18. The Story of Prophet Uzair (AS)
The Story of Prophet Uzair (AS)
A long time ago, there was a wise and pious man named Uzair (AS). He loved Allah and always prayed to Him. One sunny day, Uzair (AS) went out to his farm, carrying some figs and grapes for lunch. As he traveled, he came to an old, ruined village. The place was quiet, and no one lived there anymore. Feeling tired from the heat, Uzair (AS) sat under a shady tree to rest and eat.
As he looked around at the bones scattered across the village, Uzair (AS) wondered:
“How will Allah bring these people back to life after they have died?”
Uzair (AS) wasn’t doubting Allah; he was just curious. Allah wanted to show Uzair (AS) how He brings the dead back to life, so He sent the Angel of Death to take Uzair’s (AS) soul. Uzair (AS) passed away and remained in that state for 100 years.
After 100 years, Allah sent an angel to bring Uzair (AS) back to life. The angel first revived Uzair’s (AS) heart and eyes so he could see how Allah brings the dead to life. When Uzair (AS) woke up, the angel asked him,
“How long do you think you were asleep?”
Uzair (AS) replied, “Maybe a day or part of a day.”
The angel said, “No, you were asleep for 100 years! Look at your food and drink—they haven’t spoiled! And look at your donkey.”
Uzair (AS) turned to look at his donkey. Its bones were scattered on the ground, but right before his eyes, Allah showed His power. The angel brought the donkey’s bones together, covered them with flesh, and made it come back to life. Watching this amazing sight, Uzair (AS) said,
“Now I know that Allah can do anything!”
When Uzair (AS) returned to his village riding on his revived donkey, everything had changed. No one recognized him, not even his family—except for one old maid. She told him, “People have long forgotten Uzair (AS).”
Uzair (AS) said, “I am Uzair! Allah took my life for 100 years and brought me back.”
To prove it, he prayed to Allah to cure the old maid’s blindness. He gently massaged her eyes and said, “By the power of Allah, be healed!” She opened her eyes and could see again. Overjoyed, she said, “You are truly Uzair!”
The people of the village were amazed. They tested him by asking about a hidden copy of the Torah (their holy book), which no one knew about except Uzair (AS). He took them to the hidden spot and found the Torah. Its pages were old and crumbled, so Uzair (AS) sat down and copied it for the people.
From that day, the Israelites remembered Uzair (AS) as a sign of Allah’s power. The revived donkey of Uzair (AS) was a special reminder of Allah’s ability to bring the dead back to life. Allah showed them that He can do anything, no matter how impossible it seems!
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✦ The Importance of the Story of Uzair (AS):
1. Allah’s Power Over Life and Death: The story of Prophet Uzair (AS) shows that Allah has complete control over life and death. He can revive the dead and restore what was lost, demonstrating His supreme power. 2. Trust in Allah’s Wisdom: Uzair (AS) teaches us to trust in Allah’s plan and His wisdom, even when things seem impossible. Allah is the Creator of all, and He can bring about miracles at His will. 3. The Importance of Knowledge: Uzair (AS) was not only a prophet but also a scholar who helped preserve divine knowledge. This highlights the importance of seeking and sharing knowledge for the benefit of others. |
Prophet Uzair’s (AS) story encourages us to have faith in Allah’s ability to bring change and restoration in our lives, even when the situation seems hopeless. His life reminds us of the importance of trust, wisdom, and knowledge in the way of Allah.
REFERENCE:
Ibn Kathir, Stories of the Prophets;
Translated and adapted by Umme Abdul Rahman’
Graduate Alim/Alimah.
Founder & Director of imsjeddah.com.