النص المفهرس

Verses 9-17 of Surah Qamar states:
كَذَّبَتْ قَبْلَهُمْ قَوْمُ نُوْحِ فَكَذَّبُوْا عَبْدَنَا وَ قَالُوْا مَجْنُوْنٌ وَّ ازْدُجِرَ (٩) فَدَعَا رَبَّمَ أَنِّيْ مَغْلُوْبٌ فَانْتَصِرْ (١٠)
فَفَتَحْنَا أَبْوَابَ السَّمَاءِ بِمَآءٍ مُّنْهَمِرٍ (١١٢) وَ فَجَّرْنَا الْأَرْضَ عُيُوْنًا فَالْتَقَى الْمَآءُ عَلَى أَمْرٍ قَدْ قُدِرَ (١٢) وَ
حَمَلْتُمُ عَلَى ذَاتِ الْوَاحِ وَّ دُسُرٍ (١٣) تَجْرِئْ بِاَعْيُنِنَا وَّ جَزَآءً لَّمَنْ كَانَ كُفِرَ (١٣) وَ لَقَدَّ تَّرَكْتُهَا أَيَةً فَهَلْ
مِنْ مُدَّكِرٍ (١٥) فَكَيْفَ كَانَ عَذَابِى وَ نُذُرِ (١٢) وَ لَقَدْ يَسَّرْنَا الْقُرْأنَ لِلذِّكْرِ فَبَلْ مِنْ مُذَّكِرٍ (١٧)
The nation of Nooh v rejected (Imaan) before them (the Mushrikeen of Makkah). They
rejected Our servant (Nooh v), said that he was a madman and he was rebuked
(threatened, insulted and shunned by them). So he made du'aa to his Rabb (saying),
"Indeed I am overpowered so assist me (avenge my cause and destroy them)." So (in reply
to his du'aa) We opened up the doors of the sky to torrential rains. And (in addition to
the waters raining from the sky) We opened springs in the earth (from which more water
gushed forth) so that the waters (raining from the sky and gushing from the earth) met for a
matter preordained (resulting in a flood as punishment for them). We carried him (Nooh v)
on an ark (which was a simple structure made) of planks and nails which travelled under
Our watch (Our protection). This was the reward for the one (Nooh v) who was not
appreciated (by his people). Verily We left it (the incident) as a lesson, so is there anyone
who will take heed (learn a lesson from this incident)? How (severe) was My punishment
and My warnings? Undoubtedly We have made the Qur'aan simple to take lesson from (to
understand), so is there any who will take lessons?
Verses 26-30 of Surah Mu'minoon put it in the following words:
قَالَ رَبِّ انْصُرْنِيٌ بِمَا كَذَّبُوْنِ (٢٢) فَأَوْحَيْنَا اِلَيْهِ آَنِ اصْنَعِ الْفُلْكَ بِاَعْيُنِنَا وَوَحْيِنَا فَإِذَا جَاءَ أَمْرُنَا وَفَارَ
التَّنُّورُ ﴿ فَاسْلُكْ فِيْهَا مِنْ كُلِّ زَوْجَيْنِ اثْنَيْنِ وَ أَبْلَكَ إِلَّ مَنْ سَبَقَ عَلَيْهِ الْقَوْلُ مِنْهُمْ ◌َّ وَلَا تُخَاطِبْنِى فِى الَّذِيْنَ
ظَلَمُوْا ◌َّ ◌ِنَّهُمْ مُغْرَقُوْنَ (٢٧) فَإِذَا اسْتَوَيْتَ أَنْتَ وَمَنْ مَّعَكَ عَلَى الْقُلْكِ فَقُلِ الْحَمْدُ للهِ الَّذِى نَجُنَا مِنَ الْقَوْمِ
الظِّلِمِيْنَ (٢٨) وَ قُلْ رَّبِّ انْزِلْنِيْ مُنْزَلًا مُبْرَكًا وَ أَنْتَ خَيْرُ الْمُنْزِلِيْنَ (٢٩) إِنَّ فِي ذَلِكَ لَأَيْتٍ وَّ إِنْ كُنَّا
لَمُبْتَلِيْنَ (٣٠)
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TRANSLATION: (After preaching to his people for 950 years without a favourable response from
them) Nooh v said, "O my Rabb! Assist me (against them by destroying them), for they have
rejected me." So We sent revelation to him saying, "Construct an ark under Our
supervision and revelation. When Our command (punishment) comes and water gushes
forth from the oven (as a sign of the punishment coming), then enter into the ark a pair of
every species (of creation) and your family (all those who have Imaan), except those against
whom the decree (of punishment) has been passed (condemning them to the punishment). And
do not speak to me about those who oppress (do not ask me to save those who commit kufr).
