The Story of Hazrat Hud (A.S.) is one of faith, courage, and divine justice. Hazrat Hud (A.S.) was among the prophets sent after Hazrat Nuh (A.S.), and his mission was to guide the people of Aad – a powerful, wealthy, and arrogant nation that had forgotten the worship of Allah.
His story teaches the importance of humility, gratitude, and obedience to the Creator. Though his people possessed immense power, they lost everything when they turned away from Allah’s guidance.
In this article, we will explore the life, mission, and lessons of Prophet Hud (A.S.), whose warning echoes as a timeless message to all humanity.
Who Was Hazrat Hud (A.S.)?
Hazrat Hud (A.S.) was a descendant of Prophet Nuh (A.S.), from the same genealogical line. According to historians, his full name was Hud ibn Shalih ibn Arfakhshad ibn Sam ibn Nuh (A.S.).
He was chosen by Allah to guide the tribe of Aad, one of the earliest and strongest civilisations that emerged after the great flood in the Arabian Peninsula.
The Qur’an mentions Hud (A.S.) in several chapters, including Surah Al-A’raf, Surah Hud, Surah Al-Shu’ara, and Surah Al-Ahqaf. In Surah Al-A’raf (7:65–72), Allah says:
“And to the Aad, We sent their brother Hud. He said, ‘O my people! Worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him. Will you not then fear Him?’”
This verse captures the essence of his message – a call to monotheism, righteousness, and humility.
The People of Aad – A Nation of Power and Pride
The people of Aad lived in the region of Al-Ahqaf, located between Yemen and Oman, an area known for its lush gardens and strong architecture. Allah had blessed them with extraordinary strength and tall stature, and they built massive palaces and towers to display their might.
They were skilled in engineering and agriculture and ruled vast lands. However, instead of being thankful to Allah, they became arrogant and proud, believing that no force could destroy them.
The Qur’an describes their arrogance beautifully:
“As for Aad, they were arrogant in the land without right and said, ‘Who is greater than us in strength?’”
(Surah Fussilat 41:15)
Their pride and disbelief led them into idol worship, and they began making false gods to which they offered sacrifices. Their hearts hardened, and their society fell into corruption.
The Prophethood and Message of Hazrat Hud (A.S.)
Allah chose Hud (A.S.) as a Prophet to bring the Aad people back to the worship of one true God. He was from among them – a man they trusted and respected before prophethood.
He called them with gentleness and sincerity, saying:
“O my people! Worship Allah alone. You have no other god but Him. You do nothing but invent lies.”
(Surah Hud 11:50)
He reminded them of Allah’s countless blessings – their strength, prosperity, and fertile lands – urging them to be grateful and humble. He warned them of Allah’s punishment if they continued in disbelief.
But the people of Aad refused to listen. Instead, they laughed and mocked him.
The People’s Rejection and Arrogance
Despite Hud (A.S.)’s wisdom and patience, his people ridiculed his message. They accused him of madness, saying:
“Do you say we should abandon our gods for the sake of one God? We think you are foolish or possessed.”
Hud (A.S.) replied calmly:
“O my people! There is no foolishness in me, but I am a messenger from the Lord of the worlds. I convey to you the messages of my Lord and am your sincere adviser.”
(Surah Al-A’raf 7:67-68)
But their arrogance grew stronger. They believed their power made them invincible. Their pride in their physical strength and architectural achievements blinded them to the truth.
Hud (A.S.)’s Warnings and Patience
For many years, Hud (A.S.) continued to preach. He urged them to repent and seek forgiveness from Allah so that He would bless them even more:
“O my people! Ask forgiveness of your Lord, then turn to Him in repentance. He will send [rain] from the sky in abundance and increase you in strength upon your strength. And do not turn away as criminals.”
(Surah Hud 11:52)
But the Aad people refused. They laughed at the idea that their strength could ever fade. They even challenged Hud (A.S.) to bring the punishment he warned about, saying sarcastically, “Bring it upon us if you are truthful.”
The Beginning of the Punishment
When the Aad’s disbelief reached its peak, Allah withheld rain from them for three years. Their crops failed, and their lush gardens dried up. Yet, instead of turning to Allah, they mocked Hud (A.S.) even more.
Finally, Allah commanded His punishment to descend.
A dark cloud appeared on the horizon. The people rejoiced, thinking it was rain, saying:
“This is a cloud bringing us rain!”
But Hud (A.S.) warned them:
“No, it is what you sought to hasten – a wind containing a painful punishment!”
(Surah Al-Ahqaf 46:24)
The Destruction of the People of Aad
The joyful cloud soon turned into a furious, cold wind – known as “Ar-Rih Al-Aqeem” – a violent storm sent by Allah as punishment.
“And as for Aad, they were destroyed by a screaming, violent wind which He imposed upon them for seven nights and eight days in succession. You could see the people therein fallen as though they were hollow trunks of palm trees.”
(Surah Al-Haqqah 69:6–7)
The wind uprooted trees, destroyed buildings, and swept people into the air. Their strong bodies were crushed like dry leaves. Their mighty civilization, once full of pride, was erased completely from the face of the earth.
Not a single disbeliever survived.
The Salvation of the Believers
While the storm raged, Hazrat Hud (A.S.) and the few believers who followed him took refuge in a safe place by Allah’s command.
“So We saved him and those with him by mercy from Us, and We eliminated the last of those who denied Our signs and were not believers.”
(Surah Al-A’raf 7:72)
When the storm cleared, silence fell over the land of Aad. Their grand towers were in ruins. Hud (A.S.) looked upon the destruction with a heavy heart, knowing that his people had brought it upon themselves by rejecting the truth.
After the Destruction
After the destruction of Aad, Hud (A.S.) and his followers migrated to another land, traditionally believed to be Hadramaut (Yemen). There they lived peacefully, continuing to worship Allah and teaching others about His mercy and power.
Hazrat Hud (A.S.) lived a long life and passed away among the believers. His tomb is believed by many to be in Hadramaut, Yemen, where people still visit as a reminder of his story and the warning it carries.
Lessons from the Story of Hazrat Hud (A.S.)
The Story of Hazrat Hud (A.S.) carries deep and timeless lessons for all of humanity:
- Humility Before Allah: The people of Aad were strong but arrogant. Their pride led to their downfall.
- Gratitude for Blessings: Power and wealth are tests, not guarantees of success. Be grateful and humble.
- Patience in Preaching: Hud (A.S.) showed endless patience even when mocked – a lesson for all believers who face rejection.
- The Consequence of Arrogance: No nation, no matter how powerful, can escape Allah’s punishment if it turns away from the truth.
- Faith Brings Safety: Those who believed in Allah were saved, proving that true protection lies in faith, not in worldly strength.
- Allah’s Justice is Perfect: He gives many chances before punishment. When it comes, it is swift, fair, and unstoppable.
- The Power of Tawheed: Hud (A.S.)’s call to worship Allah alone shows that every prophet preached the same central message – La ilaha illallah (There is no god but Allah).
Conclusion
The Story of Hazrat Hud (A.S.) is a powerful reminder that pride and disobedience lead to ruin, while faith and humility lead to salvation. The people of Aad were mighty, but their arrogance blinded them. When they rejected the call of truth, their power could not save them.
Hud (A.S.)’s steadfastness, patience, and devotion to Allah stand as a shining example for all believers. His story teaches us that no matter how strong we become, we must always remain humble before our Creator.
In every era, the message remains the same: Worship Allah alone, be grateful for His blessings, and never let pride destroy your faith.