IN THE NAME OF ALLAH THE MOST GRACIOUS, THE MOST MERCIFUL
Prophet Nuh (AS) was the very first Messenger who was sent to mankind. Authentic hadiths stated how prior to the arrival of Nuh (AS), the descendants of Adam (AS) had always worshipped One God, Allah. He lived for 950 years and throughout this time, he continuously fulfilled his mission of calling his people to worship Allah. We understand that after such a long time, only 80+ people heeded his call. The rest not only refused to respond to his call of worshipping Allah alone, but they threatened to destroy him. This was when Prophet Nuh (AS) invoked to Allah to destroy all of them.
The stories below were taken from the website “hadithoftheday” which took it from several sources stated below.
Classic commentators suggest a number of reasons for Nuh’s AS greatness among the prophets, including:
It is said that no prophet ever bore such torment and abuse, both physical and verbal, from his people as Nuh AS did throughout his life. Nonetheless, in spite of it, he remained a faithful, grateful servant (‘Abdan shakoora’) (Qur’an 17:3) to his Lord.
PAGANISM AND A MISGUIDED SOCIETY
And they worship other than Allah that which neither harms them nor benefits them, and they say, “These are our intercessors with Allah.” (Qur’an 10:18)
Ibn Abbas RA states that idols were made from the time of one of the descendants of Adam AS, Jared, due to which some were turned away from Islam.
For many generations people had been worshipping statues that they called gods. They believed that these gods would bring them good, protect them from evil and provide all their needs. They gave their idols names such as Waddan, Suwa’an, Yaghutha, Ya’auga, and Nasran.
And they conspired an immense conspiracy. And said, ‘Never leave your gods and never leave Wadd or Suwa’ or Yaghuth and Ya’uq and Nasr. (Qur’an 71:22-23)
It is stated in hadith:
They (for those whom the idols were named) were the names of righteous men among Nuh’s AS people. Then when they died, Shaytan inspired their people to set up images at the places where they used to sit and call them by their names. So they did this, but they were not worshipped until when those who made them had died and the knowledge of the origin of the statues was altered, they were worshipped. (Bukhari)
Later generations did not even know why they had been erected; they only knew their parents had prayed to them. That is how idol worshipping developed. Since they had no understanding of Allah the Almighty who would punish them for their evil deeds, they became cruel and immoral.
These societies believed in Allah’s existence and repeatedly referred to Him. However, they regarded Him as too high and too remote to have any interest in human affairs.
In order to bring down divinity to a familiar level, people invented various deities whom they believed to be partners, associates or intermediaries to the Creator, ascribing to them godlike powers and worshipping them instead of Him (shirk).
Values of any society are governed by the beliefs it holds. History attests that in earlier pagan societies, the values of freedom, equality and basic human rights which we take for granted today, were lacking or non-existent. Instead, the people were usually governed by the rules of false deities, communicated through their priests, oracles and soothsayers, and they were prey to superstitions of all kinds.
Consequently, misguidance produced by false beliefs affected every aspect of life, fostering unwholesome conditions and destroying the innate connection of people’s hearts to their Creator.
When corruption took its root and people started deviating and worshipping idols instead of Allah, Allah sent Nuh AS as His Messenger, who called on them to worship none other than Allah. Nuh AS was the only intellectual not caught in the whirlpool of man’s destruction which was caused by polytheism.
NUH’S MISSION
Allah in his Mercy, sent Nuh AS as His messenger, to guide the misguided people, to call them to repent, return to their Lord, and live according to His revealed guidance.
And We certainly sent Nuh to his people, and he remained among them a thousand years minus fifty years, and the flood seized them while they were wrongdoers. (Qur’an 29:14)
Ibn Abbas RA says that Nuh AS was appointed as a prophet when he was 480 years old. After 120 years of his prophethood, was he called to build the ark, at 600 years of age. And he lived another 350 years more.
NUH CALLS TO HIS PEOPLE
Indeed, We sent Nuh to his people, [saying], “Warn your people before there comes to them a painful punishment.” (Qur’an 71:1)
When this order came to Nuh AS from his Lord, he called together the chiefs of his people and addressed them in the words which are reported in the Qur’an. He called them to worship Allah alone, without associating any partner with Him. He asked them not to worship any statue or any false deities. He pleaded of them to believe in the Oneness of Allah, with no God other than Him.