They will certainly be drowned. When you and those with you have boarded the ark, then
say (as an expression of gratitude), `All praise be to Allaah, Who has rescued us from the
oppressive (sinful) nation.' And say, `O my Rabb! Settle me in a blessed settlement. You are
surely the Best of hosts.' There are undoubtedly Aayaat in this (incident), and We certainly
put people to the test (to separate the good from the evil).
The incident is quoted further in verses 45-49 of Surah Hood, in which Allaah
says:
وَنَادَى نُوْحٌ رَّبَّمَ فَقَالَ رَبِّ إِنَّ ابْنِئٌ مِنْ أَبْلِئْ وَ إِنَّ وَعْدَكَ الْحَقُّ وَ أَنْتَ أَحْكَمُ الْحُكِمِيْنَ (٣٥) قَالَ يُنُوْحُ إِنَّهْ
لَيْسَ مِنْ أَبْلِكَ ◌ّ إِنَّهُ عَمَلٌ غَيْرُ صَالِحٍ * فَلَا تَسْلْنِ مَا لَيْسَ لَکَ بِ عِلْمٌ ﴿ إِنِّى اَعِظُكَ أَنْ تَكُوْنَ مِنَ الْجُهِيْنَ
(٣٢) قَالَ رَبِّ إِنِّئْ آَعُوذُبِكَ أَنْ أَسْلَكَ مَا لَيْسَ لِى بِمٍ عِلْمٌ ﴿ وَ إِلَّا تَغْفِرْلِى وَ تَرْحَمْنِى أَكُنْ مِّنَ الْخُسِرِيْنَ
(٣٧) قِيلَ يُنُوْحُ ابْبِطْ بِسَلْمٍ مِّنَّ وَ بَرَكُتٍ عَلَيْكَ وَعَلَى أُمَمٍ مِّمَّنْ مَّعَكَ ﴿ وَ أُمَمْ سَنُمَتَّعُهُمْ ثُمَّ يَمَسُّهُمْ مِّنَّا عَذَابٌ
اَلِيمٌ (٢٨) تِلْكَ مِنْ أَنْبَاءِ الْغَيْبِ نُوْحِيْهَا إِلَيْكَّ مَا كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُهَا أَنْتَ وَلَا قَوْمُكَ مِنْ قَبْلِ بُذَا هُنْ فَاصْبِرْ هْ إِنَّ
الْعَاقِبَةَ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ (٣٩٪)
TRANSLATION: Nooh v called to his Rabb saying, "O my Rabb! Surely my son (who was
drowned) is from my family and indeed Your promise (to rescue my family from the flood) is
true (Why was he then not blessed with Imaan and not saved from the flood?). (However,) You are
the Best of Judges (there must therefore be good reason why You allowed him to drown)." Allaah
said, "O Nooh! Indeed he was not from your family (he was not destined to be a Mu'min like
the others and therefore could not be saved). His actions were certainly incorrect (he committed
kufr and rejected Imaan), so do not ask Me about that which you have no knowledge (do not
ask me to save him when you have no knowledge about his inner condition). I advise you not to be
of the ignorant (those who address subjects that they do not have knowledge about)." (Realising
that he was wrong to ask about his son) Nooh v said, "O my Rabb! I seek Your protection from
asking You about things of which I have no knowledge. If You do not forgive me and have
mercy on me, I will be of the losers." It was commanded, "O Nooh! Disembark (from the
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ark) with peace from Us and blessings upon you and upon those parties with you (they and
their progeny who accept Imaan). And there shall be many parties (of Kuffaar) to whom We
will grant enjoyment (in this world) and then subject them to a torturous punishment (in the
Aakhirah)." This story (of Nooh v) is from the accounts (facts) of the unseen that We inspire
you with (O Rasulullaah p). You and your people were unlikely to have knowledge about
this before (the coming of the Qur'aan). So be steadfast (continue preaching Islaam and patiently
bear the harassment of the Kuffaar just as Nooh v had done)! Indeed the final outcome will be in
favour of those who have Taqwa.
The Ark Settles
After the Kuffaar were destroyed, Allaah commanded the ground to swallow up
all the water and the ark gradually descended and settled upon Mount Judi. The
Qur'aan does not specify how long the floods lasted, but we do know that it
encompassed all of the earth, with all living creatures being destroyed apart
from those upon the ark. Because it was as if the earth had to be inhabited all
over again, Hadhrat Nooh v is referred to as the second Aadam v. Since all the
people in the world were only those with him, he also became the first Rasool in
this 'new world'.
The Mount Judi is located in the north of Kurdistan in present day Iraq and has
retained its name. A famous student of the renowned philosopher Aristotle had
written that many people in Iraq actually had remnants of the ark in their
possession. He says that they immersed these remnants in water and gave the
water to the sick to drink, which really cured them.
