Story Of Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH)/Abraham

Description Of Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) and his Family:

   During the time when some people worshipped idols of stone and wood, others worshipped the planets, starts, sun and moon; still others worshipped their kings and rulers, Ibrahim was born into a typical family of ancient time in kingdom of Babylon. The head of the family was not even an ordinary idolaters, but was one who totally rejected Allah (SWT) and who used to make idols with his own hands. Ibrahim’s father Aazar was a well-known sculptor and he would craft idols from stone or wood. As a child, Ibrahim would watch his father work, often using the finished idols as playthings. 

 

Into that family Ibrahim was born, destined to stand against his own family, against the entire system of his community. He stood against all of kind if polytheism.

Ibrahim's Childhood:

Ibrahim was endowed with spiritual understanding from an early age. Allah enlightened his heart and mind gave him wisdom from childhood. 

Almighty Allah states in Qur'an, Surah Al-Anbiya, Verse 51: 

"Indeed We bestowed afore time on Ibrahim his (portion of) guidance (sound judgement), and We knew him fully well (as to his belief in the Oneness of Allah)."

During is childhood Ibrahim realized that his father made strange statues. One day, he asked him what it was he made? His father replied that he made statues of gods. Ibrahim was astonished and he rejected the idea. Being a child he played with such statues sitting on their backs as people sit on the backs of donkeys.

One day his father saw him riding the statue of Mardukh and he became furious. He ordered his son not to play with it again.

Ibrahim asked: "What is this status, father? It has big ears, bigger than ours."

His father answered: "It is Mardukh, the god of gods, son! These big ears show his deep knowledge." This made Ibrahim laugh, he was only  seven years old.

Ibrahim's Hatred for idols:

Years passed and Ibrahim grew. He could not understand how a sane person could make a statue and then worship what he had made. He noticed that these idols did not eat, drink or talk and they could not even turn themselves right side up if someone turned them upside down. 

How, then could people believe that such statues could harm or benefit them? Ibrahim's people had a big temple full of idols, in the middle of which was the biggest gods which was of different kinds, qualities and shapes. 

Ibrahim, who used to go to the temple with his father when he was a child, greatly despised all that wood and stone. What surprised him was the way his people behaved when they entered the temple; they bowed and started to cry, begging and imploring their gods for help as if the idols could hear or understand these requested.

At first, such a sight seemed funny to Ibrahim, but later he began to feel angry. His father wanted him to be a priest when he was grown, however, Ibrahim  never stopped displaying his hatred and felt that the statues are not worthy. 

Narrated in Surah Al-An'aam, Verse 74: 

"And (remember) when Ibrahim said to his father Azar: "Do you take idols as aliha (gods)? Verily, I see you and your people in manifest error."

Ibrahim found Allah (SWT):

One night Ibrahim went up to the Mountain and sat resting his back. He looked at the sky, watching stars and planet. He remembered those were worshipped by some people at Earth. His heart was filled with pain, when he considered what was beyond moon, the stars and the planets (i.e Allah SWT) and was astonished that they were created by Allah. They appear and disappear at His command.

Allah narrates about Ibrahim in Surah Al-An'aam, Verse (76-79):

"When the night covered him over with darkness he saw a star. He said: "This is my lord." But when it set, he said: "I like not those that set."

When he saw the moon rising up, he said: "This is my lord." But when it set, he said: "Unless my Lord guides me, I shall surely be among the erring people."

When he saw the sun rising up, he said: "This is my lord. This is greater." But when it set, he said: "O my people! I am indeed free from all that you join as partners in worship with Allah."

Verily,  I have turned my face towards Him Who has created the Heavens and the Earth (i.e, worshipping none but Allah Alone) and I am not of Al-Mushrikun."

Ibrahim with Celestial Worshippers:

Conflict between him and his people began for the worshippers of the stars and planets did not stand quiet. People started to argue and threaten Ibrahim.

Ibrahim, addressed his people who worshipped celestial bodies, Almighty Allah revealed in Surah Al-An'aam, Verse (80-83):

"His people disputed with him. He said: "Do you dispute with me concerning Allah while He has guided me, and I fear not those whom you associate with Allah in worship. (Nothing can happen to me) except when my Lord (Allah) wills something. My Lord comprehends in His Knowledge all things. Will you not then remember?

And how should I fear those whom you associate in worship with Allah (though they can neither benefit nor harm), while you fear not that you have joined in worship with Allah, things for which He has not sent down to you any authority. (so) which of the two parties has more right to be in security? if you but know."

It is those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah and worship none but Him Alone) and confuse not their belief with Zulm (wrong i.e. by worshipping others besides Allah), for them (only) there is security and they are the gudied.

And that was Our proof which We gave Ibrahim against his people. We raise whom We will in degrees. Certainly your Lord is All-Wise, All-Knowing."

Ibrahim clarified that these celestial bodies do not serve as deities and cannot be worshipped as partners with Allah Almighty. Indeed these bodies are created things, fashioned, controlled and made to serve. They appear and disappear as per His command. However, Allah the Almighty does not lose sight of anything, and nothing can be hidden from Him. He is everlasting without disappearing. There is no other deity but Allah.

He also made clear to them that they are among the signs of Allah. 

Almighty Allah commanded in Surah Fussilat, Verse 37:

"And among His signs are the night and the day, and the sun and the moon; do not prostrate to the sun nor to the moon; and prostrate to Allah Who created them, if Him it is that you serve."

Ibrahim with Idolaters:

Allah gave Ibrahim the reasoning and sound judgement he needed every time he argued with people, Almighty declared in Surah Al-An'aam, Verse 83: 

"And that was Our proof which We gave Ibrahim against his people. We raise whom We will in degrees. Certainly you Lord is All-Wise, All-Knowing."

Ibrahim tried his best to convince and make them aware to believe the Oneness of Allah and to worship Allah alone. Narrated in  Surah Al-Anbiya, Verse (52-56):

"When he said to his father and his people: what are these images to worship you cleave?

They said: "We found our fathers worshipping them."

He said: "Certainly you have been, (both) you and your fathers, in manifest error."

They said: "Have you brought to us the truth, or are you one of the triflers?"

He said: "Nay! your Lord (Allah) is the Lord of the Heavens and the Earth, Who brought them into existence, and O am of those who bear witness to this."

