55. "Verily, distress has seized me, and You are the Most Merciful of all those who show mercy."  Who invoked this dua? Why he invoked?

بِسْمِ ٱللَّٰهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِٱلرَّحِيمِ

Answer: Ayyub (AS). To remove his distress. (21:83)

Ayyub (AS) was the descendant of Ibrahim (AS). He was a perfect servant of Allah, always remembering Him and most repentant with thankfulness, patience and steadfastness. Allah guided him, rewarded him because of his good deeds (6:84).

One day a group of angels were discussing about humble human beings and how they earned Allah's pleasure. One of the angel remarked: "The best creature on earth today is Ayyub, a man of noble character who displays great patience and always remember 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, as well as the needy and poor share his good fortune; he feeds and clothes the poor and buy 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."

Over hearing all this Iblis got annoyed, hastened to Ayyub (AS) distracted him from his prayers. But as a true believer he avoided the temptation of Shaitan. Annoyed Shaitan went to Allah and requested to remove all his wealth. But Allah said his devotion is not materialistic it is from his heart. Iblis want to prove his patience, sincerity and asked Allah the permission to test him. Allah allowed him to do so.

Iblis was very happy. He destroyed all his wealth, animals and his servants. He went to Ayyub (AS) and told, because he gave everything in excess, he lost all his possessions. Ayyub (AS) replied: "He gave all the things so He took everything" and by saying this he prostrated to his Lord.

On hearing and seeing this lblis became more frustrated. He destroyed his family by crushing his house and Ayyub (AS) as usual remained firm in belief and thankful to his Creator. Seeing this Iblis went to Allah asked permission to give harm to his body. Allah granted that on condition not to touch his heart, wisdom and soul. So he made Ayyub (AS) to suffer from a disease that he was reduced to skin and bones. But his faith became more and more strong. He patiently bears all the hardships. Everybody left him except his wife Rahima who took good care of him, knowing his former charity and pity for her.

Iblis became so desperate. He consulted his helpers. They asked him: "How is it that your cleverness cannot work against Ayyub (AS) yet you succeeded in misleading Adam out of Paradise?".  Iblis went to his wife and enquired about his husband. He reminded about those happy days along with her husband. Suddenly the painful memory of years of hardship overcame her and she burst into tears. She asked her husband: "How long are you going to bear this torture? Why don't you call upon Allah to remove this suffering?"

He sighed and replied in soft voice: " Iblis must have whispered to you and made dissatisfied. Tell me how long I enjoyed good health and wealth?"  She replied: "80 years". "Then how long I suffering like this?" She said: "7 years". Then he told her: "I am ashamed to call on my Lord to remove my hardship. I suffered lesser than what I have enjoyed. It seemed you are dissatisfied with Allah. If ever I regain health, I swear I will punish you with a 100 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."

In this helpless state Ayyub (AS) started invoking his Lord: " Verily Shaithan has touched me with distress and torment." (Sad, 38:41) and  he cried to his Lord: "Verily, distress  has seized me and You are the Most Merciful of all those who show mercy." (Al-Anbiya, 21: 83).

So Allah answered his call (21:84). Allah said to him "Strike the ground with your foot. This is  (a spring of) water to wash in, cool and (refreshing) drink." (38: 42). When he used that water for bath and used as a drink as per the command of Merciful Lord, his skin became normal. Allah also restored his family to him and the like thereof along with them as a Mercy of his Lord. Allah said: "....this is a reminder for all those who worship and for those who understand (21:84 & 38:43).

Allah Subhanahuthala also commanded him further: "And take in your hand a bundle of thin grass and strike therewith (your wife) and break not your oath" (38:44). Allah has praised his qualities in Quran as, "We found him patient. How excellent a slave! Verily, he was ever oft-returning in repentance!" (38:44).

0 Allah!  Give us also such patience, endurance and repentance! Aameen ya Rubb!

الحمدلله