Conclusions and lessons
1. An Ancient and International Malady
It was common amongst all nations to argue that it is not possible for a
messenger to be someone like them, who eats, drinks and experiences needs
and emotions like themselves. It was perhaps the nation of Hadhrat Nooh v who
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initiated this argument that a human being cannot be a Rasool. This argument is
related in the Qur'aan in the following words: "The disbelieving leaders (chiefs) of his
nation said, "We consider you to be a mere human like ourselves" .25
Surah Mu'minoon puts it in the following words, "The Kuffaar leaders from his
nation said (to the others), "He (Nooh v) is only a human like yourselves, who intends to
gain superiority over you (when you follow him). If Allaah desired (to send a Nabi), he would
have rather sent angels (instead of a human). We have never heard of such a thing
(happening) among our forefathers. He is but a man afflicted by insanity. So bear with him
a while longer (until he dies, when we will be rid of him)." (Eventually after preaching to his people
for 950 years without a favourable response from them) Nooh v said, `O my Rabb! Assist me
(against them by destroying them), for they have rejected me"".26
In reply to their objection, Hadhrat Nooh v said, "Are you surprised that a reminder
from your Rabb should come to you through a man from among you, so that he may warn
you (of Allaah's punishment for kufr), so that you may fear (His punishment) and so that mercy
may be shown to you?".27
The same argument was put to Hadhrat Hood v. Allaah says, "The Kuffaar leaders
from his nation, who denied the meeting of the Aakhirah and to whom We had granted
affluence in the worldly life, said, `He (the Rasool) is merely a human like yourselves, who
eats what you eat and drinks what you drink (there is nothing externally special about him that
makes him worthy of following). Surely, if you follow a human like yourselves, you will
certainly be at a loss (ruined).""'28
The Thamud thereafter said the same thing to Hadhrat Saalih v, "They (the Thamud
mockingly) said, 'You are merely one of the bewitched ones. You are merely a human like
us (why should we then obey you). So produce an Aayah (miracle) for us (to prove that you really
25 Surah Hood, verse 27.
Surah Mu'minoon, verses 24-26.
27 Surah A'raaf, verse 63.
Surah Mu'minoon, verses 33-34.
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are a Rasool) if you are from the truthful (if you are true in your claim to prophethood).""29 Surah
Qamar quotes them as saying, "The Thamud rejected the (message of Towheed brought
by Our) warners (the Ambiyaa). They said, `If we were to follow a lonesome human from
among ourselves, we would surely be in error and insane. Has a revelation come only to
him from among all of us (instead of coming to one of our affluent people)? No (he cannot be
true), he is but an arrogant liar.""' 30
Speaking of messengers that came to the people of a particular town, Allaah
says, "Give them the example of the people of the village (probably Antioch) when the
messengers (prophets) came to (preach Towheed to) them. (It is worth mentioning the time)
When We sent two (prophets) to them and the people rejected them, after which We
reinforced them with a third (prophet) and they said (to the people), "We have certainly
been sent as messengers to you people." The people said, " (How can you be prophets when)
You are mere humans like ourselves (A prophet ought to be an angel). Allaah has not
revealed anything, you are only lying (about your duty and message).""31
The people of Madyan raised the same argument with Hadhrat Shu'ayb v. Allaah
says, "They said, "You must surely be one of the bewitched ones. You are merely a
human like ourselves (you are no better than us, so why should we obey you?). In fact, we
consider you to be (less than a human like us because you are) from the liars.""32
The people of Hadhrat Ibraheem v expressed the same doubt when they said
that he was just a young man who spoke ill of their gods. Allaah discusses the
incident in the verses, "(After returning to the town and seeing their idols destroyed,) They (the
people) exclaimed, "Who has done this to our gods? He is certainly from the wrong-doers!"
They (some of them) said, "We have heard a youth speak of them (saying that he intends to
devise a scheme against them). He is called Ibraheem.""33
29 Surah Shu'araa, verses 153-154.
Verses 23-24.
31 Surah Yaaseen, verses 13-15.
32 Surah Shu'araa, verses 185-186.
33
Surah Ambiyaa, verses 59-60.
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Fir'oun and his people also reminded Hadhrat Moosa v that he had been a little
child in their midst and had lived with them as an ordinary human being. Fir'oun
said, "Did we not raise you among us as a newborn child? And did you not live with us for
many years of your life?"34 The people of Fir'oun said about Hadhrat Moosa v and
Hadhrat Haaroon v, "These (Moosa v and Haaroon v) are but two magicians who want to
remove you from your land with their magic and destroy your excellent ways".35 They
then rejected the prophethood of these Ambiyaa pul on the grounds of them
being humans. Allaah says, "(After many Ambiyaa) We then sent Moosa v and his brother
Haaroon v with Our Aayaat and a manifest proof (to prove that they were indeed Allaah's
messengers). (We sent them to) Fir'oun and his ministers, but they (rejected their message
because they) were proud and tyrannical people. They said, "Should we believe in two
humans like ourselves whereas their people (the Bani Israa'eel) are our slaves?" So they
rejected the two of them and (by so doing) became of the destroyed ones."36
The completely opposite stance was adopted in the case of Hadhrat Isa v.
