One of the earliest and most remarkable prophets in Islam is Prophet Nūḥ (Noah, عليه السلام). His story is among the most detailed in the Qur’an, and he is remembered as the prophet whose people were destroyed by a great flood due to their stubborn rejection of Allah’s message.
Prophet Nūḥ (عليه السلام) was sent to his people at a time when idolatry and corruption had spread widely. Instead of worshipping Allah, people had begun to worship statues of righteous men from the past, such as Wadd, Suwā‘, Yaghūth, Ya‘ūq, and Nasr. With time, these idols became central to their religion.
Allah chose Nūḥ to guide them back to Tawḥīd (Oneness of Allah). His mission lasted for 950 years (Qur’an 29:14). Throughout this long time, he called his people in different ways:
Sometimes openly, addressing large gatherings.
Sometimes quietly, approaching individuals.
He used logic, wisdom, and reminders of Allah’s blessings.
His core message was always:
“Worship Allah, you have no god other than Him. Indeed, I fear for you the punishment of a tremendous day.” (Qur’an 7:59)
Despite his sincerity, most of his people rejected him. Instead of listening, they mocked him:
They said he was just an ordinary man like them.
They accused him of being mad or a liar.
They looked down on his followers, who were mainly the poor and humble.
The leaders of his community argued: “Shall we believe in you while the lowest follow you?” (Qur’an 26:111). They valued status and wealth over truth.
Only a small group of believers accepted his message.
Despite endless rejection, Prophet Nūḥ remained patient. He pleaded with his people:
“Seek forgiveness from your Lord; indeed, He is Oft-Forgiving. He will send rain upon you in abundance, increase you in wealth and children, and provide you gardens and rivers.” (Qur’an 71:10–12)
He reminded them that faith in Allah would bring blessings in this world and the Hereafter. Yet, the majority only grew more stubborn.
Finally, after centuries of rejection, Allah revealed to Nūḥ:
“None of your people will believe except those who have already believed, so do not be distressed by what they do.” (Qur’an 11:36).
The Construction of the Ark:
Allah then commanded Nūḥ to build a huge ship (ark) as preparation for the punishment. He built it under Allah’s guidance.
While building the ark, his people laughed at him. They mocked: “You build a ship on dry land!” They did not understand that Allah’s punishment was near.
---
The Great Flood:
When the time came, Allah ordered Nūḥ to take with him:
The believers who followed him.
Pairs of every species of animals.
Enough provisions for the journey.
As a sign, water gushed out from the oven (tannūr), and then the sky poured down torrents of rain while the earth released its springs. The floodwaters rose until they covered even the mountains.
The Qur’an describes it:
“So We opened the gates of the sky with pouring water, and caused the earth to gush forth with springs, so the waters met for a matter predestined.” (Qur’an 54:11–12)
Everyone who rejected Nūḥ was drowned, including his own son who refused to board the ark, thinking he could escape by climbing a mountain.
---
Salvation and Aftermath:
After the flood destroyed the disbelievers, Allah caused the rain to stop, the earth to swallow the water, and the ark to rest on Mount Jūdī (in present-day Turkey).
The believers were saved, and from them, the new generations of mankind continued. Prophet Nūḥ thus became a second father of humanity, after Ādam (عليه السلام).
CONCLUSION:
The story of Prophet Nūḥ (عليه السلام) and the Great Flood is one of the most powerful reminders in the Qur’an about faith, patience, and consequences of rejecting Allah’s message. His people were given centuries of opportunity to repent, yet they persisted in disbelief. The flood was not just a punishment, but a warning for all of mankind that salvation lies in obedience to Allah and following His prophets.
For Muslims today, the legacy of Nūḥ teaches us to remain steadfast in belief, to never lose hope in da‘wah, and to always trust Allah’s plan, no matter how long the trials last.
0 Comments