Nuh AS said,
“O my people, worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him. Indeed, I fear for you the punishment of a tremendous Day.” (Qur’an 7:59)
“O my people, indeed I am to you a clear warner, [Saying], ‘Worship Allah, fear Him and obey me. Allah will forgive you of your sins and delay you for a specified term. Indeed, the time [set by] Allah, when it comes, will not be delayed, if you only knew.’”(Qur’an 71:2-4)
Deeply concerned about the well-being of his people, he added,
“Indeed, I fear for you the punishment of a tremendous Day.” (Qur’an 7:59)
The Qur’an has mentioned in these verses that Nuh AS called to them to the way of Allah with different means, day and night, in public and in private. But in vain. The people carried on in their error and deviation, worshipping idols. They treated Nuh AS and his followers as their enemies and with contempt.
“Indeed, we see you in clear error.” (Qur’an 7:60), they angrily mocked Nuh AS.
Nuh AS was an excellent speaker and a very patient man. He answered them,
“O my people, there is not error in me, but I am a messenger from the Lord of the worlds. I convey to you the messages of my Lord and advise you; and I know from Allah what you do not know.” (Qur’an 71:61-62)
He was clear in his message, a sincere advisor and the most knowledgeable of the people about Allah:
“Then do you wonder that there has come to you a reminder from your Lord through a man from among you, that he may warn you and that you may fear Allah so you might receive mercy.” (Qur’an 71:63)
Thus began Allah’s call to one of the earliest communities of disbelievers.
HOSTILITY AND REJECTION
Answering their arguments as Allah had inspired him, Nuh AS continued to admonish and warn, trying to make his people realise the falsity of their objects of worship and that there was no god except Allah. In prophetic manner, he tried to make it clear that he was advising them purely for Allah’s sake, without desiring any gain or advantage for himself.
“Indeed, I am to you a trustworthy messenger. So fear Allah and obey me. And I do not ask you for it any payment. My payment is only from the Lord of the worlds.” (Qur’an 26:107-109), he assured them.
Nuh AS reiterated his message over and over again. And he promised them on Allah’s behalf, that if they heeded his call and turned back to Allah, Allah would forgive them.
“Allah will forgive you of your sins and delay you for a specified term. Indeed, the time [set by] Allah, when it comes, will not be delayed, if you only knew.” (Qur’an 71:4)
His words were met with only disbelief, insults, threats and perhaps even physical violence. And thus matters continued for a great period of time.
Neither undeterred nor intimidated by their harsh words, Nuh AS continued with extraordinary patience, to preach and warn. Yet the reaction of his people, especially the leaders, remained the same, relentless arrogance, pride, anger, defiance and mockery towards their prophet himself.
But the eminent among those who disbelieved from his people said, “This is not but a man like yourselves who wishes to take precedence over you; and if Allah had willed [to send a messenger], He would have sent down angels. We have not heard of this among our forefathers. He is not but a man possessed with madness, so wait concerning him for a time.” (Qur’an 23:24-25)
One of the most special attributes of Allah’s prophets and messengers is they were completely sincere to their Lord, worshiping and serving Him for His divine sake alone. They faced many trials and through their exceptional patience, perseverance and steadfastness under all circumstances, they continued in their appointed missions with unwavering trust in the wisdom of their Lord. Nuh AS is especially known for his patience through the tasks and trials assigned to him.
He continued to appeal to his people in with deep sincerity, in all gentleness and politeness.
“And O my people, I ask not of you for it any wealth. My reward is not but from Allah. And I am not one to drive away those who have believed. Indeed, they will meet their Lord, but I see that you are a people behaving ignorantly.”
“And O my people, who would protect me from Allah if I drove them away? Then will you not be reminded?”
“And I do not tell you that I have the depositories [containing the provision] of Allah or that I know the unseen, nor do I tell you that I am an angel, nor do I say of those upon whom your eyes look down that Allah will never grant them any good. Allah is most knowing of what is within their souls. Indeed, I would then be among the wrongdoers.”
(Qur’an 11:29-31)
The conflict between Nuh AS and the heads of his people intensified. The deniers of Allah had shut their hearts and ears, dead-set against Nuh AS and his Message. Their jealousy of their prophet and the desire to retain their power and customary way of life prevented them from admitting the truth, even though it may have been absolutely clear to them.
Against their enmity, Nuh AS had no defence except unshakable certainty that Allah the All Knowing is in control of all things. Patiently he bore all the humiliations, taking refuge in his Lord’s remembrance and calling upon Him for help.
“My Lord, support me because they have denied me.” (Qur’an 23:26), he prayed, while continuing faithfully in his mission to guide as commanded and convey the Message of his Lord.
