Dead Sea is now). Surely! Therein is indeed a sign for the believers.”
 THE STORY OF PROPHET IDRIS

Prophet Idris was born during the lifetime of Prophet Adam. He was from amongst the followers of
Sheath (Seth) and ruled the progeny of Adam following the death of Sheath. He was truthful, patient
and an extraordinary individual— it is reported in hadith by Abu-Dharr that Idris was the first man to
introduce the art of reading and writing to mankind.

Idris was a sincere servant of Allah, hence Allah chose him as a Prophet and Messenger, and elected
him as the ruler over the children of Adam.

What began after death of Sheath is the people of Cain lost guidance and sin and corruption began
increasing rapidly and spreading. Idris could not bear to watch his own people falling prey to the
influence of shaitan. So Allah instructed Prophet Idris to call for Jihad (holy war) against the corrupt
followers of Qabil (Cain) —Idris was the first Prophet and Messenger in the history of Islam to
perform Jihad against corruption.

And as commanded by Allah, Idris gathered an army of men and battled in the name of Allah against
the transgressors and emerged victorious.

One day, Prophet Idris was informed by Allah that he would receive the rewards of all the good
deeds performed by man each day till his last breath.

Prophet Idris was overjoyed with the news and thanked Allah immensely for all His blessings. But
Idris was quite old, and was not quite ready to depart earth as enjoyed spreading good. So, he
decided to speak to the Angel of death and plead him to delay his death. The Angel agreed to Idris’s
plea and decided to meet with the Angel of death together with Idris.

The Angel flew to the fourth heaven with Prophet Idris on his wings and met with the Angel of death.
Idris’s dear companion said to the Angel of death, “Prophet Idris wants to know if you could prolong
his life”. The Angel of death was stunned; he replied, “And where is Idris?” “He is upon my back”,
answered the Angel. The Angel of death replied, “How astonishing! I was sent and told to cease
Idris’s soul in the fourth heaven. I kept thinking how I could cease it in the fourth heaven when he
was on earth. Subhanallah (glory be to God), He made it happen!” And as the Lord instructed the
Angel of death, the soul of Idris was taken in the fourth heaven.

Following the death of Prophet Idris, corruption began to increase rapidly again. Several generations
later, with no Prophetic guidance, Satan finally managed to influence the children of Adam to commit
their first act of shirk (polytheism).
 THE STORY OF PROPHET NOAH
The Muslims were left stranded following the death of Prophet Idris. Since, no other man from
amongst them was chosen as a Prophet, people began to look to the pious companions of Idris for
guidance. They respected and followed these righteous men and consulted them every time they
were faced with a problem. Eventually, as time passed by, the pious men also had passed away
leaving the Muslims again with no leader for guidance. They feared and were worried that they
would stray from the path of Allah.

Satan who watched on with shrewd eyes, approached the wailing men and women, disguised as a
man, whispered in to their ears: “If we make statues of these righteous men, it will be more pleasing
to us in our worship and will remind us of them.” The men agreed as they perceived no harm in
erecting statues of their most pious men, that would surely help them remember Allah and
encourage them to do good.

Satan had successfully planted his corrupt seed. He was patient for he knew that getting man to
worship another was a slow process. When that generation had passed and the new generation of
people had forgotten the intention behind the erecting of statues, Satan whispered into the ears of
the men: “Your forefathers used to worship these idols. These statues brought them goodness.”

Thus, idolatry took root in the hearts of man.

Centuries passed, and Allah decided to send a Prophet to guide the idolaters back to the truth. The
prophet chosen for this sacred task was Nuh (Noah). Allah blessed his loyal disciple with eloquent
speech and immense patience so that he may carry out his duty with success. So Prophet Nuh began
to preach to his people about the mysteries of the vast universe—he informed them about the night
and the day, the stars and the moon, the plants and animals, and the heavens and the earth. He
explained to them that man was created by Allah to glorify and worship Him. Nuh then told them
about the oneness of Allah—that the mysteries of the world were only proof of the existence of one
true God and that is none other than Allah the Most High. He explained to them that Satan had
misled them into worshiping idols and warned them of a terrible punishment from Allah if they
continued their idol worship.