Ibrahim with his Father:

 

Ibrahim's father (Aazar) was furious, for they not only worshipped idols but they sculpted them as well. It was his duty as a good son to advise his father against the evil so that he could be saved from Allah's punishment.

He gently asked his father, why he worshipped lifeless idols who could not hear, see or protect him. Ibrahim also narrated in Surah Maryam, Verse (43-48):

"O my father! Truly the knowledge has come to me which has not come to you, therefore follow me, I will guide you on a right path:

O my father! Serve not the Shaitan, surely the Shaitan is disobedient to the Beneficent Allah;

O my father! Surely I fear that a punishment from the Beneficent Allah should afflict you so that you should be a friend of the Shaitan.

He said: "Do you dislike my gods, O Ibrahim? If you do not desist I will certainly revile you, and leave me for a time.

He said: Peace be on you, I will pray to my Lord (Allah) to forgive you; surely He is ever Affectionate to me;

And I will withdraw from you and what you call on besides Allah, and I will call upon my Lord; may be I shall not remain unblessed in calling upon my Lord (Allah)."

Ibrahim argues with Idolaters:

Ibrahim did not stop delivering the message of truth. He was sad and angry to see that the people are prostrating idols, he was determined to stop these practices. 

Ibrahim asked them: "Do the idols see you when you prostrate before them? Do they benefit you in any way?

They quickly tried to defend their beliefs. They argued that they knew the idols were lifeless but that their forefathers had worshipped them; to them this was proof enough for their belief.

Ibrahim explained that their forefathers had been wrong. This made them angry and they replied: "Are you condemning our gods and our forefathers? Or are you just joking?"

Ibrahim showed me no fear as he replied: "I am serious I come to you with a true religion. I have been sent with guidance from our Lord (Allah) Who alone is worthy of worship, Who is the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth, and Who regulates all affairs of life, unlike the dumb idols which are just stone and wood."

To convince them that the idols could not harm him, he challenged. I have already condemned them; of they had any power they would have harmed me by now!

Ibrahim with Idolaters again:

Almighty Allah states in Surah Ash-Shu'araa, Verse (69-82):

"And recite to them the story of Ibrahim.

When he said to his father and his people: "What do you worship?"

They said: "We worship idols, so we shall be their votaries."

He said: "Do they hear you when you call?

Or do they profit you or cause you harm?

They said: "Nay, we found our fathers doing so."

He said: "Have you then considered what you have been worshipping."

"You and your ancient sires.

Surely they are enemies to me, but not (so) the Lord of the Worlds;

Who created me, then He has shown me the way;

And He Who gives me to eat and gives me to drink;

And when I am sick, then He restored me to health,

And He Who will cause me to die, then give me life;

And Who, I hope, will forgive me my mistakes on the day of judgment."

In another Surah Almighty Allah revealed in Surah Al-Ankaboot, Verse (16-23):

"And (We sent) Ibrahim, when he said to his people: Serve Allah and be careful of (your duty to) Him; this is best for you, if you did not know

You only worship idols besides Allah and you create a lie surely they whom you serve besides Allah do not control for you any sustenance, therefore seek the sustenance from Allah and serve Him and be grateful to Him; to Him you shall be brought back. 

And if you reject (the truth), nations before you did indeed reject (the truth); and nothing is incumbent on the apostle but a pain delivering (of the message).

What! do they not consider how Allah originates the creation, then reproduces it? Surely that is easy to Allah.

Say: Travel in the Earth and see how He makes the first creation, then Allah creates the latter creation; surely Allah has power over all things.

He punishes whom He pleases and has mercy on whom He pleases, and to Him you shall be turned back.

And you shall not escape in the Earth nor in the heaven, and you have neither a protector nor a helper besides Allah.

And (as to) those who disbelieve in the communications of Allah and His meeting, they have despaired of My mercy, and these it is that shall have a painful punishment."

Ibrahim breaking idols:

Ibrahim explained the people of Allah's creation, His power and wisdom. Idol worship is disliked by Allah, He is the Lord of the Universe Who created mankind, guided him and provided him with food and drink and cured him when he sick and Who will cause him to die and be raised up again. It was He to Whom Abraham prayed and Who would forgive his sins on the Day of Judgement. However, they did not give up. 

Ibrahim left his father's house and abandoned his people and what they worshipped. He decided to do something about their state of belief, but didn't reveal it. He knew that there was going to be a great celebration on the other bank of the river which be attended by all the people. He waited until the city was empty, then came out cautiously, towards the temple. Priests had also gone for the festival outside the city. 

He went to the temple carrying a sharp axe. He looked at the stone and wood statues of the gods and at the food laid in front of them as offerings. He approached one of the statues and asked: The food in front of you is getting cold. Why don't you eat? The statues were silent. 

As narrated in Surah As-Saaffat, Verse 91, Ibrahim asked all other statues around him:

"Then he turned aside to their gods secretly and said: What! do you not eat?"

He was mocking them for he knew they would not eat. He again asked as per Surah As-Saaffat, Verse 92:

"What is the matter with you that you do not speak?"

He then raised his axe and started smashing the false gods worshipped by the people. He destroyed them all except one on whose neck he hung the axe. After his anger subsides and he felt at peace. He left the temple after he fulfilled his vow to show his people a practical proof of their foolishness in worshipping something other than Allah.

Ibrahim and Idolaters:

When the people returned, they were shocked to see their gods smashed to pieces, lying scattered all over the temple. They began to guess who had done that to their idols and Ibrahim's name came to their minds.

Allah the Almighty says in Surah Al-Anbiya, Verse (59-67):

"They said: Who has done this to our gods? Most surely he is one of the unjust.

They said: We heard a youth called Ibrahim speak of them.

Said they: Then bring him before the eyes of the people, perhaps they may bear witness.

They said: Have you done this to our gods, O Ibrahim?

He said: Surely, (some doer) has done it, the chief of them is this, therefore ask them, if they can speak.

Then they turned to themselves and said: Surely you yourselves are the unjust.

Then they were made to hang down their heads: Certainly you know that they do not speak.

He said: What! do you then serve besides Allah what brings you not any benefit at all, nor does it harm you?

Fie on you and on what you serve besides Allah; What! do you not then understand?"

