Mira Matar wrote on the mtv website on July 13, 2018:
“Oh, Job's patience” and “Job didn't have as much patience as I do” are two phrases frequently repeated on the Lebanese street. Few know who Job is, who became the patron saint of all Lebanese after his name became synonymous with patience.
Wadih El Safi says in his famous song, “We missed Mount Niha and Mount Sannine.” Thus, a visit was made to the town of Niha and specifically to the shrine of Prophet Job.
With shy smiles, the Sheikh and the Sheikha welcome you at the door of the shrine. The Sheikha's smile hides behind her white silk veil, and the Sheikh's smile is hidden behind a mustache that has turned white with the days he spent at the shrine. We ask, “Do we need to cover our heads before we enter?” They notice the difference in accents, and the Sheikh replies, “You are not from around here... Welcome to everyone.”
Inside the shrine, visitors sit on the floor in reverence for Job, and in the center is his tomb, upon which is written, “Indeed, We found him patient, an excellent servant. Indeed, he was one repeatedly turning back [to Allah].”
Sheikh Fahd Arnous summarizes the life of Prophet Job as follows: “80 years of prosperity and status, and 18 years of illness and patience.” He cites what is mentioned in the Holy Quran, “Strike with your foot; this is a [spring for] a cool bath and drink,” to say that Job's patience throughout the years has proven beneficial, and it still is for everyone upon whom a calamity has befallen and who turns to him seeking salvation. Days, weeks, and months are counted, and salvation is inevitable for those who have patience.
In the Holy Bible, there is also the mention of the “Book of Job.” While Sheikh Arnous acknowledges that “Job is for everyone and not exclusive to anyone,” he confirms that the shrine attracts thousands of Lebanese visitors from various sects and religions, who come to pray, seek blessings, and receive Job's gift to them: “patience”!