Whereas other nations refused to accept the prophethood of their Ambiyaa dull peale
because they were human, the people of Hadhrat Isa v rejected the fact that he
was a human. They therefore regarded him to be a god. Allaah rejects their claim
and instructs them, "It will be best for you to desist (from such beliefs)" .37
Explaining the reality of Hadhrat Isa v in verses 59-60 of Surah Aal Imraan, Allaah
says, "Verily the likeness of Isa v (who was created without a father) with Allaah is as the
likeness of Aadam v (who was created with neither a father nor a mother). He (Allaah) created
him (Aadam v) from clay then said to him, "Be!" and he became (a living man). (Therefore, just
as none regard Aadam v to be a god because he was born without parents, Isa u should also not be
regarded as a god.) This is the truth from your Rabb so do not be of those who doubt."
Allaah also states, "He (Hadhrat Isa v) is but a slave (a human being) on whom We have
34 Surah Shu'araan verse 18.
35 Surah TaaHaa, verse 63.
36 Surah Mu'minoon, verses 45-48.
Surah Nisaa, verse 171.
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bestowed Our bounties (by making him Our Rasool and allowing him to perform miracles such as
raising the dead, blowing life into clay birds, etc), and whom We have made an example for the
Bani Israa'eel (and for mankind after them to prove to them that Allaah can create without the
apparent means and that the Ambiyaa ,Jul seule can still be human despite performing such feats)".38
It is seen from the Qur'aan that the Arabs also inherited the age-old argument
from the previous nations. They said that if Rasulullaah p was a Nabi, why does
he eat and drink and why does an angel not move about with him? The Qur'aan
writes such arguments off as foolish, ignorant and blind. Allaah says, "(they
mockingly pretend to be listening intently) while their hearts are heedless (they have no intention
of taking heed). The oppressors (the Kuffaar) secretly convene saying, "He (Rasulullaah p) is
but a (an ordinary) human like yourselves (He is not a prophet but a man who has learnt magic.
Therefore, the effect that the Qur'aan has on people is not because it is from Allaah but because of
the magic that he practises). Will you come to (listen to) magic while you see it (with your own
eyes? Will you believe in it knowing that it is magic)?" .39
Allaah says about this in verses 7-9 of Surah Furqaan, "And (in addition to this) they
(also) say, "What is the matter with this Rasool that he eats food and walks in the
marketplaces (like any ordinary human) ? Why is an angel not sent with him to be a warner
alongside him? Or why is a treasure not given to him or why does he not have an orchard
from which he may eat?" (Allaah did not allow Rasulullaah p to demonstrate to the people these
miracles because they would have rejected them and thereby attracted Allaah's immediate
punishment.) (Not satisfied with saying only this,) The oppressors (Kuffaar) say (to the Muslims to
prevent them from following Rasulullaah p), "You are merely following a bewitched man!" (O
Rasulullaah p) Look how they coin examples of you (when they are unable to present any
credible argument) ! So (by doing this) they wander (further) astray and will not find any road
(to guidance)".
Allaah replies to them by stating that this is not an argument to refute the
prophethood of Rasulullaah p because so many other Ambiyaa Jul have passed
whom they regarded to be Ambiyaa > even though these were men who ate,
38
Surah Zukhruf, verse 59.
39 Surah Ambiyaa, verse 3.
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drank, shopped, etc. Examples are Hadhrat Ibraheem v, Hadhrat Ismaa'eel v,
Hadhrat Moosa v and so many others. The Mushrikeen did not reject the
prophethood of these Ambiyaa pull merely because they had families and
shared the emotions of other human beings. Why then should they deny the
prophethood of Rasulullaah p on these grounds? Allaah says, "All the Ambiyaa that
We sent before you (O Muhammad ) used to eat food and walk in the marketplaces
(because they too were humans, which is perfectly in order)".40
In another place in the Qur'aan, Allaah makes Rasulullaah p announce in no
uncertain terms that he is indeed a human being so that people may not fall into
the deceptions of the previous nations by questioning his human nature. Allaah
says, "(O Muhammad &) Say (to the people,), `I am but a human being (a mortal) like
yourselves (neither an angel nor divine light). Revelation comes to me that your Ilaah is but
One Ilaah (Allaah, so worship no one else). So whoever expects to meet his Rabb (on the Day
of Qiyaamah) should perform good actions and not make anyone a partner (shareholder) in
the worship of his Rabb (he should not worship anyone but Allaah and when worshipping Allaah,
he should not intend to please anyone but Allaah).""' 41
The Qur'aan clarifies the status of the Ambiyaa Jul in several verses of the
Qur'aan so that people may not desist from obeying them because they are
human and also not stray by claiming that they were not human. Both these
extremities in views stem from ignorance and lead people to the same trap that
ensnared the Jews and the Christians.