The People of Prophet Nuh listened to him with great confusion and patience. The most miserable
and desperate amongst Nuh’s people began to find hope and solace in the Prophet’s words and
gradually entered into the fold of Islam, whilst the affluent watched on with rage. They said to Nuh:
“We see you but a man like ourselves”. Prophet Nuh explained to them that he was certainly a
human being and Allah had specifically chosen a human messenger as the earth was predominantly
occupied by humans after all. And if the earth was occupied by angels, Allah would have surely sent
an angelic messenger to convey his message.

One day, the wealthy masters of the city approached Prophet Nuh and said to him: “Listen Nuh, if
you want us to believe in you, then dismiss your believers. They are meek and poor, while we are
elite and rich; no faith can include us both.” Nuh was well-aware of the ignorance of the wealthy
men. He knew that he had to remain calm in order to explain to them that materialistic possessions
were worthless in the sight of Allah and it was what is within one’s heart that really mattered to Him.
Prophet Nuh replied to them: “O my people! I ask for no wealth for it, my reward is from none but
Allah. I am not going to drive away those who have believed. Surely, they are going to meet their
Lord, but I see that you are ignorant people.
O my people! Who will help me against Allah, if I drove them away? Will you not then give a
thought? And I do not say to you that with me are the Treasures of Allah nor that I know the
unseen, nor do I say that I am an angel, and I do not say of those whom your eyes look down
upon that Allah will not bestow any good on them. Allah knows what is in their inner selves. In
that case, I should, indeed be one of the wrongdoers.”

The idolaters were furious. They had tolerated Nuh’s incessant preaching and arguments for far
too long. They angrily challenged Nuh: “O Nuh! You have disputed with us and have prolonged
the dispute with us, now bring upon us what you threaten us with, if you are of the truthful.”
Nuh replied: “Only Allah will bring the punishment on you, if He wills, and then you will not be
able to escape. And my advice will not profit you, even if I wish to give you counsel, if Allah’s
Will is to keep you astray. He is your Lord! And to Him you shall return.”

The disbelievers, who had lost all patience with Nuh, resorted to hurl insults at the Messenger
of Allah in attempt to frighten him from preaching the religion of Islam. They said: “Verily, we
see you in plain error”. Nuh patiently replied: “O my people! There is no error in me, but I am a
Messenger from the Lord of the worlds! I convey unto you the Messages of my Lord and give
sincere advice to you. And I know from Allah what you know not.”

Despite the continuous mockery and rejection, Prophet Nuh was persistent in calling his people
to Islam for nine hundred and fifty years. But every generation that came to existence rejected
Nuh as their fathers did. Each child that reached an age of understanding was clearly warned
against the teachings of Prophet Nuh. Whenever the Prophet approached them they ran away
from him. They found every excuse to escape from the presence of Nuh. Before long, Prophet
Nuh realized that the number of disbelievers were rapidly on the rise, whilst the number of
believers remained unchanged. He was very upset for his people and feared a terrible
predicament for them, but he was left with no choice.

So Prophet Nuh prayed to Allah: “My Lord! They have disobeyed me, and followed one whose
wealth and children give them no increase but only loss. They have plotted a mighty plot. They
have said: ‘you shall not leave your gods, nor shall you leave Wadd, Suwa, Yaghuth, Ya’uq, nor
Nasr (names of the idols)’. Indeed they have led many astray. O Allah! Grant no increase to the
disbelievers.”

Allah soon revealed to Prophet Nuh that no other man from his people would enter Islam
thereafter. Sad and frustrated, Prophet Nuh replied to Allah: “My Lord! Leave not one of the
disbelievers on the earth. If you leave them, they will mislead Your slaves and they will beget
none but wicked disbelievers.” Prophet Nuh’s prayer was accepted by his Lord. He instructed
Prophet Nuh: “And construct the ark under Our Eyes and with Our Inspiration and address Me
not on behalf of those who did wrong.”

Outside the city limits, away from the sea, Prophet Nuh began to build the ark through day and
night with the support and guidance of the Angels. The construction of the ark continued
amidst the constant mockery of the people. They jeered at Prophet Nuh saying: “O Nuh! Does
carpentry appeal to you more than prophethood? Why are you building an ark so far from the
sea? Are you going to drag it to the water or is the wind going to carry it for you?” Prophet Nuh
answered: “You will come to know who will be put to shame and suffering.”
Allah then instructed to Nuh that when the oven at his home begins to gush forth water, collect
the believers and board the ark for it was the first sign of the beginning of the floods that would
destroy the disbelievers. Not long after, the terrible day dawned as water began gushing forth
from the oven at Prophet Nuh’s house. Nuh knew it was time to board the ark. Along with the
believers, Nuh also took with him pairs of animals, birds and insects. The people who witnessed
Nuh’s peculiar behaviour laughed at him again saying: “Nuh must have gone out of his head!
What is he going to do with the animals?”

