Chapter 71- 61
Noah (Surah Nuh)
(28 verses in total; Middle Makkan)
The next two chapters are on two of the greatest prophet – prophet Noah much closer to early humanity and Prophet Adam (the first Prophet) and Prophet Abraham, much closer to the last Prophet (Prophet Mohammad) and latter humanity.
Key themes in this chapter are as follows:
· Noah’s people were particularly intransigent and defied any guidance that came to them from God, except a few
· They were more attached to their false gods that believing in One God and giving up their unjust and corrupt acts
· God’s punishment with flood is well documented in the Qur’an in subsequent revelations as well as in earlier scripture such as the Torah and the Bible
In the name of God, the God of Mercy, the Endower of Mercy!
We sent Noah to his community and instructed him thus, “Caution your people before they are faced with a painful torment.” He said, “My people, I am a dedicated warner to you. You should worship God, act responsibly and follow me. God will forgive you of your sins, and grant you respite till the appointed term – a term when it is due, there will be no postponement! It is better if you comprehend. (v. 1-4)
He complained, “God, I have called on my people day and night but the more I call the more averse they become. When I speak to them regarding your forgiveness, they put fingers in their ears and cover themselves in their garments, becoming even more defiant and arrogant. I have called to them openly in public places and have spoken in private, saying, ‘Ask God’s forgiveness, God is Ever Forgiving! God will send down rain, pouring in abundance and aid you with resources and children, and provide for you gardens and rivers.”
What is the matter with you that you do not aspire greatness from God? God created through stages1. Do you not see how God had created the seven heavens consistent with one another, placing the moon among them as a light and the sun as a lamp? God had made you grow out of the earth just as a plant sprouts forth, but then God will make you return to it and bring you back as a new growth. God has made this earth a vast expanse for you that you may follow its wide tracks. (v. 5-20)
Noah said, “God, these people disobey me and follow those whose wealth and children did not increase them in anything but in ruins. They have schemed a mighty plan. They say (to their people),
‘Do no abandon your gods – do not forsake Wadd2 or Suwa, or Yaguth or Ya’uq or Nasr.’ They have caused many to go astray. May You bring nothing but ruins to these evil people!” (v. 21-24)
Because of their evils, they were drowned and made to enter the Fire – they indeed found no helpers besides God. Noah said, “God, do not let any disbeliever dwell on this land – if you let them, they will lead Your servants the wrong way and will only beget those who are immoral and ungrateful! God, may You forgive me, my parents, those who come to my house believing, faithful men and faithful women. May You not bring anything to the ungrateful except destructions!” (v. 25-28)
1See 22:5, 23:12-17, 87:1-5
2Names of some of their deities – gods and goddesses
