The Story of Hazrat Nuh (A.S.) is among the most remarkable and deeply instructive accounts in Islamic history. Hazrat Nuh (A.S.), known as Noah in Biblical texts, was one of the greatest prophets sent by Allah (SWT) to guide humanity. His story is not just about the famous Ark or the Great Flood-it is about faith, perseverance, and unwavering trust in Allah despite extreme opposition.
This article explores the life, mission, miracles, and lessons of Hazrat Nuh (A.S.), revealing how his patience and devotion continue to inspire believers to this day.
Who Was Hazrat Nuh (A.S.)?
Hazrat Nuh (A.S.) was a direct descendant of Hazrat Idrees (A.S.). He was born in an age when people had forgotten the teachings of earlier prophets. Idolatry had spread widely-men and women worshipped statues made of stone and wood, believing they could bring good fortune or prevent harm.
Allah, in His mercy, chose Hazrat Nuh (A.S.) as a Prophet to bring his people back to the truth: to worship none but Allah.
In the Holy Qur’an, Allah says:
“Indeed, We sent Nuh to his people, saying, ‘Warn your people before there comes to them a painful punishment.’”
(Surah Nuh 71:1)
From this verse begins one of the longest prophetic missions in human history.
The Mission of Hazrat Nuh (A.S.)
Hazrat Nuh (A.S.) was sent to guide a nation that had fallen deeply into sin. They worshipped idols named Wadd, Suwa’, Yaghuth, Ya’uq, and Nasr. The Prophet called his people day and night, publicly and privately, urging them to abandon idol worship and return to the worship of Allah, the One and Only Creator.
He said to them:
“O my people! Worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him. Indeed, I fear for you the punishment of a tremendous Day.”
(Surah Al-A’raf 7:59)
But the people rejected him. Instead of listening, they mocked and ridiculed him. They said:
“This man is only a human like you. Why should we follow him when the poor and weak believe in him?”
Despite the insults and rejection, Hazrat Nuh (A.S.) continued his mission for 950 years, calling people towards truth and righteousness.
950 Years of Preaching
Allah tells us in the Qur’an:
“And indeed, We sent Nuh to his people, and he remained among them a thousand years less fifty years; then the flood seized them while they were wrongdoers.”
(Surah Al-‘Ankabut 29:14)
For 950 years, Hazrat Nuh (A.S.) never gave up. Day and night, he called his people to Allah. He used every method – gentle speech, reasoning, and sincere prayer – yet only a few believed in him.
His people grew arrogant. They placed fingers in their ears, covered their faces, and refused to hear his words. Still, Nuh (A.S.) prayed for them, hoping that Allah would open their hearts. His patience, unmatched in human history, became a symbol of true faith.
The Rejection and Mockery
When all efforts failed, the disbelievers began mocking him publicly. They called him a madman and accused him of fabricating lies about Allah. They even threw stones at him and turned away whenever he tried to speak.
Yet Hazrat Nuh (A.S.) remained calm. He knew that a prophet’s duty is to convey the message, not to force belief. His heart ached for his people, but his trust in Allah never wavered.
After centuries of rejection, Allah revealed to him:
“None of your people will believe except those who have already believed, so do not be distressed by what they have been doing.”
(Surah Hud 11:36)
This marked the beginning of a great divine plan – the construction of the Ark and the cleansing of the earth.
The Command to Build the Ark
Allah commanded Hazrat Nuh (A.S.) to build an Ark (ship) that would save the believers and pairs of all animals from an upcoming flood.
Allah said:
“And construct the ship under Our Eyes and Our Inspiration, and do not address Me concerning those who have wronged; indeed, they are to be drowned.”
(Surah Hud 11:37)
Hazrat Nuh (A.S.) and his followers began building the massive ship on dry land – far away from any sea or river. The disbelievers laughed louder than ever. They said, “O Nuh, now you have gone insane! Building a ship in the desert?”
He replied:
“If you ridicule us today, we will soon ridicule you just as you ridicule us. You will come to know who will suffer a humiliating punishment.”
