Table of Contents
The story of Prophet Nuh (Noah) in the Quran centers around themes of faith, guidance, rejection, and divine punishment through the Flood. This narrative appears in multiple surahs, including Surah Hud (11), Surah Al-Mu’minun (23), Surah Ash-Shu’ara (26), Surah Al-Qamar (54), Surah Al-A’raf (7), and Surah Nuh (71). Here is a comprehensive account based on these sources:
1. Nuh’s Prophethood and His Message
Prophet Nuh is appointed as a messenger to his people to call them to monotheism and righteousness. He warns them against idolatry, urging them to worship Allah alone. He appeals to his people, reminding them of Allah’s blessings, the creation around them, and the mercy they receive from the Creator. He calls them to repentance so that they may receive divine forgiveness and blessings.
“Indeed, We sent Nuh to his people, [saying], ‘Warn your people before there comes to them a painful punishment.'”
— Surah Nuh (71:1)
2. The People’s Rejection
Despite his efforts, Nuh’s people are largely unresponsive. They mock him, accuse him of madness, and dismiss his warnings as lies. They cling to their idols, such as Wadd, Suwa’, Yaghuth, Ya’uq, and Nasr, insisting on following their forefathers’ practices. Nuh patiently endures their hostility and continuously calls them back to the path of Allah.
“Said the eminent among his people, ‘Indeed, we see you in clear error.'”
— Surah Al-A’raf (7:60)
3. Nuh’s Persistence
Nuh persists in delivering his message for a long time—950 years, according to the Quran. He approaches his people in various ways, speaking publicly and privately, urging them with compassion and warning them of divine punishment. He emphasizes Allah’s mercy but also the consequences of disobedience.
“He said, ‘My Lord, indeed I invited my people [to truth] night and day. But my invitation increased them not except in flight.'”
— Surah Nuh (71:5-6)
4. Revelation of the Flood
After his long and unfruitful efforts, Allah informs Nuh that none of his people will believe, except those who have already embraced his message. Allah commands him not to grieve over the disbelievers’ fate, as they have chosen their path. Allah then instructs Nuh to construct an Ark, detailing its design and materials. This Ark would serve as a refuge for the believers and animals during the impending Flood.
“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.'”
— Surah Hud (11:36)
5. Building the Ark
Following Allah’s instructions, Nuh begins constructing the Ark. As he works, the disbelievers mock him, questioning why he would build a vessel on dry land. They fail to recognize the significance of his actions and remain in denial about the coming Flood.
“And every time the eminent among his people passed by him, they mocked him.”
— Surah Hud (11:38)
6. The Sign of the Tannur
Allah tells Nuh that the Flood will begin when the tannur (oven) overflows with water. This unusual sign would mark the onset of the cataclysm. When the tannur begins to gush, Nuh receives Allah’s command to board the Ark with his family, the believers, and pairs of animals.
“So it was, until when Our command came and the oven overflowed, We said, ‘Load upon it of each [creature] two mates and your family, except those about whom the word has preceded, and [include] whoever has believed.'”
— Surah Hud (11:40)
7. The Flood Begins
Once the Ark is loaded, torrential rain and springs from beneath the earth unleash the Flood. The waters rise, covering the land and sweeping away the disbelievers. The Quran describes the scene as one of divine wrath, where the earth is submerged in punishment for the people’s rejection of Allah’s message.
“So We opened the gates of the heaven with rain pouring down and caused the earth to gush forth with springs, and the waters met for a matter already predestined.”
— Surah Al-Qamar (54:11-12)
8. Nuh’s Son’s Refusal
One of Nuh’s sons, who disbelieved, refuses to join him on the Ark. Nuh pleads with his son to board and seek refuge from the rising waters. However, his son rejects the offer, choosing instead to seek shelter on a mountain, believing it will protect him. Tragically, he is overtaken by the floodwaters and perishes.
“And [Nuh] called to his son, who was apart [from them], ‘O my son, come aboard with us and be not with the disbelievers.’ [But] he said, ‘I will take refuge on a mountain to protect me from the water.’ [Nuh] said, ‘There is no protector today from the decree of Allah, except for whom He gives mercy.’ And the waves came between them, and he was among the drowned.”
— Surah Hud (11:42-43)
9. The Waters Recede
After the destruction of the disbelievers, Allah commands the earth to swallow up the waters and the sky to cease raining. The floodwaters recede, and the Ark comes to rest on Mount Judi View. Nuh is then told that peace and blessings will be upon him and his followers, and that they will establish future generations on the earth.
“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] Judi.”
— Surah Hud (11:44)
10. Nuh’s Prayer for Forgiveness
Nuh, recognizing the heavy losses and tragedy, prays for Allah’s forgiveness, expressing sorrow for his son but ultimately accepting Allah’s judgment. Allah reminds him of the importance of obedience to divine command, and Nuh submits to Allah’s wisdom.
“He said, ‘My Lord, indeed 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.'”
— Surah Hud (11:47)
11. Nuh’s Legacy
Nuh’s story ends with him and the believers receiving Allah’s blessings. He is commended for his perseverance, faith, and righteousness. The Quran emphasizes that his story serves as a warning and lesson for future generations to follow the guidance of their prophets.
“Indeed, We 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.”
— Surah Al-Ankabut (29:14)
Through Nuh’s story, the Quran emphasizes themes of divine mercy, justice, and the consequences of rejection. His patience, dedication to spreading the truth, and ultimate submission to Allah’s will stand as examples for believers.