Furious, they demanded that Ibrahim be arrested. He didn't resist. This was precisely what he had been aiming for, so that he could show them up in public for their foolish beliefs. At the trial they asked him if he was responsible for breaking the idols. 

Smiling, he told them them to ask the biggest idol which was still whole. He told them that he must be the culprit! They replied that he knew well that the idol could not speak or move which gave Ibrahim the chance to prove the foolishness of worshipping these lifeless objects.

They then realized the senselessness of their beliefs; however, their arrogance would not allow them to admit their foolishness. All they could do was to use their power of authority as tyrants usually do to punish Ibrahim. They kept him in chains and planned their revenge.

Idolaters try to burn Ibrahim:

Anger was burning in their hearts. They decided to throw Ibrahim into the biggest fire they could build. All the citizens were ordered to gather wood as a service to their gods. Ignorant, sick women vowed that if they were cured they would donate so much wood to burn Ibrahim. For several days they collected fuel. They dug a deep pit, filled it with firewood and ignited it. They bought a catapult with which to cast Ibrahim into the fire. Ibrahim was put on the catapult, his hands and feet were tied. The fire was ready with its flame reaching the sky. The people stood away from the pit because of the great heat. Then the chief priest gave his order to cast Ibrahim into the fire. 

The angel Jibrel came near Ibrahim's head and asked him: O Ibrahim do you wish for anything? Ibrahim replied: Nothing from you.

The catapult was shot and Ibrahim was cast into the fire. But his descent into the blaze was as descent on steps in a cool garden. The flames were still there, but they did not burn for Allah the Almighty had issued His command:

As narrated in Surah Al-Anbiya, Verse 69:

"O fire! Be you coolness and safety for Ibrahim."

The fire submitted to the will of Allah, becoming cool and safe for Ibrahim. It only burned his bonds, and he sat in the midst of the fire as if he were sitting in a garden. He glorified and praised Allah the Almighty, with a heart that contained only his love for Allah. There was not any vacant space therein for fear, awe, or worry. It was filled with love only.

Fear and awe were dead, and the fire was turned into coolness, making the air pleasant. Those who love Allah as Ibrahim do, did not fear.

Faith of Believers:

Allah declared in Surah Aal-e-Imran, Verse (173-175):

"Those to whom the people said: Surely men have gathered against you, therefore fear them, but this increased their faith, and they said: Allah is sufficient for us and most excellent is the Protector.

So they returned with favor from Allah and (His) grace, no evil touched them and they followed the pleasure of Allah; and Allah is the Lord of mighty grace.

It is only the Shaitaan that causes you to fear from his friends, but do not fear them, and fear Me if you are believers."

The crowd of people, the chiefs and the priests were watching the fire from a distance. It was burning their faces and nearly suffocating them. It kept burning for a such a long time that the disbelievers thought it would never be extinguished. When it did burn out, they were greatly amazed to find Ibrahim coming out of pit untouched by fire. Their faces were black from the smoke, but his face was bright with the light and grace of Allah. 

The raging fire had become cool for Ibrahim and had only charred the ropes which held him. He walked out of the fire as if he were walking out of a garden. Cries of astonishment were heard from the heathens.

As narrated in Surah Al-Anbiya, Verse (68-70):

"They said: Burn him and help your gods, if you are going to do (anything).

We said: O fire! be a comfort and peace to Ibrahim;

And they desired a war on him, but We made them the greatest losers."

This miracle shamed the cruel rulers, but it did not cool the flame of anger in their hearts. However after this event many of the people follow Ibrahim, although some kept their belief a secret for the fear of harm or death at the hands of the ruler.

Ibrahim challenges King Namrud (who proclaim themselves as gods):

Ibrahim had established a definite reasoning against idolaters. No he had to reason against the people who proclaimed themselves gods.

When king Namrud, heard of Ibrahim's safe exit from the fire. He became very angry. He feared that the status of Divinity he had proclaimed for himself was not challenged by an ordinary person. He ordered Ibrahim to be present in his palace and had a conversation with him which Allah Almighty recounted in Surah Al-Baqara, Verse 258:

"Have you not considered him (Namrud) who disputed with Ibrahim about his Lord, because Allah had given him the kingdom? When Ibrahim said: My Lord is He who gives life and causes to die, he said: I give life and cause death. Ibrahim said: So surely Allah causes the sun to rise from the East, them make it rise from the West; thus he who disbelieved was confounded; and Allah does not guide aright the unjust people."

Ibrahim's fame spread through out the entire kingdom. People talked about how he had been saved from the blazing fire and how he had debated with the king and left him speechless. In the meantime, Ibrahim continued calling people to believe in Allah, exerting a great effort to guide his people to the right path. 

He tried every means to convince them. However in spite of his love and care for his people, they felt angry and deserted him. Only one woman and one man of his people shared his belief in Allah. The woman's name was Sarah and she became his wife. The man's name was Lut and he became a prophet.

When Ibrahim realized that no one else was going to believe in his call, he decided to emigrate. He left his people and travelled with his wife and Lut to a city called Ur (in Iraq), then to Haran (in Turkey today) and then to Palestine.

Allah the Almighty told us in Surah Al-Ankaboot, Verse 26:

"And Lut believed in Him, and he said: I am fleeing to my Lord, surely He is the Mighty, the wise."

After Palestine, Ibrahim travelled to Egypt, calling people to believe in Allah wherever he travelled, judging fairly between people, and guiding them to truth and righteousness.

About Ibrahim, Sarah and Hajar: 

Narrated Abu Hurairah: Ibrahim (PBUH) did not tell a lie except on three occasions, twice for the sake of Allah Almighty. 

*Ibrahim excused himself as narrated in Surah As-Saffat, Verse 89: 

Then he said: Surely I am sick (of your worshipping these).

*When he said: I have not done this but the big idol has done it. 

*The third was that while Ibrahim and Sarah (his wife) were going on a journey, they passed by the territory of a tyrant. Someone said to the tyrant: This man (Ibrahim) is accompanied by a very charming lady. So, he sent for Ibrahim and asked him about Sarah saying Who is this lady? Ibrahim said: She is my sister. 

Ibrahim went to Sarah and said: O Sarah! There are no believers on the surface of the Earth except you and me. This man asked me about you and I have told him that you are my sister do not contradict my statement.

