Umm Ibraheem

Nuh (Noah), Part 1 October 6, 2011

Bismillah. As we mentioned in our previous post in the Prophets’ Series, Nuh (peace be upon him) was the first Prophet to be sent to mankind after Adam ‘alayhis salaam. His story can be found in the Qur’an in Surah Nuh (of course!) and Surah Hud.

Ten Qarn

How much time was there between Adam and Nuh? Bukhari narrated from Ibn Abbaas that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “There were ten qarn between Adam and Nuh. They all lived according to Islam.”

The question now arises – what is a qarn? Some say that it means a century, others say that it means a generation of people. If a century is the meaning, then the time between Adam and  Nuh was 1,000 years. If a generation is meant, then that number is variable. Remember, human beings used to live much longer back then. So ten qarn could mean thousands of years! wAllahu ‘Alam.

One God, One Message

Nuh (peace be upon him) was the first messenger sent to mankind to call people to the Oneness of God. He called people to worship Allah Alone, without associating any partners with him. He asked them not to worship any idols, statues or false dieties. He required them to believe in the Oneness of Allah, with no God other than Him and with no Lord other than Him. Every messenger after him came with the same message and they were all from his progeny. Allah says: “And We made his progeny to endure (on this earth).” (37:77) So is the case with Abraham (that all of the Prophets after him were from his progeny).

And We had 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.” (Hud, 25-26)

and in Surah Nuh:

That you not worship except Allah . Indeed, I fear for you the punishment of a painful day. Worship Allah, fear Him and obey me.  He (Allah) will forgive you of your sins and respite you to an appointed term. Verily, the term of Allah when it comes, cannot be delayed, if you but knew. (Nuh, 2-4)

In Every Way

Let’s look at the method of da’wah Nuh used with his people. We see in Surah Nuh that Nuh tells Allah that he appealed to his people publicly and privately, by night and by day, in every means that he knew. And what effect did all of this preaching have on his people? It fell on deaf ears.

But my invitation increased them not except in flight. And indeed, every time I invited them that You may forgive them, they put  their fingers in their ears, covered themselves with their garments, persisted, and were arrogant with [great] arrogance.” (71:5-6)

Not only did Nuh invite them to Islam through different forms of da’wah, but he preached to them for 950 years. Imagine 950 years! I cannot even imagine making da’wah to someone for 950 days!

If you ever feel despair at someone not following Islam despite all of efforts remember Nuh (peace be upon him) and how he preached to his people in every way – and for 950 years! - yet most of them were heedless. Allah says that He guides whom He wills, and our job is just to spread the message.

Surely you cannot guide whom you love, but Allah guides whom He pleases, and He knows best the followers of the right way. (28:56)

Nuh also teaches them the value of istighfaar - asking for Allah’s forgiveness. He tells them to make istighfaar, and he also tells them of the benefits they may reap from it. Ask forgiveness from your Lord; Verily, He is Oft-Forgiving; He will send rain to you in abundance; and give you increase in wealth and children, and bestow on your gardens; and bestow on you rivers. (71:10-12)

Nuh ‘alayhis salaam uses another tool of da’wah. Very simplistic, and very profound. (more…)