Among the disbelievers were people of his own household. One of these was his wife as revealed in this verse:
Allah presents an example of those who disbelieved: the wife of Nuh and the wife of Lut. They were under two of Our righteous servants but betrayed them, so those prophets did not avail them from Allah at all, and it was said, “Enter the Fire with those who enter.” (Qur’an 66:10)
The betrayal mentioned in this verse was not due to unfaithfulness. According to Ibn Abbas RA, no wife of a prophet was ever unfaithful to her husband. But, it is reported Nuh’s AS wife rejected her husband’s prophethood and told the people that he was crazy. She also carried news about Nuh AS and his followers’ movements and plans to the unbelievers.
The other unbeliever in Nuh’s AS family was his son. According to traditions, Nuh AS and his wife had four sons. The first three sons and their wives were believers, as was the first son’s wife. But disobedient and rebellious toward his father-prophet, the first son had joined the disbelievers.
In spite of all these trials and difficulties, Nuh AS continued steadfastly to preach. Ages passed and the arguments continued, Nuh AS and his message was rejected continually.
And We certainly sent Nuh to his people, and he remained among them a thousand years minus fifty years, and the flood seized them while they were wrongdoers. (Qur’an 29:14)
After such a long period, only a few of them believed in him.
It became the non-believers’ characteristic to refuse belief in Allah. They challenged him,
“O Nuh, you have disputed us and been frequent in dispute of us. So bring us what you threaten us, if you should be of the truthful.” (Qur’an 11:32)
He replied,
“Allah will only bring it to you if He wills, and you will not cause [Him] failure. And my advice will not benefit you – although I wished to advise you – If Allah should intend to put you in error. He is your Lord, and to Him you will be returned.” (Qur’an 11:33-34)
NUH CALLS TO ALLAH FOR HELP
Finally his people had had enough of Nuh AS. They threatened to kill him and said to him:
“If you do not desist, O Nuh, you will surely be of those who are stoned.” (Qur’an 26:116)
Then the faithful, perseverant prophet prayed to Allah.
“My Lord, indeed I invited my people [to truth] night and day. But my invitation increased them not except in flight. And indeed, every time I invited them that You may forgive them, they put their fingers in their ears, covered themselves with their garments, persisted, and were arrogant with [great] arrogance. (Qur’an 71:5-7)
My Lord, indeed they have disobeyed me and followed him whose wealth and children will not increase him except in loss.
And they conspired an immense conspiracy. And said, ‘Never leave your gods and never leave Wadd or Suwa’ or Yaghuth and Ya’uq and Nasr. And already they have misled many. And, [my Lord], do not increase the wrongdoers except in error.
(Qur’an 71:21:24)
He continued his plea to his Lord,
My Lord, do not leave upon the earth from among the disbelievers an inhabitant. Indeed, if You leave them, they will mislead Your servants and not beget except [every] wicked one and [confirmed] disbeliever.
My Lord, forgive me and my parents and whoever enters my house a believer and the believing men and believing women. And do not increase the wrongdoers except in destruction.
(Qur’an 71:26-28)
His people had by gone so far that Nuh AS could no longer hope or ask for mercy for them. According to hadith, every prophet receives a supplication for his people which was always answered. Nuh AS now used the supplication he had been granted for his people to pray for their destruction. He did not do this due to anger or ill-will, but because he realised that their wickedness had gone so far that any possibility for reform had been cut off.
BUILDING THE ARK
Allah accepted Nuh’s AS prayer. There came a day when Allah revealed to Nuh AS that no others would believe. Allah inspired him not to grieve for them. Nuh’s AS mission was complete and he had carried out his duties. Allah would punish the disbelievers. Allah passed His judgment on the disbelievers in the form of a flood. There came a divine order for Nuh to build an ark with His knowledge and instructions and with the help of angels.
And it was revealed to Nuh that, “No one will believe from your people except those who have already believed, so do not be distressed by what they have been doing. And construct the ship under Our observation and Our inspiration and do not address Me concerning those who have wronged; indeed, they are [to be] drowned.” (Qur’an 11:36-37)
And when you have boarded the ship, you and those with you, then say, ‘Praise to Allah who has saved us form the wrongdoing people.’ And say, ‘My Lord, let me land at a blessed landing place, and You are the best to accommodate [us].’ (Qur’an 23:28-29)
[So it was], until when Our command came and the oven overflowed, We said, “Load upon the ship of each [creature] two mates and your family, except those about whom the word has preceded, and [include] whoever has believed.” But none had believed with him, except a few. (Qur’an 11:40)
In this manner, Allah the All-Knowing gave His prophet the tidings of what was to come, even informing him that the faithless members of his own family were among those who had been condemned by the divine justice. As the same time, Allah forbade Nuh AS to plead for the evil-doers, for the sentence that justly been passed upon them by his Lord was not to be changed.
