The Story of Prophet Nuh (A.S)
After the death of Prophet Idris (A.S), the Muslims were left without guidance. No Prophet was appointed among them, and so people began to seek counsel from the pious companions of Idris. These righteous men served as beacons of wisdom and guidance. However, as time passed, they too returned to their Lord, leaving the people once again without spiritual leadership. Fear gripped their hearts they worried about straying from the path of Allah.
Satan, ever watchful and cunning, saw this as his opportunity. Disguised as a man, he whispered to the people: “If we make statues of these righteous men, it will please us in our worship and remind us of them.” Thinking no harm would come from it, they agreed and erected statues of their beloved pious men statues they believed would help them remember Allah and remain inspired to do good.
Satan patiently awaited the outcome. When the next generation came and the true purpose behind the statues was forgotten, he whispered again: “Your forefathers used to worship these idols; these statues brought them goodness.” Thus, idolatry slowly crept into the hearts of mankind, and shirk (polytheism) took root.
Prophet Nuh (A.S) and His Mission
Centuries passed until Allah chose one of His righteous servants, Prophet Nuh (A.S), to guide mankind back to the truth. Allah blessed him with eloquent speech, patience, and determination so that he could deliver His message effectively. Nuh called his people to reflect on the wonders of creation the heavens, the earth, the sun, moon, and stars and to recognize them as signs of Allah’s Oneness. He reminded them that Satan had deceived their ancestors into worshiping false gods.
“O my people! Worship Allah! You have no other god but Him. Indeed, I fear for you the punishment of a Great Day.”
Surah Al-A‘raf, Ayah 59
The poor and humble among Nuh’s people listened to him with sincerity and began to believe in his message. But the arrogant and wealthy ridiculed him, saying: “We see you but a man like ourselves.” Prophet Nuh (A.S) replied with calm wisdom that Allah had chosen him to deliver His message because he was human as only a human could guide humans.
The Arrogance of the Elite
The elites of the city, intoxicated by wealth and pride, approached Nuh and said: “If you want us to follow you, then drive away your poor followers. We cannot sit with them.” Prophet Nuh (A.S) refused firmly and said:
“O my people! I ask not of you any wealth for it, my reward is from none but Allah. And I will not drive away those who have believed. Surely, they will meet their Lord.”
Surah Hud, Ayah 29
The idolaters grew furious. They challenged him, saying: “O Nuh! Bring upon us what you threaten us with, if you are truthful.” Prophet Nuh (A.S) replied: “Only Allah will bring it upon you if He wills; you will not be able to escape.”
The Mockery and Patience of Prophet Nuh
For nine hundred and fifty years, Prophet Nuh (A.S) continued to preach, calling his people day and night, publicly and privately. Yet, they rejected him generation after generation. Whenever he approached them, they covered their ears, mocked him, and turned away. Still, Nuh never gave up hope in Allah’s mercy.
“My Lord! I have called my people night and day, but my calling has only increased them in flight.”
Surah Nuh, Ayah 5-6
The Despair and Supplication of Prophet Nuh
Seeing that his people persisted in disbelief, Prophet Nuh (A.S) prayed to Allah:
“My Lord! Leave not one of the disbelievers on the earth. If You leave them, they will mislead Your servants and beget none but wicked disbelievers.”
Surah Nuh, Ayah 26-27
The Construction of the Ark
Prophet Nuh (A.S) began building the Ark far from the sea, with the help of angels. The disbelievers mocked him endlessly: “O Nuh! Have you become a carpenter? Will you drag this ship to the water?” But Nuh replied: “You will come to know who will be put to shame.”
- Prophet Nuh built the Ark as commanded by Allah.
- He gathered the believers and pairs of animals, birds, and insects.
- Allah’s sign appeared water gushed from the oven of Nuh’s home.
- Rain poured from the sky, and the earth released its water.
- The Ark floated upon the waves as the flood engulfed the land.
The Flood and Salvation
When the flood began, Prophet Nuh (A.S) called to his son who refused to board the Ark. His son arrogantly said: “I will climb to a mountain that will save me from the water.” Nuh replied: “There is no saviour today except him on whom Allah has mercy.” A wave separated them, and his son drowned with the disbelievers.
“O Earth! Swallow up your water, and O Sky! Withhold your rain.”
Surah Hud, Ayah 44
The skies cleared, and the Ark rested upon Mount Judi. Allah then said: “O Nuh! Come down with peace from Us and blessings upon you and the people with you.” Prophet Nuh and his followers prostrated in gratitude and fasted a day in thanksgiving for their deliverance.
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Verses from the Qur’an Mentioning Prophet Nuh (A.S)
Allah mentions Prophet Nuh (A.S) in the Qur’an a total of 47 times, across multiple Surahs. Below is a list of these references for study and reflection.
| Surah | Verse Reference |
|---|---|
| Al-Imran | 3:33 |
| Al-An’am | 6:84 |
| Al-A’raf | 7:59, 7:69, 7:64 |
| Yunus | 10:71, 10:73 |
| Hud | 11:25, 11:36, 11:37, 11:40, 11:89 |
| Ibrahim | 14:9 |
| Maryam | 19:58 |
| Al-Anbiya | 21:76 |
| Al-Mu’minun | 23:23, 23:27 |
| Al-Furqan | 25:37 |
| Ash-Shu’ara | 26:105 |
| Al-Ankabut | 29:14, 29:15 |
| As-Saffat | 37:75 |
| Sad | 38:12 |
| Ghafir | 40:5, 40:31 |
| Ash-Shura | 42:13 |
| Qaf | 50:12 |
| Adh-Dhariyat | 51:46 |
| An-Najm | 53:52 |
| Al-Qamar | 54:9, 54:11, 54:13 |
| Al-Hadid | 57:26 |
| At-Tahrim | 66:10 |
| Al-Haqqah | 69:11 |
| Surah Nuh | 71:1, 71:25 |
Lessons from Prophet Nuh’s Story
The story of Prophet Nuh (A.S) teaches us patience, perseverance, and complete reliance on Allah’s decree. It reminds believers to stand firm in faith even when the world mocks them and to continue spreading truth despite rejection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Prophet Nuh (A.S)?
Prophet Nuh (A.S), known as Noah in the Bible, was a Messenger of Allah sent to guide his people away from idolatry and back to monotheism.
How long did Prophet Nuh preach to his people?
He preached for 950 years, as mentioned in Surah Nuh, calling his people day and night to the worship of Allah.
What was Prophet Nuh’s main message?
His message was to worship Allah alone, abandon idols, and live righteously in obedience to Allah’s commands.
Where did Prophet Nuh’s Ark rest?
After the flood, the Ark came to rest upon Mount Judi, as mentioned in Surah Hud (11:44).
What was Prophet Nuh’s response to the mockery of his people?
He remained patient and steadfast, replying that Allah would decide who was truly misguided.
Source:
www.quran.com | www.islamicfinder.org | Tafseer Ibn Kathir