The ruler then called Sarah, and when she went to him, he tried to take hold of her with his hand, but his hand got stiff and he was confounded. He asked Sarah: Pray to Allah for me and I shall not harm you. So Sarah asked Allah to cure him and he got cured. 

He tried to take hold of her for the second time, but his hand got as stiff s or stiffer than before and he was more confounded. He again requested Sarah: Pray for me, and I will not harm you. Sarah asked to Allah again, and he became all right. 

He then called one of his guards who had brought her and said: You have not brought me a human being but have brought me a devil. 

The ruler then gave Hajar as a maid servant to Sarah. Ibrahim gesturing with his hand, asked: What has happened?

She replied: Allah has spoiled the evil plot of the immoral person and gave me Hajar for service.

Questions on Resurrection: 

Ibrahim lived on Earth worshipping Allah and calling people to monotheism, but he was journeying to Allah, knowing that his days on Earth were limited and that they would be followed by death and finally resurrection. The knowledge of life and death filled Ibrahim with peace and love and certitude. 

One day he begged Allah to show him how He brought the dead back to life. Allah commanded Ibrahim to take four birds, cut them up and mingle their body parts, divide them into four portions and place them on the top of four different hills, then call back the birds in Allah's name. 

Ibrahim did as he was told. Immediately the mingled parts of the birds separated to join their original bodies in different places and birds flew back to Ibrahim.

Allah Almighty revealed in Surah Al-Baqara, Verse 260:

"And when Ibrahim said: My Lord! Show me how You give life to the dead. 

He said: What! And do you not believe? 

He said: Yes, but that my heart may be at ease. 

He said: then take four of the birds, then train them to follow you, then place on every mountain a part of them, then call them, they will come to you flying; and know that Allah is Mighty, Wise."

        Success comes from Allah (SWT) and He knows the best.

Story Of Prophet Salih (PBUH)

Description of the People of Thamud:

    The people who came after 'Ad went back to the worship of one God (Allah SWT) because they were believers. They died out, they had children. Satan  came again and gave them ideas. The desires and temptations started to play again. People went back to worship different types of idols. There was a village in north west of the Lands of Arabia.  After the destruction of the Ad, the tribe of Thamud succeeded them in power and glory. 

    Thamud is the son or one of the children of 'Ad. He migrated to the north west of the Arabian Peninsula in a city called Al-Hijr, it is a rocky tract. Allah SWT had bestowed upon Thamud the way He had bestowed upon the 'Ad. He gave them wealth, health, strength and knowledge. They were huge human beings, fell to idol-worshipping. They were even more advanced in their technology then their former cousins 'Ad. They used to carve homes out of the mountains. They carved castle out of the mountains. They say "Nothing can harm us, neither earth quake, nor wind." They followed statues, they had an associate idols and that was themselves.

     As their material wealth increased so, too, did their evil ways while their virtue decreased. Like the people of Ad, they erected huge buildings on the plains and hewed (shape) beautiful homes out of the hills. Tyranny and oppression became prevalent as evil men ruled the land.

Description Of Salih (Saleh): 

    Allah sent unto them His Prophet Salih (PBUH), a man from among them.  He was young, intelligent, strong and was from a noble family. He was from the high class of the society so they were preparing him to be their leader His name was Salih Ibn Ubeid, Ibn Maseh, Ibn Ubeid, Ibn Hader, Ibn Thamud, Ibn Ather, Ibn Eram, Ibn Noah. They were looking forward that one day he will assume responsibility for the people of Thamud.

    Suddenly Saleh (PBUH) presented them with the message of Allah SWT. Saleh was an Arab prophet. He called his people to worship Allah alone, and to not associate partners with Him. While some of them believed him, the majority of them disbelieved and harmed him by both words and deeds. Saleh directed them in Surah Hud, Verse 61: 

    "And to Thamud (people, We sent) their brother Salih (Saleh).  He said: "O my people! Worship Allah, you have no other Ilah (god) but Him. He brought you forth from the earth and settled you therein, then ask forgiveness of Him and turn to Him in repentance. Certainly, my Lord is Near (to all by His Knowledge), Responsive."

    Saleh was known for his wisdom, purity and goodness and had been greatly respected by his people before Allah's revelation came to him. Saleh's people said to him in Surah Hud, Verse 62:

    " They said: "O Salih (Saleh) ! You have been among us as a figure of good hope (and we wished for you to be our chief), till this, [new thing which you have brought that we leave our gods and worship your God (Allah) Alone]! Do you now forbid us the worship of what our fathers have worshipped? But we are really in grave doubt as to that which you invite us to (monotheism)." 

Saleh's People Demand a Miracle:

    They merely wanted to worship the same gods as their fathers had, with no reason, no proof, no thought. The proof of Salih's (PBUH) message was evident, but despite this it was obvious that most of his people did not believe him. They doubted his words, thinking he was charmed, and they saw that he would not stop preaching. Fearing that his followers would increase, they tried to put him off by assigning him an important task; to prove that he was a messenger of Allah by performing a miracle. Let a unique she camel issue from the mountains.

    Allah granted Salih this miracle and a huge, unique, she camel appeared from the direction of the mountain. The Quranic commentators said that the people of Thamud gathered on a certain day at their meeting place, and the prophet Salih (PBUH) came and addressed them to believe in Allah, reminding them of the favors Allah had granted them.

    Then pointing at a rock, they demanded: "Ask your Lord to make a she camel, which must be 10 months pregnant, tall and attractive, issue from the rock for us."

    Saleh replied: "Look now! If Allah sends you what you have requested, just as you have described, will you believe in that which I have come to you with and have faith in the message I have been sent with?"

They answered: "Yes."

    So he took a vow from them on this, then prayed to Allah the Almighty to grant their request. Allah ordered the distant rock to split asunder, to bringing forth a great ten month pregnant she camel. When their eyes set on it, they were amazed. They saw a great thing, a wonderful sight, a dazzling power and clear evidence!

    A number of Saleh's people believed, yet most of them continued in their disbelief, stubbornness, and going astray.

