Arabic Name: نُوح

English Name: Nuh (Noah)

Meaning: The name "Nuh" comes from the root "n-w-ḥ" (نوح), meaning to wail or lament, symbolizing his emotional appeals and sorrow over his people's disbelief.


Qur'anic Reference:

Surah Al-Qamar (54:9–10)
Arabic:
كَذَّبَتْ قَبْلَهُمْ قَوْمُ نُوحٍ فَكَذَّبُوا عَبْدَنَا وَقَالُوا مَجْنُونٌ وَازْدُجِرَ ﴿٩﴾
فَدَعَا رَبَّهُ أَنِّي مَغْلُوبٌ فَانتَصِرْ ﴿١٠﴾
Translation:
The people of Noah denied before them. They rejected Our servant and said, "A madman," and he was repelled. So he invoked his Lord, "Indeed, I am overpowered, so help me!"


Who Was Prophet Nuh?

Prophet Nuh (peace be upon him) is one of the earliest and most prominent prophets in Islam. He is often called the "Second Adam" because all of humanity after the Great Flood is believed to have descended from his followers. He was the first prophet sent with a warning to an idolatrous nation, and he preached for 950 years.


Nuh's Mission: Calling to Tawheed

Nuh's central message was Tawheed — worshiping Allah alone without associating partners. His people had begun idol worship by revering righteous figures like Wadd, Suwa', Yaghuth, Ya'uq, and Nasr (Surah Nuh 71:23), turning their graves and statues into objects of worship.

Despite repeated rejection, Nuh remained patient and pleaded with his people day and night. Allah says in Surah Nuh (71:5–6):
"قَالَ رَبِّ إِنِّي دَعَوْتُ قَوْمِي لَيْلًا وَنَهَارًا..."
"He said: O my Lord! Verily, I have called my people night and day..."


Rejection and Ridicule

Nuh was mocked for his persistence. They accused him of madness and rejected his call. According to Tafsir Ibn Kathir, the leaders would cover their ears and pull their garments to avoid listening to him.

The people's response is summarized in Surah Hud (11:27):
"We see you as nothing but a man like ourselves..."

Yet Nuh replied with sincerity and humility, emphasizing that he asked for no reward and that he was merely a warner.


The Ark: A Symbol of Faith and Salvation

After centuries of rejection, Allah revealed to Nuh that no more of his people would believe. He was instructed to build an Ark in preparation for a great flood. Surah Hud (11:37) says:
"وَاصْنَعِ الْفُلْكَ بِأَعْيُنِنَا وَوَحْيِنَا"
"And construct the ship under Our eyes and Our inspiration..."

Nuh began building the Ark on dry land. The people ridiculed him, asking, "Will your ship sail on sand?" But he remained steadfast.


The Great Flood

When Allah's command came, water gushed forth from every place — from the earth and the skies. Nuh was instructed to take a pair of each species and the believers with him. Only a small number believed (Qur'an, 11:40).

Even Nuh's own son, who refused to board the Ark, was drowned. When Nuh pleaded with Allah for his son's salvation, he was told in Surah Hud (11:46):
"O Nuh, indeed he is not of your family; indeed, his work was other than righteous..."


The Ark Settles and a New Beginning

After the waters subsided, the Ark rested on Mount Judi (Surah Hud 11:44). Nuh disembarked and began life with the faithful survivors.

He made du'a for forgiveness and thanked Allah, saying (Surah Nuh 71:28):
"رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِمَن دَخَلَ بَيْتِيَ مُؤْمِنًا..."
"My Lord, forgive me, my parents, and whoever enters my house as a believer..."


Scholarly Commentary

According to Imam Al-Qurtubi, Nuh's story is among the greatest signs of Allah's mercy and justice. His 950 years of calling (Surah Ankabut 29:14) reflects divine patience. Tafsir Al-Baghawi highlights the flood as both a punishment and a cleansing of the earth.

Ibn Kathir notes that Nuh's consistency is an example for da'wah workers — never wavering despite rejection and humiliation.


Key Lessons from Nuh's Life

1. Endurance in Da'wah:
He preached for 950 years — a lesson in patience and resilience.


2. Faith in Allah's Plan:
He obeyed Allah even when building an Ark in the desert.


3. Truth over Family Bonds:
Even his own son was not spared due to disbelief — faith is the ultimate bond.


4. Divine Mercy and Wrath:
The flood represents Allah's justice upon evil and mercy upon believers.


5. Symbolism of the Ark:
The Ark is a sign that salvation comes only through obedience to Allah.