Soon after, heavy rains began to pour down from the angry skies and water began to rise
through every crack on earth. The water levels gradually began to rise and the oceans
conquered the land. The once dry land was now completely submerged in water for the first
time.

Prophet Nuh witnessed the terrible calamity that had befallen his people. He knew the
disbelievers had no escape from the wrath of Allah. Amongst the disbelievers was Prophet
Nuh’s wife and son who refused to board his ark. Nuh desperately called out to his son: “O my
son! Embark with us and be not among the disbelievers.” The ignorant son of Nuh replied, “I
will get to the mountain; it will save me from the water.” Nuh answered: “This day there is no
saviour from the Decree of Allah except him on whom He has mercy.” Before long, Nuh’s son
was engulfed by angry waves never to be seen again.

When every single disbeliever had perished, Allah ordered the skies and the earth: “O Earth!
Swallow up your water, and O sky! Withhold your rain.” The skies immediately cleared and the
sun shone brightly on the land. Meanwhile, Nuh’s ark peacefully landed on Mount Judi. Allah
instructed His Prophet: “O Nuh! Come down (from the ship) with peace from Us and blessings
on you and on the people who are with you.”

As instructed, Prophet Nuh along with the believers got off the ark, releasing the rescued
animals, birds and insects across the green land. Prophet Nuh, placed his forehead on the
ground, prostrated to his Lord and thanked Him immensely for His mercy and blessings. The
believers were grateful to Allah for safeguarding them from the terrible ordeal and observed a
day of fasting as an act of gratitude to Allah.
 THE STORY OF PROPHET YUSUF
Yusuf (Joseph) was the beloved son of Prophet Yaqub (Jacob), who also had 11 other sons. Binyamin,
who was youngest, was from the same mother as Yusuf, while the rest were older half-brothers.

Yusuf, still a young boy, awoke one glorious morning delighted by a pleasant dream he just had. He
ran to his father in excitement and said, “O my father, indeed I have seen eleven stars and the sun
and the moon; I saw them prostrating to me.” Yaqub was overjoyed in realisation that his dear son
was indeed chosen by Allah to be bestowed with Prophethood. However, Yaqub was concerned
about his older sons’ possible reaction to this narration, for even though he treated them the same,
they harboured jealousy towards Yusuf. He therefore warned Yusuf against relating his dream to his
brothers, lest they plot for his downfall.

With the passage of time, the malice in the hearts of Yusuf’s brothers kept growing. They envied
Yusuf because they felt he was special and they were not. Unable to handle their emotions they
devised a plan to get rid of Yusuf by throwing him into a well. So, one day they approached their
father and suggested that he send Yusuf to come with them on an outing. A very reluctant Yaqub
said, “Indeed, it saddens me that you should take him and I fear that a wolf would eat him while you
are unaware.” But the brothers insisted that they would take extreme care of him and that they
Yusuf would enjoy himself.

The next day, Yusuf set off with his brothers. They traveled far, in pursuit of a well deep enough to
throw their brother in. When they finally reached the well, on the pretext of drinking water they led
him to it, grabbed him, and removed his shirt. Yusuf began struggling and pleaded with them to let
go. The brothers eventually outpowered Yusuf and threw him down the well and rushed back home.

The brothers ran to their father carrying Yusuf’s shirt that was smeared with sheep’s blood. They
cried, “O our father, indeed we went racing with each other and left Yusuf with our possessions, and
a wolf ate him.” Yaqub’s was suspicious of their story, he in his heart believed his son was still alive
and that the brothers were likely enticed by Shaitan (satan) to do evil. He remarked that the wolf was
indeed merciful to have eaten his son up without tearing his shirt! He bore the bereavement with
patience and prayed for his son’s safe return.