The Ark was a huge ship with no precedence. Working diligently over a great period of time, Nuh AS and the few believers with him, constructed a huge vessel, very probably unlike anything ever built before or since. Allah alone knows the truth about the magnitude of such a vessel.
And he constructed the ship, and whenever an assembly of the eminent of his people passed by him, they ridiculed him. He said, “If you ridicule us, then we will ridicule you just as you ridicule. And you are going to know who will get a punishment that will disgrace him [on earth] and upon whom will descend an enduring punishment [in the Hereafter].” (Qur’an 11:38-39)
This verse means that Nuh AS said to his people that they ridicule him for making the ark, but that he ridiculed them for not being guided, for their persistent disbelief and ignorance which would cause them to be drowned. The unbelievers had no inkling of the purpose of the Ark.
Nuh AS and the believers knew beyond doubt that Allah, their Creator and Sustainer is able to do anything He pleases. And He had informed His prophet that all the unbelievers would be drowned. And so, the little group of believers worked, and the unbelievers mocked and threatened.
THE EMBARKATION
The Ark was finally complete. And the punishment of the disbelievers was at hand, awaiting the order of the Lord that they had denied.
The divine command went forth. What happened next was probably a downpour of tremendous proportions as Allah
Opened the gates of the heaven with rain pouring down and caused the earth to burst with springs, and the waters met for a matter already predestined. (Qur’an 54:11-12)
Cleansing of the earth from evil had begun!
[So it was], until when Our command came and the oven overflowed, We said, “Load upon the ship of each [creature] two mates and your family, except those about whom the word has preceded, and [include] whoever has believed.” (Qur’an 11:40)
The fact was that among of all of Nuh’s people, “none had believed with him, except a few.” (Qur’an 11:40)
Then Nuh AS ordered the believers,
“Embark therein; in the name of Allah is its course and its anchorage.” He reminded them, “Indeed, my Lord is Forgiving and Merciful.” (Qur’an 11:41), meaning that the Ark would start its journey in the name of Allah and will finish the journey in the name of Allah, the All-Forgiving, Most-Merciful.
The believers went on board. According to hadith, the embarkation occurred on the first of Rajab, and Nuh AS and the believers were fasting. (Tabari)
They praised and glorified Allah with the words He revealed to their prophet:
And when you have boarded the ship, you and those with you, then say, ‘Praise to Allah who has saved us form the wrongdoing people.’ And say, ‘My Lord, let me land at a blessed landing place, and You are the best to accommodate [us].’ (Qur’an 23:28-29)
Allah adds,
Indeed in that are signs, and indeed, We are ever testing [Our servants]. (Qur’an 23:30)
Ibn Abbas RA informs that there were eighty people on the Ark: Nuh AS, his three sons, their wives and seventy-three children of Shiith AS who believed in Nuh AS.
Ibn Abbas RA also informs that when the rain came, the wild animals, the domesticated animals and birds all went to Nuh AS and became subjected to him. As Allah had commanded, he put into the Ark a male and female pair of each species. The bottom floor was for the animals, the middle for the humans, and the top for the birds. The Ark had three entrances, one under the other, as well as windows. It is reported that Nuh AS also carried in the Ark the body of Adam AS, which he placed as a barrier between the men and the women. Later, when the Ark landed, Nuh AS reburied Adam AS in Jerusalem.
THE FLOOD
But they denied him, so We saved him and those who were with him in the ship. And We drowned those who denied Our signs. Indeed, they were a blind people. (Qur’an 7:64)
And [We destroyed] the people of Nuh before; indeed, they were a people defiantly disobedient. (Qur’an 51:46)
What happened next can only be imagined. The ground must have become soaked as a sponge until all land was awash. No place in the area that offered safety, nor any boats to escape in – except that one! And it floated, soundly by Allah’s command, a safe haven for the believers and their prophet.
What about the disbelievers? We can easily imagine their confusion and fright. Perhaps the water rose so fast that no one had time to think or to take care of others, and the very young, weak and old would have drowned then and there. As for the strong and able, they would have raced for higher ground at the foot of nearby mountains.
