7-108 Ahmad ibn al-Hassan al-Qat’tan narrated that Al-Hassan ibn Ali al-Askari quoted Muhammad ibn Zakariya al-Juwhary, on the authority of Ja’far ibn Muhammad ibn Am’marat, on the authority of his father, on the authority of Ja’far ibn Muhammad as-Sadiq (MGB) that his father Al-Baqir (MGB) said, “
Job (MGB) suffered for seven years without having committed any sins. The Prophets (MGB) do not commit any sins, since they are immaculate and pure. They have no deviations. They do not even think of committing any sins whether it be a minor or a major one. Job (MGB) did not look bad or smell bad even though he suffered from a lot of calamities. He did not even have any puss or bleeding, even as small as the size of the tip of a pen. No one found him filthy and no one was afraid of him (MGB). There were no insects growing anywhere in or on his body. This is how the Honorable the Exalted God treats His dear Prophets (MGB) and noble friends in times of hardship. The people did not associate with Job (MGB) because he (MGB) was poor and weak and out of their ignorance. They did not know what a great rank he (MGB) had near his Sublime Lord! The Prophet (MGB) said, “The people who suffer the worst hardships are the Prophets, then those next in rank, then those after them, and so forth.”The Honorable the Exalted God had Job (MGB) suffer so much that he was belittled in the eyes of the people so that they would not worship him (MGB) when they see the endless blessings of God in his hands. This was done so that the people realize that there are two kinds of rewards and punishments from the Sublime God: One in an especial way as a grant and the second way due to worthiness and servitude. This was done so that the people never belittle the poor or the ill. This was done so that the people realize that God would make ill anyone whom He wills and treats anyone whom He wills by any means which He wills. This was done so that it may serve as a lesson to learn from for some people; as a means of destitute and hardship for some other people; and as a means of prosperity for some other people. He is Just in all of his Judgements and Wise in all of his Deeds. He would not do anything to any of His servants unless it was the best thing for them. There is no power save in Him.”