Meanwhile, Yusuf managed to cling onto a stone ledge, he prayed fervently to Allah to grant him
salvation. Soon, a caravan bound for Egypt stopped at this well to fetch water. The water drawer
hauled up his bucket and was shocked to see the handsome boy clinging onto the rope. The caravan
people immediately shackled Yusuf and took him along to Egypt. Here, he was auctioned and sold as
a slave to the highest bidder who happened to be the treasurer, Al-Azeez. Yusuf’s new master, who
had no children, was completely taken with Yusuf. He told his wife to take good care of Yusuf and
they could either use him as slave or take him for a son.

Yusuf not only grew up to be a handsome young man but was also blessed with exceptional
knowledge and wisdom by Allah. His honesty won the heart of Al-Azeez, who placed Yusuf in charge
of his household. During this period, Yusuf was confronted with his second trial. Zulaika, Al-Azeez’s
wife, who watched Yusuf day after day, began to feel passionately about him. Her obsession
heightened to a degree where she was desperate to fulfil her desire.

One day, when her husband was away from home, she closed the doors and invited Yusuf to her.
Yusuf, fearing Allah, replied, “[I seek] refuge in Allah. Indeed, he is my master, who has made good
my residence. Indeed, wrongdoers will not succeed.”
He turned away and run towards the closed door to escape. Zulaika chased after him in
desperation and grabbed his shirt from the back which caused his shirt to rip. The door opened
and Al-Azeez entered. Ashmed, she ran to him and cried, “What is the recompense of the one who
intended evil for your wife but that he be imprisoned or a painful punishment?” Yusuf was baffled.
He continued to deny his mistress’s claim saying, “It was she who sought to seduce me.”

Al-Azeez was a fair man. He was confused and unsure of whom to believe. So he consulted his
wife’s cousin for advice. “If his shirt is torn from the front, then she has told the truth, and he is of
the liars,” advised the cousin. Thus, Yusuf’s innocence was proven. Al-Azeez apologised for his
wife’s indecency and swore Yusuf to secrecy.

Nevertheless, the story of Zulaika’s pursuit spread. Other women began ridiculing her character.
Distressed, Zulaika planned to prove to them her helpless reaction to Yusuf’s extraordinary
handsomeness. Hence, she invited these women to a banquet at her residence one day. There she
served them fruit along with knives. When the women were happily chatting away while slicing
fruits, Zulaika summoned Yusuf. The women looked up at him. Astonished at such angelic beauty,
they cut their hands without even realizing they had. Zulaika seized the moment to announce that
this was the man for whom she was blamed. She then warned Yusuf that if he denied her again he
would be imprisoned, to which Yusuf replied, “My Lord, prison is more to my liking than that to
which they invite me.” That night Zulaika convinced her husband that the only way to safeguard
her honor and his prestige was to imprison Yusuf. Thus, Yusuf was thrown into jail.

During Yusuf’s time in jail, he was bestowed with the ability to interpret dreams. Two of Yusuf’s
cell mates, mesmerized by his piety, sought him to have their dreams explained. One dreamt that
he was serving the king wine and the other was carrying bread on his head which two birds were
eating up. Yusuf initially called them to Allah, then interpreted, “O two companions of prison, as
for one of you, he will give drink to his master of wine; but as for the other, he will be crucified,
and the birds will eat from his head. The matter has been decreed about which you both inquire.”
And he said to the one whom he knew would go free, “Mention me before your master.” But
Shaitan made him forget the mention [to] his master, and Yaqub remained in prison several years.

One day the king of Egypt had an odd dream. He summoned his men and said, “Indeed, I have
seen seven fat cows being eaten by seven [that were] lean, and seven green spikes [of grain] and
others [that were] dry. O eminent ones, explain to me my vision, if you should interpret visions.”
The cupbearer, who immediately remembered his companion in prison, informed the King of
Yusuf and his impeccable dream interpretations. The King sent off his cupbearer to prison to meet
with Yusuf and inquire about the peculiar dream.

Yusuf was overjoyed at the sight of his companion and knew that this was indeed the plan of Allah.
He narrated to him, “You will plant for seven years consecutively; and what you harvest leave in its
spikes, except a little from which you will eat. Then will come after that seven difficult [years]
which will consume what you advanced [saved] for them, except a little from which you will store.
Then will come after that a year in which the people will be given rain and in which they will press
[olives and grapes].”