Perhaps among those fleeing, was Nuh’s AS faithless wife. Although there is no authoritative reports of her end, certain hints are given in verses (11:40) and (76:26) – Allah’s instructions to Nuh AS to load his family except those who went against him, and Nuh’s AS prayer to Allah to not spare any of the unbelievers upon earth.
Nuh AS and the believers were safe in the Ark.
And it sailed with them through waves like mountains (Qur’an 11:42)
From his place on the Ark, Nuh AS called out with a father’s love to his first son, despite that he had joined the disbelievers and now struggling in the rising waters:
“O my son, come aboard with us and be not with the disbelievers.” (Qur’an 11:42)
But even then his son remained stubborn in his refusal to accept faith.
“I will take refuge on a mountain to protect me from the water.” (Qur’an 11:43), he shouted back at his father.
Nuh AS knew better. He cried,
“There is no protector today from the decree of Allah , except for whom He gives mercy.” (Qur’an 11:43)
And the waves came between them, and he was among the drowned. (Qur’an 11:43)
Again, we may try to imagine the scene. Steadily the thundering waves grew higher. The flood waters thundered against the sides of the mountains, rising higher and higher. As the water rose, it plucked the fleeing people off its slopes one by one. And by Allah’s command, the flood carried away the very last one of those rebellious, defiant unbelievers.
And it was said, “O earth, swallow your water, and O sky, withhold [your rain].” And the water subsided, and the matter was accomplished, and the ship came to rest on the [mountain of] Judiyy. And it was said, “Away with the wrongdoing people.” (Qur’an 11:44)
Because of their sins they were drowned and put into the Fire, and they found not for themselves besides Allah [any] helpers. (Qur’an 71:25)
Thus, the entire population of disbelievers, the descendants of Qabil, perished, including Nuh’s AS first son and presumably his wife. As the same time, Allah protected Nuh AS and those with him from two calamities: the harm threatened by their people, and the calamity of the Flood, carrying them to safety, in the laden ship. (Qur’an 26:119)
And the people of Nuh – when they denied the messengers, We drowned them, and We made them for mankind a sign. And We have prepared for the wrongdoers a painful punishment. (Qur’an 25:37)
The Command was fulfilled and the punishment inflicted. The disbelievers were deprived of the mercy of Allah and from His forgiveness because of their stubborn attitude towards Him.
The consequences of Nuh’s AS people’s denial of the messengers – both Nuh AS and his righteous ancestors – did not end with their death. According to hadith, Nuh AS will be called on the Day of Resurrection and he will say “Labbayk wa sa ‘dayk – responding and at Your pleasure, O my Lord!”
Then Allah will ask, “Did you convey the Message?”
Nuh AS will say, “Yes.”
It will then be asked of his ummah, “Did he convey the Message?”
They will say, “No warner came to us.”
Allah will ask Nuh AS, “Who will testify for you?”
Nuh AS will say, “Muhammad SAW and his ummah.”
Prophet Muhammad SAW and his ummah will testify that Nuh AS did convey the Message, for that is the saying of the Almighty and Glorious:
And thus we have made you a just community that you will be witnesses over the people and the Messenger will be a witness over you. (Qur’an 2:143)
(Bukhari)
What is meant here is that although Nuh’s AS people, in a futile attempt to justify and exonerate themselves, may try to deny the fact that their prophet delivered Allah’s Message to them, Nuh AS will depend upon the veracity of the truthful prophet, Muhammad SAW, and his followers to testify to the truth.
Aren’t we, the ummah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad SAW, blessed to be granted this honour, to bear witness on the truth of Nuh AS, that truth was revealed to him, that he conveyed that truth to his people fully and completely! SubhanAllah Alhamdulillah Allahu Akbar!
THE END OF THE FLOOD
So We saved him and those with him in the laden ship. Then We drowned thereafter the remaining ones. Indeed in that is a sign, but most of them were not to be believers. (Qur’an 26:119-121)
Months passed. The Ark continued to float on angry flood waters that covered the land. The only creatures alive were those on the Ark.
And We carried him on a [construction of] planks and nails, sailing under Our observation as reward for he who had been denied. (Qur’an 54:13-14)
Ibn Abbas RA states that it rained for forty days and nights, and that the water rose fifteen metres above the highest mountain. The Ark floated upon the flood waters for six months, traversing the entire earth. Eventually it reached the sacred territory of Mecca. After that, the Ark continued to float across the face of the earth until it reached the area of Judiyy in what is now northeastern Turkey.