Allaah clarifies the point further in Surah Ibraheem when He states, "Their Rusul
said, "Are you in doubt about Allaah, Who is the Creator of the heavens and the earth
(How can you doubt His existence when everything around you indicates His presence) ? He calls
you to (worship Him so that He may) forgive your sins and grant you respite (relief from
punishment) until the appointed term (until the time of your death)." They said, "You are but
40 Surah Furqaan, verse 20.
41 Surah Kahaf, verse 110.
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mere humans like ourselves (so why should we follow you?). You intend to prevent us from
what our forefathers used to worship. So (if you want us to follow you, you should) produce a
clear proof (a miracle of our choice to convince us that you really are messengers of Allaah) !" Their
Rusul told them, "We are but humans like yourselves, but (this does not prevent us from
being Rusul because) Allaah favours whoever He wills from His bondsmen (and chooses them
to be Rusul). (As for your request for a miracle,) We are unable to produce a proof (miracle) for
you without Allaah's order (He will allow us to show miracles if and when He pleases). (However,
if you still choose to oppose us, we do not fear you because) Only on Allaah should the
Mu'mineen rely (Allaah will protect us from you)."" 42
Surah Taghaabun explains it in the following words, "Has the news (of the
punishment) of the bygone Kuffaar (such as the Aad and Thamud) not reached you? They
tasted the evil consequences (punishment) of their affairs and theirs shall be a painful
punishment (in the Aakhirah as well). This (punishment) was because their Rusul came to
them with clear signs (miracles and proofs of Towheed) and they said, "Will a human (instead
of an angel) guide us?" So they committed kufr and turned away (from the message of their
Ambiyaa). (Their attitude did not harm Allaah at all because) Allaah had no need for them. Allaah
is Independent (not in need of anyone or anything), Most Worthy of praise (always deserves
praise even if the Kuffaar refuse to praise Him)." 43
Verse 109 of Surah Yusuf assets the matter with the words, "All the Ambiyaa that
We sent before you (O Rasulullaah p) were men (neither angels nor women) from various cities
to whom We had sent revelation".
These errant beliefs needed to be erased from the minds of people because it
had been an obstacle preventing people from benefitting from the Ambiyaa Male
pull. Allaah says, "The only factor that prevented people from accepting Imaan when
guidance came to them was that they said, "Has Allaah sent a human as a Rasool?"
(However, all the Ambiyaa were humans because they preached to humans.) Say (in reply to them),
`If there were angels walking peacefully on earth, We would have sent to them an angel
42 Verses 10-11.
Verses 5-6.
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from the skies as a Rasool (However, since there are humans on earth, We have sent a human
because he can best relate to them).""' 44
The fact that humans are required to effectively counsel humans is highlighted in
yet another verse in which Allaah says, "Before you (O Rasulullaah p) We have sent (as
Ambiyaa) only men (not angels) to whom We have sent revelation, so ask those who have
knowledge (of the previous scriptures) if you do not possess any knowledge (of the subject).
We have not made them (the Ambiyaa) mere bodies who do not eat food and they did not
live forever (like all human beings, the Ambiyaa also needed to eat and drink and they also had to
die)." 45
The strangest of things is that people who were prepared to believe that stones
can be gods were unable to accept that a human being can be a prophet.
2. The Idas that the People of Hadbrat Noch U Worshipped
When Hadhrat Nooh v started to propagate, the people were virtually unaware
of Towheed and were worshiping thousands of idols, with five of them being the
most important. These 5 are mentioned in the Qur'aan and were also
worshipped by the Mushrikeen of Arabia much later. They were:
1. Wadd: This idol was very large in size, worshipped by the Banu Kalb tribe and
erected at a place called Dowmatul Jandal. The Mushrikeen of Makkah also
regarded it to be a god and even named their children as the slave of Wadd
(Abdul Wadd).
2. Suwa: This was the idol of the Hudhayl tribe and was in the form of a
woman. It was erected close to Yanboo.
44 Surah Bani Israa'eel, verse 94.
45 Surah Ambiyaa >ull posle , verses 7-8.
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3. Yaghooth: This was the idol of the Tay tribe and erected at Jursh, which lay
between Hijaaz and Yemen. It was in the form of a lion and represented all
strength and power in the universe. The Mushrikeen also named their
children as the slaves of Yaghooth.
4. Ya'ooq: This idol in the shape of a horse was erected in a district of Yemen
and was worshipped by the Hamdaan tribes.