 Allah the Almighty said in Surah Al-Israa, Verse 59:

"And nothing stops Us from sending the Ayat (proofs, evidences, signs) but that the people of old denied them. And We sent the She-Camel to Thamud as a clear sign, but they did her wrong. And We sent not the signs except to warn, and to make them afraid (of destruction)."

    And also in Surah Al-Hijr, Verse 80 & 81:

"Verily, the dwellers of Al Hijr (the rocky tract) denied the Messengers. 

And We gave them Our Signs, but they were averse to them."

    There are a number of ancient accounts of this camel and its miraculous nature. It was said that the she camel was miraculous because a rock in the mountain split open and it came forth from it, followed by its young offspring. Other accounts said that the she camel used to drink all the water in the wells in one day, and no other animals could approach the water. Still others claimed that the she camel produced milk sufficient for all the people to drink, on the same day that it drank all the water, leaving none for them.

    At first, the people of Thamud were greatly surprised when the she camel issued from the mountain rocks. It was a blessed camel, and its milk sufficient for thousands of men, women and children. If it slept in a place that place was abandoned by other animals. Thus it was obvious that is was not an ordinary camel, but one of Allah's signs. It lived among Salih's people, some of whom believed in Allah while the majority continued in their obstinacy and disbelief.

    Their hatred of Salih turned towards the blessed she camel and became centered on it. A conspiracy started to be hatched against the camel by the disbelievers, and they secretly plotted against it.

    Salih feared that they might kill the camel, so he warned them in Surah Hud, Verse 64:

    "And O my people! This She-Camel of Allah is a sign to you, leave her to feed on Allah's earth, and touch her not with evil, lest a near torment will seize you."

    For awhile, Salih's people let the camel graze and drink freely, but in their hearts they hated it. However, the miraculous appearance of the unique camel caused many to become Salih's followers, and they clung to their belief in Allah.

About the She-Camel:

    The disbelievers now began complaining that this huge she camel with its unusual qualities drank most of the water and frightened their cattle.

    They laid a plot to kill the camel, and sought the help of their women folk to tempt the men to carry out their commands. Saduq bint of Mahya, who was from a rich and noble family, offered herself to a young man named Masrai Ibn Mahraj on condition that he hamstring the camel. Aniza, an old woman, offered one of her daughters to a young man, Qudar Ibn Saluf, in return for killing the camel. Naturally these young men were tempted and set about finding seven others to assist them.

    They watched the camel closely, observing all its movements. As the she camel came to drink at the well, Masarai shot it in the leg with an arrow. It tried to escape but was hampered by the arrow. Qudar followed the camel and struck it with a sword in the other leg. As it fell to the ground, he pierced it with his sword.

Destruction Of The People Of Thamud:

    The killers were given a hero's welcome, cheered with songs and poetry composed in their praise. In their arrogance they mocked Salih, but he warned them: "Enjoy life for three more days then the punishment will descend upon you."Salih was hoping that they would see the folly of their ways and change their attitude before the three days went out.

"Why three days?" they asked. "Let the punishment come as quickly as possible."

    He pleaded with them: "My people, why do you hasten to evil rather than good? Why do not you ask pardon of Allah so that you may receive mercy?"

They replied: "We see your presence and that of your followers as bringing evil on us."

    Almighty Allah related their story  in Surah Al-Naml, Verse (45-53): 

    "And indeed We sent to Thamud their brother Saleh, saying: "Worship Allah (Alone and none else). Then look! They became two parties (believers and disbelievers) quarreling with each other."

    He said: "O my people! Why do you seek to hasten the evil (torment) before the good (Allah's Mercy)? Why seek you not the Forgiveness of Allah, that you may receive mercy?"

     They said: "We augur till omen from you and those with you." He said: "Your ill omen is with Allah; nay, but you are a people that are being tested."

    And there were in the city nine men (from the sons of their chiefs), who made mischief in the land, and would not reform. 

    They said: "Swear one to another by Allah that we shall make a secret night attack on him and his household, and afterwards we will surely say to his near relatives: 'We witnessed not the destruction of his household, and verily! We are telling the truth."'

    They also plotted to kill Salih and his household as Almighty Allah stated in Surah Al-Naml, Verse (50-53):

   "So they plotted a plot, and We planned a plan, while they perceived not. 

    Then see how was the end of their plot! Verily! We destroyed them and their nation, all together.

    These are their houses in utter ruin, for they did wrong. Verily, in this is indeed an Ayah (a lesson or a sign) for people who know. 

    And We saved those who believed, and used to fear and obey Allah."

    Allah saved Salih and his followers from their wicked plans. Heavy hearted, they left the evil doers and moved to another place.

    Three days after Salih's warning, thunderbolts filled the air, followed by severe earthquakes which destroyed the entire tribe and its homeland. The land was violently shaken, destroying all living creatures in it. There was one terrific cry which had hardly ended when the disbelievers of Salih's people were struck dead, one and all, at the same time. Neither their strong buildings nor their rock hewn homes could protect them.

  Allah the Exalted said in Surah Al-A'raaf, Verse (73-79): 

    "And to Thamud (people We sent) their brother Salih. He said: "O my people! Worship Allah! You have no other Ilah (god) but Him ( La ilaha ill-Allah: none has the right to be worshipped but Allah). Indeed there has come to you a clear sign (the miracle of the coming out of a huge she camel from the midst of a rock) from your Lord. This she-camel of Allah is a sign unto you; so you leave her to graze in Allah's earth, and touch her not with harm, lest a painful torment should size you."

    "And remember when He made you successors after 'Ad (people) and gave you habitations in the land, you build for yourselves palaces in plains and carve out homes in the mountains. So remember the graces (bestowed upon you) from Allah, and do not go about making mischief on the earth."

    The leaders of those who were arrogant among his people said to those who were counted weak - to such of them as believed: "Know you that Salih (Saleh) is one sent from his Lord." They said: "We indeed believe in that with which he has been sent." 

    Those who were arrogant said: "Verily, we disbelieve in that which you believe in."

    So they killed the she-camel and insolently defied the Commandment of their Lord, and said: "O Salih (Saleh)! Bring about your threats if you are indeed one of the Messengers (of Allah)." 

    So the earthquakes seized them, and they lay dead, prostrate in their homes. 

    Then he [Salih (Saleh)] turned from them, and said: "O my people! I have indeed conveyed to you the Message of my Lord, and have give you good advise but you like not good advisers."

