In the early days of humanity, when the earth was still young and mankind was scattered across the land, people lived in ignorance, turning away from the path of truth. Idols of stone and wood became their gods, and the guidance of their Creator was forgotten. Among them, one man stood firm in his faith—a man chosen by Allah to guide his people. His name was Nuh, known today as Noah.
Noah was a man of deep devotion and unwavering trust in Allah. He walked the earth with humility, carrying the knowledge of the truth in his heart, knowing that the world had strayed far from the path of righteousness. His mission was clear: to call his people back to the worship of Allah alone, to remind them of their Creator, and to warn them of the consequences of their disobedience.
And so began the story of Noah, a story of faith, patience, and a great test that would change the course of humanity forever.
The Call of the Prophet
Noah was a simple man, but his message was profound. He was chosen by Allah as a prophet, sent to guide his people and warn them of the coming judgment. With kindness and patience, he approached them, telling them of the One true God who created the heavens and the earth. He called them to abandon their idols, to turn away from their evil ways, and to seek the mercy of their Creator. "We certainly sent Noah to his people, and he said, 'O my people, worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him. Indeed, I fear for you the punishment of a tremendous Day.'" (Quran 7:59).
But the people of Noah were proud and stubborn. They had grown comfortable in their false beliefs, and the idea of worshiping an unseen God, a God who could not be carved or touched, seemed strange to them. They mocked Noah, calling him a madman. "The chiefs of his people said, 'Indeed, we see you in clear error.'" (Quran 7:60).
Undeterred, Noah continued to preach, year after year, century after century. He reminded them of Allah’s signs in the heavens and the earth, the beauty of creation, and the life-giving rain that nourished their crops. He warned them of the punishment that would come if they did not change their ways. "And We certainly sent Noah to his people, [saying], 'Indeed, I am to you a clear warner that you not worship except Allah. Indeed, I fear for you the punishment of a painful day.'" (Quran 11:25-26).
But the more he called them to the truth, the more they rejected him. They placed their fingers in their ears, covered themselves with their garments, and turned away, unwilling to listen. They ridiculed him, saying, "Shall we believe in you while the lowest among us follow you?" (Quran 26:111).
For Noah, the rejection was painful. He had hoped that his people would return to the truth, that they would see the error of their ways and repent. But the years passed, and their hearts remained hardened. His patience was tested, but he remained steadfast, knowing that his task was not to force them to believe but to deliver the message.
The Decision of Allah
After nine hundred and fifty years of preaching, Noah’s people still refused to listen. Allah, in His wisdom, knew that they would never change. He revealed to Noah that their time of respite was over and that a great flood would come to cleanse the earth of their wickedness. "And it was revealed to Noah 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.'" (Quran 11:36).
Noah, though saddened by the fate of his people, accepted the decree of Allah. He knew that he had done everything in his power to guide them, but now the time had come for Allah’s judgment. Allah commanded Noah to build an ark, a massive ship that would save him and the believers from the coming flood. "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." (Quran 11:37).
With faith and determination, Noah began to build the ark, following Allah’s instructions. He worked day and night, cutting the wood, shaping the beams, and crafting the ship’s frame. As he worked, his people mocked him even more, laughing at the sight of a man building a ship on dry land. "And every time the chiefs of his people passed by him, they ridiculed him. He said, 'If you ridicule us, then we will ridicule you just as you ridicule.'" (Quran 11:38).
Despite their mockery, Noah pressed on. He knew that the flood was coming, and that only those who believed in Allah would be saved. His heart ached for his people, but they refused to heed his warnings. Even his own family did not all believe—his wife and one of his sons remained among the disbelievers, rejecting his message.
The Coming of the Flood
When the ark was finally completed, Allah’s command came. "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." (Quran 11:40).
Noah gathered the believers—those few who had accepted the truth—and brought them aboard the ark. He also gathered pairs of animals, male and female, from every species, ensuring that life would continue after the flood. His heart was heavy as he watched the skies darken and the rain begin to fall.
The floodgates of the heavens were opened, and the earth burst forth with water. The rain fell in torrents, and the waters rose swiftly, flooding the land. Rivers and streams overflowed, and soon the entire earth was submerged beneath the waves. The disbelievers, who had laughed at Noah and his ark, now found themselves swept away by the rising floodwaters. "So We 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." (Quran 54:11-12).
As the water engulfed the land, Noah saw his son standing apart from the ark, refusing to join them. With a heart full of sorrow, Noah called out to him, pleading for him to seek refuge. "And Noah called to his son who was apart [from them], 'O my son, come aboard with us and be not with the disbelievers.'" (Quran 11:42).
But his son, filled with arrogance, replied, "I will take refuge on a mountain to protect me from the water." (Quran 11:43).
Noah, knowing the futility of his son’s words, answered, "There is no protector today from the decree of Allah, except for whom He gives mercy." (Quran 11:43). But it was too late. A wave came between them, and Noah’s son was lost to the flood.
The waters continued to rise, and soon, the entire earth was submerged. The ark floated upon the vast sea, carrying Noah, the believers, and the animals to safety. Allah’s command had come to pass, and the disbelievers were no more.
The Mercy of Allah
After many days and nights, the rain ceased, and the waters began to recede. The ark came to rest upon Mount Judi, and the earth began to dry. Allah, in His mercy, had saved those who believed and destroyed those who had turned away. "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. And it was said, 'Away with the wrongdoing people.'" (Quran 11:44).
Noah and the believers disembarked from the ark, stepping onto the renewed earth. The flood had washed away the corruption of the past, and now it was time to rebuild. Noah, with a heart full of gratitude, bowed before Allah, praising Him for His mercy and protection. He knew that this was a new beginning, a chance for humanity to start again on the path of righteousness.
But even in this moment of relief, Noah’s heart still ached for his lost son. He turned to Allah, pleading for his child, but Allah reminded Noah of the truth. "He said, 'O Noah, 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.'" (Quran 11:46).
Noah, humbled by the reminder, sought forgiveness for his plea, acknowledging that only Allah’s wisdom is perfect. "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.'" (Quran 11:47).
A Legacy of Faith
Noah lived the rest of his days in peace, grateful for the mercy of Allah and the new life that had been granted to humanity. His story, one of perseverance, faith, and ultimate salvation, would be told for generations to come—a reminder.
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