Alll this time, the tender-hearted prophet had not been able to forget his son. It is true that his son had been rebellious and disobedient. Nevertheless, he was his son, and although Nuh AS has seen him drown before his eyes, he hoped that somehow Allah would miraculously bring him back to life, or if not, that He would have mercy upon his soul.
Speaking from a father’s heart, Nuh AS prayed to Allah,
My Lord, indeed my son is of my family; and indeed, Your promise is true; and You are the most just of judges! (Qur’an 11:45)
Out of good manners, Nuh AS did not directly ask Allah to return his son. Instead, he simply voice his hope that Allah’s promise to save the members of his family, would not exclude his first son. At the same time, he had not forgotten that Allah’s promise of the safety for members of his family was followed by the words,
“And do not address Me concerning those who have wronged; indeed, they are to be drowned.” (Qur’an 23:27)
Allah chided Nuh AS.
“O Nuh, indeed he is not of your family; indeed, he is [one whose] work was other than righteous, so ask Me not for that about which you have no knowledge. Indeed, I advise you, lest you be among the ignorant.” (Qur’an 11:46)
Allah reminded His faithful prophet that for a spiritually conscious person, kinship is not a matter of birth or blood but of common belief and direction. Allah admonished Nuh AS to not be so unwise so as to desire to change Allah’s perfect decree for personal reasons which are outside the pale of divine justice.
Then the prophet’s heart became clear. He said,
“My Lord, I seek refuge in You from asking that of which I have no knowledge. And unless You forgive me and have mercy upon me, I will be among the losers.” (Qur’an 11:47)
Allah in his Graciousness responded and commanded Nuh AS to come out from the Ark.
“O Nuh, disembark in security from Us and blessings upon you and upon nations [descending] from those with you. But other nations [of them] We will grant enjoyment; then there will touch them from Us a painful punishment.” (Qur’an 11:48)
Allah’s words had both warning and a hint of what was to come in the future, i.e. future nations would be tested by an ample taste of pleasures of this life for a time, until, like Nuh’s AS people, they turned their backs upon accountability of their Lord, for which they would be punished.
The divine Author of the Qur’an then concluded Nuh’s AS story with the words,
That is from the news of the unseen which We reveal to you, [O Muhammad]. You knew it not, neither you nor your people, before this. So be patient; indeed, the [best] outcome is for the righteous. (Qur’an 11:49)
THE NEW BEGINNING
The Ark had been afloat from 1st Rajab, according to hadith, when all the believers were fasting, until the 10th day of the month of Muharram. Ibn Abbas RA and other commentators report that Nuh AS and other believers who were with him, fasted on that day in thankfulness to Allah.
And Nuh had certainly called Us, and [We are] the best of responders. And We saved him and his family from the great affliction. And We made his descendants those remaining [on the earth]. (Qur’an 37:75-77)
All the descendants of Qabil drowned in the Flood. Afterwards, the earth was re-populated by the descendants of Nuh AS as stated in the verse above.
Prophet Muhammad SAW commented that these descendants were Shem (father of the Arabs), Japheth (father of the Byzantines), and Ham (father of Abyssinians), Nuh’s AS three believing sons, who became ancestors of all mankind. (Tabari)
Thus concludes the story of one of the greatest prophets, of whom Allah said,
And left for him [favourable mention] among later generations: “Peace upon Nuh among the worlds.” Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good. Indeed, he was of Our believing servants. Then We drowned the disbelievers. (Qur’an 37:78-82)
It is narrated in hadith that Prophet Muhammad SAW said,
“When death approached Prophet Nuh AS, he gave his last advice to his children, and said, ‘I am going to tell you my will; I am enjoining upon you two things and forbidding you from two things. I enjoin upon you to keep with the belief that there is no God (worthy of worship) but Allah, If the seven heavens and seven earths were to be put on one side of the scale the words La ilaha illAllah on the other, the latter will outweigh and excel the former. And I forbid you from shirk and arrogance and haughtiness.’”
The story of Nuh AS leaves us pondering on two unanswered questions: was the Flood regional or global and the second, the landing place of the Ark. There is extensive research on these two points of interest and they will continue to puzzle and intrigue people today. Only Allah knows best.
Highest honour be to Nuh AS, the patient prophet, a grandfather to all of us. May Allah’s choicest blessings and peace be upon him.
Acknowledgement: Most of the information for this work has been obtained from:
“A History of the Prophets of Islam”, Volume I, by Suzanne Haneef
“Stories of the Prophets”, by Ibn Kathir (Translation by Rashad Ahmad Azami)
LESSONS TO BE GAINED