    All were destroyed before they realized what was happening. As for the people who believed in the message of Salih (Peace Be Upon Him), they were saved because they had left the place.

    Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that while the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was passing by Thamud's houses on his way to the battle of Tabuk, he stopped together with the people there. the people fetched water from the wells from which the people of Thamud used to drink. They prepared their dough (for baking) and filled their water skins from it (the water from the wells).

    The Prophet of Allah (PBUH) ordered them to empty the water skins and give the prepared dough to the camels. Then he went away with them until they stopped at the well from which the she camel (of Salih) used to drink. He warned them against entering upon the people that had been punished, saying "I fear that you may be affected by what afflicted them; so do no enter upon them."

                     Success comes from Allah (SWT) and He knows the best.

Story Of Prophet Hud (PBUH)

       After the flood Noah (PBUH) settled in the north of Syria and south of Turkey. They spread all the way to Arab Peninsula and Syria, all were followers. 

Description of the People of 'Ad:

The people of 'Ad lived many years in the hills of an area Al-Ahqaf between Yemen and Oman. 'Ad tribe disbelieved in Allah, but they were given the most power of any nation before them.  They were physically well built and renowned for their craftmanship especially in the construction of tall buildings with lofty towers. They were outstanding among all the nations in power and wealth, which unfortunately made them arrogant and boastful. Their political power was held in the hand of unjust rulers, against whom no one dared to raise a voice. 

They were not ignorant of the existence of Allah, nor did they refuse to worship Him. What they refuse was to worship Allah alone. They worshipped other gods, also including idols. This is the one sin Allah never forgives. 

They were the first individuals to commit worship of deity, gods, or anything other than Allah after the flood. They worshipped three idols namely, Sudaah, Samoodh, and Har'ah.

Description of Hud:

   Allah wanted to guide and discipline these people so He sent a Prophet from among them. The Prophet was Hud (PBUH), a noble man who handled the task with great resoluteness, integrity, sincerity, and tolerance. He was honest, good looking, truthful and had sound character.

Ibn Jarir reported that he was Hud Ibn Shalikh, Ibn Arfakhshand, Ibn Sam, Ibn Noah( PBUH). He also reported that Prophet Hud (PBUH) was from a tribe called Ad, Ibn Us, Ibn Sam, Ibn Noah (PBUH) who were Arabs living in Al Ahqaf in Yemen between Oman and Hadramaut, on a land called Ashar stretching out into the sea. The name of their valley was Mughiith. Some traditions claimed that Hud (PBUH) was the first person who spoke Arabic while others claimed that Adam was the first. 

Hud's Appeal to his People:

   Hud (PBUH) condemned idol worship and admonished his people. "My people, what is the benefit of these stones that you carve with your own hand and worship? In reality it is an insult to the intellect. There is only One Deity worthy of worship and that is Allah. Worship of Him and Him alone, is compulsory on you.

Allah created you, He provides for you and He is the One Who will cause you to die. He gave you wonderful physiques and blessed you in many ways. So believe in Him and do not be blind to His favours, or the same fate that destroyed Noah's people will overtake you. 

With such reasoning, Hud hoped to install faith in them, but they refused to accept his message. His people asked him: "Do you desire to be our master with your call? What payment do you want?"

Hud tried to make them understand that he would receive his payment (reward) from Allah, he did not demand anything from them except that they let the light of truth touch their minds and heart.

Allah Almighty says in Surah Hud, Verse (50 - 57):

And to 'Ad (people) We sent their brother Hud. He said, "O my people! Worship Allah! You have no other Ilah(God) but Him. Certainly, you do nothing but invent (lies)!

"O my people! I ask of you no reward for it (the Message). My reward is only from Him, Who created me. Will you not then understand?

"And O my people! Ask forgiveness of your Lord and then repent to Him, He will send you (from the sky) abundant rain, and add strength to your strength, so do not turn away as Mujrimun (criminals, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah)."

They said: "O Hud! No evidence have you bought us, and we shall not leave our gods for your saying! And we are not believers in you.

"All that we say is that some of our gods (false deities) have seized you with evil (madness)." He said: "I call Allah to witness and bear you witness that I am free from that which you ascribe as partners in worship."

With Him (Allah). So plot against me, all of you, and give me no respite.

"I put my trust in Allah, my Lord and your Lord! There is not a moving (living) creature but He has grasp of its forelock. Verily, my Lord is on the Straight Path (the truth)."

"So if you turn away, still I have conveyed the Message with which I was sent to you. My Lord will make another people succeed you, and you will not harm Him in the least. Surely, Lord is Guardian over all things."

Hud (PBUH) explains the Day Of Judgement:

   Hud tried to speak to them and to explain about Allah's blessing: how Allah the Almighty had made them Noah's successors, how He had given them strength and power, and He sent them rain to revive the soil.

Hud's people looked about them and found they were the strongest on earth, so they become prouder and more obstinate. Thus they argued a lot with Hud. They asked, "O Hud! Do you say that later we die and turn into dust, we will be resurrect?

He replied: "Yes, you will come back on the Day of Judgement and each of you will be asked about what you did." He addressed his people concerning the Day of Judgement. He explained that belief in the Day of Judgement is essential to Allah's justice, teaching them the same thing that every prophet taught about it. 

Hud explained that justice demands that there will be a Day of Judgement because good is not always victorious in life. Sometimes evil overpowers good. Will such crimes go unpunished? If we suppose there is no Day of Judgement, then a great injustice will have prevailed, but Allah has forbidden injustice to be incurred by Himself or His subjects. Therefore, the existence of the Day of Judgement, a day of accounting for our deeds and being rewarded or punished for them, reveals the extend of Allah's justice. Hud spoke to them about all of these things. They listened but disbelieve him.

The Disbeliever's attitude:

   Allah recounts Hud's people's attitude towards the Day Of Judgement in Surah Al-Muminoon, Verse (33 - 38):

"And the chiefs of his people, who disbelieved and denied the meeting in the Hereafter, and to whom We had given the luxuries and comforts  of this life, said: "He is no more than a human being like you, he eats of that which you eat, and drinks of what you drink."

"If you were to obey a human being like yourselves, then verily! You indeed would be losers."

