Last Updated on April 20, 2025 by Arabian Tongue Team
Prophet Nuh (Noah, peace be upon him) is one of the most significant and respected prophets in Islam. He was the first messenger sent to mankind after Prophet Adam (AS), and his story is one of endurance, patience, and unwavering faith. The Qur’an tells his story in several chapters, emphasizing his call to monotheism and the consequences faced by those who rejected God’s message, in this article on Arabian Tongue we will explorer The Story of Prophet Nuh.
Early Life and Prophethood
Prophet Nuh (AS) was born many generations after Prophet Adam story (AS). He was chosen by Allah to guide his people, who had deviated from the path of righteousness and were worshipping idols. These idols, named Wadd, Suwa’, Yaghuth, Ya’uq, and Nasr, were initially righteous people who were later idolized after their deaths.
As a prophet, Nuh (AS) was tasked with calling his people back to the worship of the One true God — Allah. He preached this message tirelessly for 950 years (as mentioned in Surah Al-‘Ankabut 29:14). He approached his people with wisdom, patience, and kindness, hoping to bring them back to the right path.
The Rejection by His People
Despite his efforts, only a few people responded to Nuh’s (AS) call. The majority mocked him, called him a madman and a liar, and accused him of being deluded. The elite and powerful among his people were especially resistant to change. They could not bear the thought of giving up their idols or losing their status among the people.
The Qur’an recounts Nuh’s (AS) plea in Surah Nuh (71:5–9):
“He said, ‘My Lord, indeed I invited my people [to truth] night and day. 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.’”
Building the Ark
After centuries of rejection and defiance, Allah informed Prophet Nuh (AS) that no more people would believe in his message. He was commanded to build an ark (a large ship) in preparation for a great flood that would serve as divine punishment for the people’s disobedience.
The building of the ark was itself a test of faith. Nuh (AS) began constructing the ship in the middle of a dry land. People mocked him even more, asking why he was building a ship where there was no sea. But Nuh (AS) remained steadfast, trusting Allah’s command without question.
The Qur’an in Surah Hud (11:38) says:
“And he constructed the ship, and whenever an assembly of the eminent of his people passed by him, they ridiculed him. He said, ‘If you ridicule us, then we will ridicule you just as you ridicule.’”
The Great Flood
When the ark was completed, Allah instructed Prophet Nuh (AS) to take a pair of every animal species and the believers with him aboard the ship. His own family, however, was divided. His wife and one of his sons were disbelievers and chose to stay behind despite his pleas.
Then, the divine punishment began. The skies opened and heavy rain poured down, while water gushed from the earth. The two water sources met, causing a massive flood that engulfed the entire land.
As the water rose, Prophet Nuh (AS) called out to his son, urging him to come aboard:
“O my son, come aboard with us and be not with the disbelievers.” (Surah Hud 11:42)
But his son refused, believing he could find refuge on a mountain. Allah responded to Nuh’s (AS) grief by saying:
“O Nuh, indeed he is not of your family; indeed, he is [one whose] work was other than righteous.” (Surah Hud 11:46)
This moment teaches that faith and righteousness, not blood ties, define true kinship in the sight of Allah.
Read more: The Story of Prophet Idris
After the Flood
The flood lasted for many days and nights, until Allah commanded the rain to stop and the earth to absorb the water. The ark came to rest on Mount Judi, as mentioned in Surah Hud (11:44):
“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…”
When the waters cleared, Prophet Nuh (AS) and the believers disembarked from the ark. Humanity was to begin again from the righteous descendants of those aboard. Nuh (AS) expressed his gratitude and prayed for forgiveness and blessings.
Prophet Nuh’s Legacy
Prophet Nuh (AS) is known as one of the Ulul ‘Azm (the five greatest prophets with strong determination), along with Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), ‘Isa (Jesus), and Muhammad (peace be upon them all).
His story is a powerful lesson in patience, perseverance, and trust in God. He preached for nearly a millennium, never giving up despite immense rejection and hostility.
The Qur’an honors him in various chapters and reminds the believers to follow his example in patience and faith.
Read about: who is the most mentioned prophet in the quran
Moral Lessons from the Story of Prophet Nuh (AS)
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Steadfastness in Faith: Nuh (AS) continued his mission for 950 years without giving up, teaching us to remain patient and persistent in the face of hardship.
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Obedience to God: Even when the command seemed illogical (building an ark on dry land), Nuh (AS) obeyed without hesitation, showing the importance of trust in divine wisdom.
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Family is Not Always by Blood: His son and wife chose disbelief, and Allah reminds us that righteousness is what binds people, not just blood relations.
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Divine Justice: Those who refused to heed the warnings of the prophet faced consequences. It is a reminder of the balance between mercy and justice in Allah’s plan.
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Hope for a New Beginning: After the flood, a new generation began from the believers, signifying that faith can always lead to renewal and hope.
FAQs
How long did Prophet Nuh preach to his people?
He preached for 950 years, as stated in the Qur’an (Surah Al-‘Ankabut 29:14).
What were the names of the idols worshipped by Nuh’s people?
They worshipped idols named Wadd, Suwa’, Yaghuth, Ya’uq, and Nasr.
How many people believed in Prophet Nuh (AS)?
Very few people believed in him. Some Islamic traditions mention that only about 80 people boarded the ark, but the exact number is not confirmed in the Qur’an.
Where did the ark come to rest after the flood?
The ark came to rest on Mount Judi, as mentioned in Surah Hud (11:44).
What was the reason for the great flood?
The flood was a punishment from Allah for the people’s continuous disobedience, idol worship, and rejection of the truth after centuries of being warned.
Conclusion
The story of Prophet Nuh (AS) is a timeless narrative of faith, patience, and divine justice. It teaches that even when the world turns against truth, staying firm in belief brings salvation. His unwavering efforts remind us to never lose hope, to keep spreading good even if the results are slow, and to trust Allah in all circumstances.
As one of the most profound stories in Islamic tradition, the tale of Nuh (AS) continues to inspire believers to this day — a story not just of a flood, but of endurance, purpose, and faith in the face of adversity.