Amazed, the king ordered Yusuf to be presented before him. Yusuf, however, refused to leave
prison until his innocence was proved. The king thus summoned the women relating to Yusuf’s
incident. The women who had their hands cut, spoke of Yusuf’s innocence before the King, “Allah
forbid! We know about him no evil.”
The wife of Al-Azeez was trapped. She confessed to the King, “Now the truth has become evident. It
was I who sought to seduce him, and indeed, he is truthful.”

Thus, Yusuf’s innocence was proven. Released from prison, Yusuf stood before the King to thank him
for his generosity. The king who was greatly impressed by Yusuf’s honest mannerisms and his pleasant
personality led him to being appointed as the storekeeper over the storehouses across his land.

Yusuf harvested and stored crops during the seven years of fertility. Then there approached the years
of famine, that also reached the household of Yaqub in Canaan. Yaqub sent all his sons except
Binyamin to Egypt to purchase provisions. Yusuf immediately recognized his brothers and provided for
them, but kept his identity disguised. He casually inquired about their family. The brothers informed
the storekeeper of their house back in Canaan and their father and brother back home. Yusuf informed
them to bring their younger brother along next time, or they shall receive no further provisions. He also
placed the money they had paid with their supplies as an incentive to return.

The brothers returned home and said, “O our father, measure has been denied to us, so send with us
our brother [that] we will be given measure. And indeed, we will be his guardians.” Yaqub was
enraged. How could he trust them when they had failed him terribly with Yusuf before? After some
time, however, their needs pressed Yaqub to send Binyamin with them for more provisions. He took
their solemn oath to safeguard him. When they reached Egypt, Yusuf drew Binyamin aside and
whispered into his ear, “Indeed, I am your brother, so do not despair over what they used to do [to
me].”

The following day, Yusuf filled his brothers’ bags with grain. He then secretly planted the King’s golden
bowl in Binyamin’s bag.

On departing, the brothers were stopped by the King’s soldiers who were looking for the King’s missing
cup. The bags of the brothers’ were searched and the missing cup was retrieved from the bag of the
youngest brother, Binyamin. The soldiers cried, “O caravan, indeed you are thieves.” The brothers were
shocked! The brothers immediately remembered their sick father back home, and their vow to
safeguard Binyamin at all cost. They begged the soldiers to release their younger brother and take one
of them instead but the soldiers refused. The eldest among the brothers said, “I will never leave this
land until my father permits me or Allah decides for me.” So the rest of the brothers left Egypt leaving
the eldest behind.

When Yaqub learnt of his youngest son’s predicament he wept and wept until he became blind. He
resorted to prayer for comfort for he knew that only Allah could ease his pain. Soon, he instructed his
sons to return to the King’s land and inquire about their brother.

The sons returned to Egypt once again. They met with Yusuf and pleaded that tragedy had befallen
them. Yusuf then spoke to them in their native language, “Do you know what you did with Yusuf and
his brother when you were ignorant?” It didn’t take long for the brothers to realise that this was
indeed their long lost brother and began to tremble in fear. But Yusuf comforted them saying, “No
reproach on you this day, may Allah forgive you.” He then said, “Take this, my shirt, and cast it over
the face of my father; his eyesight will return.”

As instructed, the brothers cast Yusuf’s shirt over their father’s face and Allah miraculously restored his
eyesight! They beseeched their father to seek Allah’s forgiveness for them. Together, they all set off to
Egypt where Yusuf warmly welcomed them. Yusuf raised his father upon the throne and said, “O my
father, this is the explanation of my vision of before. My Lord has made it reality. And He was certainly
good to me when He took me out of prison and brought you [here] from bedouin life after Satan had
induced [estrangement] between me and my brothers. Indeed, my Lord is Subtle in what He wills.
Indeed, it is He who is the Knowing, the Wise.” Thus, Allah reunited father and son.
DUA FOR THIS LIFE AND AFTERLIFE

‫َر َّبَنا آِتَنا ِفي الُّد ْنَيا َحَس َنًة َو ِفي اآْل ِخ َرِة َحَس َنًة َو ِقَنا َع َذ اَب الَّناِر‬
Rabbanaaa aatina fid dunyaa hasanatanw wa fil aakhirati hasanatanw wa
qinaa azaaban Naar

“Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that
which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.”

DUA FOR PARENTS FORGIVENESS

‫َر ِّب اْر َحْم ُهَم ا َك َم ا َر َّبَياِني َصِغ يًر ا‬