Surah Name: Nuh (سورة نوح)
Translation: Noah
Origin of name: The surah is named after the Prophet Nuh (Noah), whose life, message, and supplication to Allah are the central themes throughout the entire surah.
Surah Number: 71
Number of Ayahs (Verses): 28
Makki or Madani: Makki
Historical Context
The surah Nuh was revealed to draw a clear parallel between the experience of Prophet Noah (Nuh) and that of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) . Just as Nuh faced relentless opposition and disbelief from his people despite his persistent and heartfelt efforts to guide them, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was undergoing a similar experience in Makkah.
The social and religious environment at the time was dominated by idol worship, tribal loyalty, and resistance to change. People found comfort in the authority and traditions of their elders, rejecting any call to abandon it. Leaders with wealth and status exerted influence to maintain the status quo, fearing that accepting the Prophet's message would upend their power and social order.
By focusing solely on the story of Nuh, this surah provided an example of unwavering commitment to da'wah (inviting to faith) and demonstrated the consequences of collective disbelief, warning the Quraysh of a similar fate if they continued on the same path.
Main Themes of Surah Nooh
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The Mission of Prophet Noah (Nuh):
The surah highlights how Prophet Nuh was sent to his people to warn them before a painful punishment arrived. His mission was to call them to worship Allah alone, fear Him, and accept his prophethood. -
Persistence in Dawah (Preaching):
Nuh’s sincere and tireless efforts to guide his people are emphasized. He preached day and night, in public and in private, but most of his people stubbornly rejected his message and avoided listening to him. -
Rejection and Arrogance of the Disbelievers:
Despite all his efforts, the majority of Nuh's people followed the wealthy and proud leaders who strongly opposed him. They continued to worship idols named in the surah and led others into error. -
Supplication Against the Wrongdoers:
After realizing that his people would not change, Nuh prayed to Allah to destroy the wrongdoers and not let them mislead others. He asked for the forgiveness of all believing men and women, and for the destruction of the unjust.
Key Lessons from Surah Nooh
- True guidance includes patience, repeated effort, and calling with wisdom.
- People may reject the truth no matter how clearly it's presented.
- Following arrogant leaders and worldly desires can mislead entire communities.
- Dua (supplication) is a powerful tool for both mercy and justice.
Notable Ayahs from Surah Nooh
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Verse 1:
"Indeed, We sent Noah to his people ˹saying to him˺, “Warn your people before a painful punishment comes to them.”
These verses mark the beginning of Prophet Noah’s mission to warn his people of Allah’s punishment. -
Verse 5:
"He cried, “My Lord! I have surely called my people day and night,"
Prophet Noah expresses his continuous and tireless effort in inviting his people to the truth. -
Verses 8-10:
"Then I certainly called them openly, then I surely preached to them publicly and privately, saying, ‘Seek your Lord’s forgiveness, ˹for˺ He is truly Most Forgiving. "
A call to repentance promising not only spiritual but also worldly blessings. -
Verse 21-23:
"˹Eventually,˺ Noah cried, “My Lord! They have certainly persisted in disobeying me, and followed ˹instead˺ those ˹elite˺ whose ˹abundant˺ wealth and children only increase them in loss, and who have devised a tremendous plot, urging ˹their followers˺, ‘Do not abandon your idols—especially Wadd, Suwâ’, Yaghûth, Ya’ûq, and Nasr.’"
These ayahs mention the stubbornness of the disbelievers and their continued idol worship. -
Verse 26-28:
"Noah had prayed, “My Lord! Do not leave a single disbeliever on earth. For if You spare ˹any of˺ them, they will certainly mislead Your servants, and give birth only to ˹wicked˺ sinners, staunch disbelievers. My Lord! Forgive me, my parents, and whoever enters my house in faith, and ˹all˺ believing men and women. And increase the wrongdoers only in destruction.”"
The final prayer of Prophet Noah, asking for the destruction of wrongdoers and forgiveness for believers.
