God tests us to see if we can withstand the difficulties He imposes on us, and if we become stronger in faith.
Ayub, (Job) the Prophet best known for his patience, was one of the 25 named prophets in the Quran."And surely we try you with something of fear and hunger, and loss of wealth and crops, but give glad-tidings to the steadfast, who when a misfortune befalls them, say lo! we are Allah's (possession of Allah) and to Him shall we surely return. · Such are they on whom are blessings from their Lord, and mercy. Such are the rightly-guided." (2:155-157)
He began with an abundance of health, wealth and children. Satan was convinced Ayub was only grateful to God due to his many blessings. Satan pleaded to God to test Ayub by taking these things away:
He lost his wealth.
The roof of his home fell and killed his family.
He lost his health; gnats chewed up his skin.
People left his side.
His wife who cared for him, left.
But he chose to be patient. He realized all his former possessions were gifts from God. He said, God had a right to take what He had granted.
At the very end when gnats were about to chew up Ayub's tongue, he prayed to keep the ability to remember God by worshiping with his tongue.
"Truly adversity has afflicted me and You are Most Merciful of all who show mercy." (21:83)
God then instructed him to bathe in a spring after striking a particular area of the ground with his foot. His illness was removed and his youth, family, and wealth were returned to him.
May God give us the strength to bear the burdens that He entrusts us with.