5. Nasr: This idol was in the form of a vulture and worshipped by the Himyar
tribe of Himyar. The ancient books of Saba refer to this idol as Nasoor and
depictions of it can be found in ancient Arab temples.
3. The Practice of Allaah
It has always been the practice of Allaah to ultimately annihilate those nations
who oppose and reject their Ambiyaa pull & despite tireless and intensive efforts
on the part of these Ambiyaa pul sk. These evil ones are given respite for only as
long as it takes the obedient ones amongst them to separate themselves. Once
this happens, the punishment is swift and decisive. Such was the case in the
incident of the people of Hadhrat Nooh v as well.
4. Wise or Foolish?
Looking at Hadhrat Nooh v and his followers build an ark so far away from the
ocean seemed like an exercise in futility to the onlookers, who thought that it
would be impossible to ever get it to sea. They therefore laughed and jibed.
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On the other hand, the people with Hadhrat Nooh v looked at these people as
foolish since they were too ignorant to understand that they will soon be in dire
need of the ark to save their very lives. How can they possibly ignore such an
emergency?
It is just like this that we may view the people attached to this world and those
attached to the Aakhirah. While the short-sighted ones laugh at the ones
working for their Aakhirah, the far-sighted devotees of the Aakhirah can only
wonder at their foolishness. May Allaah make us all amongst the far-sighted and
fortunate ones. Aameen.
5. The Flood Engulfs the Entire World
While some Mufassireen are of the opinion that the floods engulfed the entire
world, there are those who believe it was restricted only to the region inhabited
by the people of Hadhrat Nooh v. Both groups have historical reports to verify
their opinions. Although the Qur'aan does not implicitly support either opinion,
the verses of the Qur'aan indicate that the flood engulfed the entire world.
These indications are found in the following verses:
1. Verse 3 of Surah Bani Israa'eel tells us that mankind stemmed from the
progeny of Hadhrat Nooh v and those with him in the ark. The verse states,
"O the progeny of those whom We boarded (on the ark) with Nooh v! He was indeed a
grateful slave". This verse addresses the people of Makkah not to be like the
Jews and the Christians who opposed the Ambiyaa pull . They are
encouraged to rather be like the followers of Hadhrat Nooh v who
worshipped Allaah Alone. It is evident from this verse that the Muslims, Jews
and Christians all come from the progeny of Hadhrat Nooh v since no one
else survived the flood.
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2. Verse 58 of Surah Maryam states, "These (Ambiyaa mentioned already in the previous
verses) are the ones whom Allaah has favoured from the progeny of Aadam v and
from the progeny of those whom We carried with Nooh v (on the ark)". This verse
includes the progeny of Hadhrat Ibraheem v as well as the progeny of
Hadhrat Ya'qoob v and other Ambiyaa pul amongst the offspring of
Hadhrat Nooh v. This is another indication of the fact that fact that no other
humans survived the floods throughout the world.
3. In verse 27 of Surah Mu'minoon, Allaah instructs Hadhrat Nooh v to take on
board the ark a pair of every living creature. Had the flood not been
throughout the world, there would not have been a need to safeguard all of
them. Animals would then have survived in other parts of the world.
4. Whenever punishment struck the people of any area, the Nabi v and his
followers were first told to leave the area for a place of safety. However,
Hadhrat Nooh v and his people remained where they were, indicating that
there would be no place of safety on earth.
5. The words used to describe the flood in the Qur'aan also indicate that it was
universal. Allaah says in verses 11-12 of Surah Qamar, "So (in reply to his du'aa)
We opened up the doors of the sky to torrential rains. And (in addition to the waters
raining from the sky) We opened springs in the earth (from which more water gushed forth)
so that the waters (raining from the sky and gushing from the earth) met for a matter
preordained (resulting in a flood as punishment for them)". The word 'opened up'
indicate clearly that the rains must have engulfed the entire world since the
skies are used in the general sense. Similar is the reference to the earth
when Allaah says, "The order was issued (from Allaah), `O Earth! Swallow your water
and O sky! Stop (raining) !""' 46
6. Verse 77 of Surah Saaffaat states about the progeny of Hadhrat Nooh v, "We
made his progeny (the Mu'mineen) the only survivors". This is clear indication that
only they were left to inhabit the earth. The same is indicated in the du'aa
that Hadhrat Nooh u made when he said, "O my Rabb! Do not leave even one of
46 Surah Hood, verse 44.
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the Kaafiroon (alive) on earth".47 This du'aa was accepted, as noted from the
verse in which Allaah says, "It was announced, 'May the oppressive nation (of
Hadhrat Nooh v) be (far) distanced (from Allaah's mercy)."148
6. A Doubt
The doubt may creep into the mind, begging to know why all the other people
on earth as well as all other living creatures were also killed in the flood when it
was the nation of Hadhrat Nooh v that needed to be punished. This doubt stems
from a lack in people's understanding of the practices of Allaah.
