“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.”
Whose words are these to whom and about whom?
Answer
Iblis called on Allah. “O my Lord, Job’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 the hope 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 wanted to teach Iblis a lesson that Job was a devoted slave of his Lord so He granted Iblis his 3rd request but placed a condition: “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.”
Armed with this new authority, Iblis began to take revenge on Job’s body and filled it with disease until it was reduced to mere skin and bone and he suffered severe pain. But through all the suffering Job remained strong in his faith, patiently bearing all the hardships without complaining.
Allah’s righteous servant did not despair or turn to others for help but remained hopeful of Allah’s mercy. Even close relatives and friends deserted him. Only his kind, loving wife stayed with him. In his hour of need, she showered her kindness on him and cared for him. She remained his sole companion and comforter through the many years of suffering.
Source askislampedia website Under prophet Ayub