(Surah Hud 11:38-39)
The Prophet and his followers continued building the Ark with determination and faith, while the disbelievers continued mocking.
The Great Flood
Once the Ark was completed, Allah revealed a sign:
“When you see water gush forth from the oven, take in it of every pair (male and female) and your family, except those against whom the decree has already been passed.”
When the appointed time came, the sky burst open with rain, and water gushed from the earth. It rained continuously for forty days and nights. Rivers overflowed, mountains disappeared under waves, and the world was submerged in water.
Hazrat Nuh (A.S.) called his people to board the Ark, but they refused. Even his own son, who had disbelieved, stayed behind. Nuh (A.S.) cried out to him:
“O my son! Embark with us and be not with the disbelievers.”
His son replied, “I will take refuge on a mountain to protect me from the water.”
Nuh (A.S.) said, “There is no protector today from the decree of Allah except for whom He has mercy.”
(Surah Hud 11:42-43)
Then a massive wave separated them, and his son was drowned.
Salvation of the Believers
As the floodwaters rose, only the believers inside the Ark were saved. The Ark floated safely, guided by Allah’s mercy.
“And it sailed with them through waves like mountains, and Nuh called out to his son…”
(Surah Hud 11:42)
When the punishment was complete, Allah commanded:
“O earth, swallow your water, and O sky, withhold your rain.”
(Surah Hud 11:44)
The rain stopped, the flood receded, and the Ark came to rest upon Mount Judi, in present-day Turkey or northern Iraq.
Allah said:
“And it was said, ‘O Nuh, disembark in peace from Us and blessings upon you and upon nations from those with you.’”
(Surah Hud 11:48)
This marked the end of the great flood and the beginning of a new era for humankind.
Life After the Flood
After descending from the Ark, Hazrat Nuh (A.S.) and his followers began a new life on earth. Humanity restarted through his descendants. Because of this, he is known as the Second Father of Mankind.
Hazrat Nuh (A.S.) lived many more years, teaching his followers gratitude, justice, and worship. When his death approached, he advised his sons:
“I command you to worship Allah alone, and I forbid you from associating partners with Him. Whoever holds firmly to faith in Allah will never perish.”
His life ended peacefully, and his name remains honoured in every divine scripture.
Miracles of Hazrat Nuh (A.S.)
- The Construction of the Ark: Built under divine guidance without any prior shipbuilding knowledge.
- The Great Flood: A punishment and purification of the earth commanded directly by Allah.
- The Preservation of Life: Every species of animals was saved through the Ark, ensuring life continued.
- His Long Life: He lived over 950 years, making him one of the longest-living prophets.
Each of these miracles highlights Allah’s power and the reward for steadfast faith.
Lessons from the Story of Hazrat Nuh (A.S.)
The Story of Hazrat Nuh (A.S.) carries profound moral and spiritual lessons:
- Patience in Adversity: Nuh (A.S.) preached for centuries with patience and hope. True believers never give up.
- Trust in Allah: Even when surrounded by mockery, he trusted Allah’s plan completely.
- Faith over Family: His own son disbelieved, showing that faith is a matter of the heart, not bloodline.
- Consequences of Arrogance: The destruction of the disbelievers reminds us that rejecting truth leads to ruin.
- Obedience to Allah’s Command: Building the Ark despite human mockery teaches us blind trust in divine wisdom.
- Unity of Believers: Only the faithful were saved-unity under Allah’s guidance brings success.
- Renewal and Hope: After destruction came renewal, symbolising Allah’s mercy for those who repent and believe.
Conclusion
The Story of Hazrat Nuh (A.S.) is not only a tale of a flood-it is a timeless reminder of faith, patience, and surrender to Allah’s will. His unwavering belief in the face of ridicule, his love for his people, and his devotion to Allah make him one of the most inspiring figures in human history.
Today, his story teaches us that no matter how great the storm, those who trust in Allah will always find safety in the Ark of Faith.