We need to note that whenever a disaster strikes an area, it affects both the
pious as well as the sinful ones of the area. Just as the sinful ones suffer or die
of the earthquake or plague, so do the pious ones. However, the statuses of the
two types of people are very different. Whilst the disaster is a punishment for
the sinful ones, it is a means of elevating the stages of the pious ones in the sight
of Allaah. Inevitably, death must come to all.
When a nation is to be destroyed after being warned by their Nabi v, it has
always been the practice of Allaah to first ensure that the pious ones leave the
area. The Qur'aan testifies that this has always been the practice of Allaah.
Therefore, everyone who dies during the floods had been sinful Kuffaar. As for
the innocent creatures apart from humans, it needs to be noted that it was
merely a means of their death, which was to come at some time or another.
47 Surah Nooh, verse 26.
48 Surah Hood, verse 44.
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Based on a narration from Ibn Asaakir, some scholars say that the people of
Hadhrat Nooh u did not have children 40 years before the flood. Therefore,
whoever was alive when the flood occurred was of age and could decide
between Imaan and Kufr. No children had to suffer any consequences of the
flood.
7. Another Doubt
Question: How could a pair from every living creature be accommodated on the
ark?
Answer: Why not, when everything else about the incident was miraculous?
Every aspect of the incident from the gushing of water from the oven to the
deluge pouring from the skies and surging from the earth was miraculous.
Nothing is impossible for Allaah, Who has the power and might to also
accommodate thousands upon a single ark. Nonetheless, it can be seen from
today's marine vessels that thousands of tons can be carried by a single ship. The
creatures could therefore be accommodated since these comprised only of
creatures living atop the earth and not beneath it, in water or airborne
creatures.
It may also be said that only those animals needed to be carried aboard that
were of benefit to mankind. As for the harmful ones, there was no need for
them. Allaah could always recreate them after the flood if He needed to. In any
case, there were only 80 people aboard the ark, so they would not have had a
very great need for too many animals.
8. A Test
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Referring to the flood, Allaah says, "There are undoubtedly Aayaat in this (incident),
and We certainly put people to the test".49 This incident informs people of the plight
of the evil ones and the success of the obedient ones. When people live in this
world, they are bound to face tests, which will determine whether they will be
successful or not.
9. The Effects of Bad Company
Bad company is more harmful than poison and will earn a person nothing but
regret and disgrace. On the other hand, good company is an elixir for a thousand
maladies. A wise person will therefore seek out good company and avoid bad
company. It was as a result of keeping in the company of the Kuffaar that people
like the wife and son of Hadhrat Nooh v went astray and eventually died with
those they kept company with.
10. A Grateful Servant
The Qur'aan declares that Hadhrat Nooh v was a grateful servant of Allaah. A
narration of Tabraani states that he fasted all year apart from the two days of
Eid. Furthermore, when Rasulullaah p passed through Usfaan as he was
proceeding for Hajj, he informed the Sahabah y that Ambiyaa Jul c like Hadhrat
Nooh v, Hadhrat Hood v and Hadhrat Ibraheem v has also passed by that way as
they travelled for the Hajj. Ibn Jareer il das, reports from several Taabi'een that
Hadhrat Nooh v was buried in the Masjidul Haraam.
11. An Ancient Malady
When Hadhrat Nooh v invited his people, the leaders and affluent ones
objected. Allaah says, "They replied, 'Should we believe in you when the lowest of
49 Surah Mu'minoon, verse 30.
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people follow you (How can we follow you when those who are poor and who do menial jobs follow
you? How can we mix with them? Are they perhaps not after wealth and status)?"".50
It has always been the case that the first followers of the Ambiyaa pul sk Were
the poor and humble ones. Such was the case even with Rasulullaah p.
However, the wealthy ones always complained that they could not associate
with the Nabi v as long as the poor remained with him. This malady of arrogance
deprived them of Imaan.
