Page 57 - Prayer in the Qur'an

THE PROPHETS' PRAYERS
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RELATED IN THE QUR'AN

The Prophet Lut's (as) people not only refused Allah's messenger
but also openly challenged him. Over years, the Prophet Lut (as)
summoned them to Allah's religion, and in the face of their intransi-
gence, he called on to Allah thus:

He said, "My Lord, help me against the people of corruption!"
(Surat al-'Ankabut: 30)
Allah answered the Prophet Lut's (as) call and the insolent peo-
ple around him perished:

We will bring down on the inhabitants of this city a devastat-
ing punishment from heaven because of their deviance. We
have left a Clear Sign of them behind for people who use their
intellect. (Surat al-'Ankabut: 34-35)
As this example reveals, prayer may not always be for the good
of individuals or happiness in this world and the next. As in the ex-

ample of the Prophet Lut (as), many prophets also prayed for disbe-
lievers' destruction.

The Prophet Ayyub's (as) Prayers

In four sections of the Qur'an, there is reference to the Prophet
Ayyub (as), who displayed an exemplary patience that sets an ex-
ample to all believers. The Prophet Ayyub (as), who was a chosen

servant to whom Allah revealed (Surat an-Nisa: 163), was afflicted
with a serious illness. Yet, his patience and trust in Allah never
abated. With such a noble attitude, he is a role model for all believers
to follow:
... We found him steadfast. What an excellent servant! He truly
turned to his Lord. (Surah Sad: 44)

As well as the disease with which he was afflicted, the Prophet