Tafsir of Al-Anbiya' 21:83

Meaning: He called out to Him, "Indeed, harm has touched me." It is also recited as inni (with a kasra), implying a hidden verb of "saying," or because the act of calling contains the meaning of saying.

• Al-Darr (with a fatha): Harm in any matter.
• Al-Durr (with a damma): Harm specifically to the self, such as illness or emaciation. The two vocalizations differ because the meanings differ.

He was subtle in his request, mentioning his state in a way that necessitates mercy, and mentioning his Lord with the ultimate attribute of mercy, without explicitly stating his desire. It is narrated that an old woman approached Sulayman ibn Abd al-Malik and said, "O Commander of the Faithful, the rats in my house have begun walking with canes [due to starvation]." He replied, "You have been subtle in your request; surely, I shall make them leap like leopards," and he filled her house with grain.

Ayyub (peace be upon him) was a Roman, a descendant of Ishaq ibn Yaqub (peace be upon them). Allah made him a prophet, expanded the world for him, and increased his family and wealth. He had seven sons and seven daughters, various types of livestock, and five hundred acres of land, each followed by a servant, with each servant having a wife, children, and palm trees.

Allah tested him by taking his children—the house collapsed upon them and they perished—and by taking his wealth, and by afflicting his body with illness for eighteen years. Qatada says thirteen years; Muqatil says seven years, seven months, and seven hours.

His wife said to him one day, "If only you would call upon Allah!" He asked her, "How long was the duration of my prosperity?" She said, "Eighty years." He replied, "I am ashamed before Allah to call upon Him when the duration of my affliction has not yet reached the duration of my prosperity."

When Allah removed the affliction from him, He brought his children back to life and provided him with the like of them, plus more. It is narrated that his wife bore him twenty-six sons after that.

"As a mercy from Us..." Meaning: As a mercy from Us to the worshippers, we mention them with kindness so as not to forget them; or, a mercy from Us to Ayyub, and a reminder to others among the worshippers so that they may be patient as he was patient, and thus be rewarded as he was rewarded in this world and the Hereafter.