12. A Valuable Lesson
Every person is responsible for his own actions and cannot rely on his family
relations. Just as the piety of a father cannot help the rebelliousness of a son, so
too will the religiousness of the son not help the wretchedness of a father. Such
was the situation with Hadhrat Nooh v and his son. The Qur'aan recounts the
incident in the following words:
(٢٣) وَنَادَى نُوْحٌ رَّبََّ فَقَالَ رَبِّ إِنَّ ابْنِيْ مِنْ أَبْلِئْ وَ إِنَّ وَعْدَكَ الْحَقُّ وَ أَنْتَ أَحْكَمُ الْحُكِمِيْنَ (٣٥) قَالَ
يُنُوْعُ إِنَّهْ لَيْسَ مِنْ أَبْلِكَّ إِنَّهُ عَمَلٌ غَيْرُ صَالِحٍ * فَلَا تَسْلْنِ مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ بِمٍ عِلْمٌ - إِنِّئْ أَعِظُكَ أَنْ تَكُوْنَ
مِنَ الْجُهِنَ (٢٢) قَالَ رَبِّ إِنِّىْ أَعُوذُبِكَ أَنْ أَسْلَكَ مَا لَيْسَ لِىْ بِهِ عِلْمٌ ﴿ وَ إِلَّا تَغْفِرْلِى وَ تَرْحَمْنِىْ أَكُنْ مِّنَ
الْخُسِرِيْنَ (٣٧)
TRANSLATION: Nooh v called to his Rabb saying, "O my Rabb! Surely my son (who was
drowned) is from my family and indeed Your promise (to rescue my family from the flood) is
true (Why was he then not blessed with Imaan and not saved from the flood?). (However,) You are
the Best of Judges (there must therefore be good reason why You allowed him to drown)." Allaah
said, "O Nooh! Indeed he was not from your family (he was not destined to be a Mu'min like
the others and therefore could not be saved). His actions were certainly incorrect (he committed
kufr and rejected Imaan), so do not ask Me about that which you have no knowledge (do not
50 Surah Shu'araa, verse 111.
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ask me to save him when you have no knowledge about his inner condition). I advise you not to be
of the ignorant (those who address subjects that they do not have knowledge about)." (Realising
that he was wrong to ask about his son) Nooh v said, "O my Rabb! I seek Your protection from
asking You about things of which I have no knowledge. If You do not forgive me and have
mercy on me, I will be of the losers."51
The Mushrikeen of Makkah were beguiled by their relationship with Hadhrat
Ibraheem v and the Jews and Christians were also beguiled by their genealogical
bonds with the Ambiyaa >) Nesl Of the Bani Israa'eel. This, they all felt assured that
they would be saved from punishment in the Aakhirah because of these ties.
Even today, there are many who feel immune from ruination because of their
relationship with some pious people. The incident of Hadhrat Nooh v and his
family members spell it out to such people that such relationships will be of no
avail when a person does not obey the commands of Allaah and follow the
. عليهم السلام Ambiyaa
51 Surah Hood, verses 45-47.
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Sayyiduna Hood V
Introduction
Hadhrat Hood v belonged to the esteemed Khulood tribe from the nation of
Aad. He was from the seventh generation of one of Hadhrat Nooh u's sons called
Saam. His lineage up to Hadhrat Nooh v reads as follows: Hood, who was the son
of Abdullaah, who was the son of Rabaah, who was the son of Khulood, who was
the son of Aad, who was the son of Aws, who was the son of Iram, who was the
son of Saam, who was the son of Hadhrat Nooh v.
Hadhrat Hood v was fair in complexion, very tall, powerfully built and very awe-
inspiring. He also wore a full beard.
Hadhrat Hood U in the Qur'aan
The name of Hadhrat Hood v appears seven times in the Qur'aan, as follows:
Surah A'raaf: verse 65
Surah Hood: verses 50, 53, 58, 60, 89
Surah Shu'araa: verse 124
The nation of Hadhrat Hood v was called the Aad and they are mentioned in
ten verses of the Qur'aan, viz. Surahs A'raaf, Hood, Mu'minoon, Shu'araa,
Fussilat, Ahqaaf, Dhaariyaat, Qamar, Haaqa and Fajr.
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Various parts of the story of Hadhrat Hood v appear in these verses of the
Qur'aan. In fact, the Qur'aan is the first of the divine scriptures to speak of the
Aad. Like the story of his predecessor Hadhrat Nooh v, the life of Hadhrat Hood
u was also one of perseverance and a long struggle against rebellious people.
The Nation of And
The Aad were a very powerful Arab nation of ancient times, who settled in
Shaam, Egypt and Babylon. They soon seized control over these lands because of
their strength and force. The name Aad means tall in Arabic and they were
given this name because they were extremely tall people. They lived
approximately 2000 years before Hadhrat Isa v and are counted from amongst
the successors of the people of Hadhrat Nooh v. Their capital was located at a
place called Ahqaaf, to the north of Hadramaut in Yemen, with the present day
Rub'ul Khali at its fringe.
The Aad worshipped idols like the people of Hadhrat Nooh v, with their most
important idols being Samood, Hattaar and Sada. They boasted about their
immense strength and would say, "Who can be more powerful than us?"
Together with blessing them with strength and kingdom, Allaah also granted
them prosperity. However, these bounties went to their heads and they soon
started to abuse them. They oppressed the weak, opposed the truth and the
Ambiyaa >ul # and raised high buildings and monuments to symbolise their
power. Allaah therefore sent Hadhrat Hood v as a messenger to guide them.
The Duty of Hadhrat Hood V
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