"Does he promise you that when you have died and have become dust and bones, you shall come out alive (resurrected)?"

"Far, very far is that which you are promised."

"There is nothing but our life of this world! We die and we live! And we are not going to be resurrected!

"He is only a man who has invented a lie against Allah, but we are not going to believe in him."

The Disbelievers Questioning Hud:

   The chiefs of Hud's people asked: "Is it not strange that Allah chooses one of us to reveal His message?"

Hud replied: "What is strange in that? Allah wants to guide you to the right way of life, so He sent Messengers to warn you. Noah's flood and his story are not far away from you, so do not forget what happened. All the disbelievers were destroyed, no matter how strong they were."

"Who is going to destroy us Hud?" the chief asked.

"Allah," replied Hud

The disbelievers among his people answered: "We will be saved by our Gods."

Hud clarified to them that the Gods they worshipped would be the reason for their destruction, that it is Allah alone Who saves people, and that no other power on Earth can benefit or harm anyone.

The conflict between Hud and his people continued. The years passed, and they became prouder, more obstinate, more tyrannical (exercising power in a cruel or arbitrary way) and more defiant (bold disobedience) of their prophet's message.

Hud Warns his people:

    Furthermore, they started to accuse Hud (PBUH) of being a crazy lunatic. One day they told him: "We now understand the scent of your madness you insulted our gods and they harmed you; that is why you have become insane."

Almighty Allah repeated their words in the Qur'an Surah Hud, Verse 53 & 54:

They (disbelievers) said: "O Hud! No evidence have you brought us, and we shall not leave our gods for your (mere) saying! And we are not believers in you."

"All that we say is that some of our gods (false deities) have seized you with evil (madness)." He said: "I call Allah to witness and bear you witness that I am free from that which you ascribe as partners in worship."

Hud had to return their challenge. He had no other way but to turn to Allah alone, no other alternative but to give them a threatening ultimatum, he declared to them in Surah Hud, Verse (55 - 57):

"With Him (Allah). So plot against me, all of you, and give me no respite."

"I put my trust in Allah, my Lord and your Lord! There is not a moving (living) creature but He has grasp of its forelock Verily, my lord is on the Straight Path (the truth).

"So if you turn away, still I have conveyed the Message with which I was sent to you. My Lord will make another people succeed you, and you will not harm Him in the least. Surely, my Lord is Guardian over all things."

Thus Hud renounced them and their gods and affirmed his dependence on Allah Who had created him. Hud realized that punishment would be incurred on the disbelievers among his people. It is one of the 'Laws of Life'. Allah punishes the disbelievers, no matter how rich, tyrannical or great they are. 

Hud and his people waited for Allah's promise. A drought spread throughout the land, for the sky no longer sent its rain. The sun scorched the deserts sand, looking like a disc of fire which settled on people's head.

Hud's people hastened to him asking: "What is that drought Hud?"

Hud answered: "Allah is angry with you. If you believe in Him, He will accept you and the rain will fall and you will become stronger than you are."

They mocked him again and became more obstinate, sarcastic and preserve in their unbelief. The drought increased, the trees turned yellow, and plants died. For 3 years not even a single drop of rain fell from the sky.

Hud asked to repent and turn to Allah to bring back the rain and also informed that Allah will make you more stronger if they want. 'Ad denied again and asked to bring punishment.

Hud said: "You're already in a punishment, because the rain has stopped."

'Ad believed that rain stopped because their gods cursed them and Hud was the reason for it. They asked Hud to leave the place to get the rain back. Allah commands Hud and His believers to leave the city giving up their houses. 

'Ad started crying, sacrificing and praying to their gods for rain. While they were invoking with idols they heard a sound from Heaven, "Do you want cloud?"

"Yes":  they replied. Voice from Heaven asked: "What color do you want?

They replied: "Dark grey clouds." (as it symbolizes rain)

"Fine you'll have it." replied the voice.

They saw a beautiful dark grey clouds on the sky. They said: "The curded man left and the rain is back again." They were happy.

The cloud was beginning of the great end. A day came when they found the sky full of clouds. Hud's people were glad as they came out of their tents crying: A cloud, which will give us rain. 

The weather changed suddenly from burning dry and hot to stinging cold with wind that shook everything; trees, plants, tents, men and women. The very furious wind was sent. The wind increased day after day and night after night. 

Hud's people started to flee. They ran to their  tents to hide but the gale (a very strong wind) became stronger, ripping their tents from their stakes. They hid under cloth covers but the gale became stronger and still and tore away the covers. It slashed clothing and skin. It penetrated  the apertures of the body and destroyed it. It hardly touched anything before it was destroyed or killed, its core sucked out to decompose and rot. The storm raged for 8 days  nights.

For eight days Allah gave them punishment. Their pillars, buildings were in the air. Wind hit into the ground on the eighth day.

Allah broke every limb of their body and the whole city was destroyed. It was a natural disaster erased them from the land. The place now is a desert, empty land with no one living. 

Almighty Allah recounts in Surah Al-Ahqaf, Verse (24-25):

Then, when they saw it as a dense cloud coming towards their valleys, they said: "This is a cloud bringing us rain!" Nay, but it is that (torment) which you were asking to be hastened a wind wherein is a painful torment.

Destroying everything by the command of its Lord! So they became such that nothing could be seen except their dwellings! Thus do We recompense the people who are Mujrimun (polytheists, disbelievers, sinners, etc).

Allah the Exalted described it thus in Surah Al- Haqqah, Verse (6-7):

And as for 'Ad, they were destroyed by a furious violent wind;

Which Allah imposed on them for seven nights and eight days in succession, so that you could see men lying overthrown (destroyed), as if they were hollow trunks of date-palms!

The Believers were Saved:

   That violent gale (a very strong wind) did not stop until the entire region was reduced to ruins and its wicked people destroyed, swallowed by the sand of the desert. Only Hud and his followers remained unharmed. They migrated to Hadramaut and lived there in peace, worshipping Allah alone, their true Lord.

            Success comes from Allah (SWT) and He knows the best.

Story Of Prophet Nuh (PBUH)

   

   In centuries there was no shirk (worship of deity, gods, or anything other than Allah), no partners with Allah (SWT).

Variation on the Birth of Nuh or Noah (PBUH):

    He was Noah Ibn Lamik, Ibn Mitoshilikh, Ibn Enoch (Idris), Ibn Yard, Ibn, Mahlabeel, Ibn Qinan, Ibn Anoush, Ibn Seth (Sheeth), Ibn Adam (PBUH) the Father of Mankind. 

According to the history of the People of the Book, (refers to the Jews and Christians, so called by Allah because they received Revealed Books, Taurat, Zabur and Injeel. These names are translated 'Torah, Psalms and Gospels' respectively, but the books that are extent are corrupt. Of the Revealed Books, only the Qur'an remains exactly as it was revealed.

    Ibn Abbas narrated that Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) said: "The period between Adam and Noah (Peace Be Upon Them) was ten centuries."

Noah's (PBUH) People Idolaters:

    For many generations Noah's people had been worshiping statues that they called gods. They believed that these gods would bring them good, protect them from evil and provide all their needs. They gave their idols names such as Waddan, Suwa'an, Yaghuutha, Ya'auga and Nasran, (these idols represented manly power, mutability, beauty, brute strength, swiftness, sharp sight, insight respectively) according to the power they thought these gods possessed. 

Allah the Almighty revealed in Surah Nuh, Verse 23:

They (idolaters) have said: "You shall not leave your gods nor shall you leave Wadd, nor Suwa, nor Yaghuth, nor Ya'uq nor Nasr (names of the idols).

    Originally, these were the names of good people who had lived among them. After their deaths, statues of them were erected to keep their memories alive. After sometime, however, people began to worship these statues. Later generations did not even know why they had prayed to them. That is how the idol worshiping developed. Since they had no understanding of Allah the Almighty Who would punish them for their evil deeds, they became cruel and immortal.

Origin Of Idolatry:

    Ibn Abbas explained: "Following upon the death of those righteous men, Iblis inspired their people to erect statues in the places where they used to sit. They did this, but these statues were not worshiped until the coming generations deviated from the right way of life. Then they worshiped them as their idols."

Narrated Ibn Jarir: "There were righteous people who lived in the period between Adam and Noah (Peace Be Upon Them), who has followers who held them as models." After the death, their friends who used to imitate said: "If we make statues of them, it will be more pleasing to us in our worship and will remind us of them."

So they built statues of them, and after they had died and others came after them, Iblis crept into their minds saying: "Your forefathers used to worship them, and through that worship they got rain." So they worshiped them. 

Ibn Abi Hatim related this story: "Waddan was a righteous man who was loved by his people. When he died, they withdrew to his grave in the land of Babylon and were overwhelmed by sadness. When Iblis saw their sorrow caused by his death, he disguised himself in the form of a man saying: "I've seen your sorrow because of this man's death; can I make a statue like him which could be put in your meeting place to make you remember him?' They said: "Yes."

So he made the statue like him. They put it in their meeting place in order to be reminded of him. When Iblis saw their interest in remembering him, he said: "Can I build a statue of him in the home of each one of you so that he would be in everyone's house and you could remember him?"

They agreed. Their children learned and saw what they were doing. They also learned about their remembrance of him instead of Allah(SWT). So the first to be worshiped instead of Allah(SWT) was Waddan, the idol.

The point is that every idol from those earlier mentioned was worshiped by a certain group of people. It was mentioned that people made picture sand as the ages passed they made these pictures into statues, so that their forms could be fully recognized, afterwards they were worshiped instead of Allah (SWT).

It was narrated in Sahih Al-Bukhari, that Umm Salmah and Umm Habibah told Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) about the Church called Maria which they had seen in the land of Abyssinia. He said: "Those are the people who build places of worship on the grave of every dead man who was righteous and then make therein those pictures. Those are the worst of creation unto Allah(SWT)."

Noah's Reasoning with his People:

    Allah (SWT) in His Mercy sent His messenger Noah (PBUH) to guide his people. Prophet Noah (PBUH) was an excellent speaker and a very patient man. He pointed out to his people how the night is regularly followed by the day and the balance between these opposites were designed by Allah the Almighty for our good. The night gives coolness and rest while the day gives warmth and awakens activity. 

He explained how the sun encourages growth, keeping all plants and animals alive, while the moon and stars assist in the reckoning of time, direction and seasons. He pointed out that the ownership of the Heavens and the Earth belongs only to the Divine Creator. Therefore, he explained to this people, there cannot have been more than one deity. He clarified them how the Iblis had deceived them for so long and that the time had come for this deceit (misleading or trick) to stop.

Prophet Noah (PBUH) spoke to them of Allah (SWT)'s glorification of man, how He had created him and provided him with sustenance and the blessings of a mind. He told them that idol worshiping was a suffocating injustice to the mind. He warned them not to worship anyone but Allah(SWT) and described the terrible punishment Allah (SWT) would mete (harsh treatment) out if they continue in their evil ways.

Division Among Noah's People:

    The people listened to him in silence. His words were a shock to their inactive mind. After his warning Noah's people were divided into two groups. His words touched the hearts of the weak, the poor and the miserable and soothed their wounds with his mercy. As for the rich, the strong, the mighty and the rulers they believed they would be better off it things stayed as they were. Therefore they started their war of words against Prophet Noah (PBUH).

Disbeliever's Arguments:

  First they accused Noah of being only human like them. Narrated in Surah Hud, Verse 27:

The chiefs of the disbelievers among his people said: "We see you but a man like ourselves, nor do we see any follow you but the meanest among us and they (too) followed you without thinking. And we do not see in you any merit above us, in fact we think you are a liar."

He, however, had never said anything other than that. He asserted that, indeed, he was only a human being. Allah had sent a human messenger because the Earth was inhabited by humans.

The contest between the polytheists and Noah continued. The rulers had thought at first that Noah's call would soon fade on its own. When they found that his call attracted the poor, the helpless and common labourers, they started to verbally attacked and taunt him: "You are only followed by the poor, the meek and the worthless."

Allah the Almighty says in Surah Hud, Verse (25 & 26):

And indeed We sent Nuh (Noah) to his people (and he said): "I have come to you as a plain warner."

"That you worship none but Allah, surely, I fear for you the torment of a painful Day."

Disbeliever's Attempt to Bargain:

    The conflict between Noah and the heads of his people intensified. The disbelievers tried to bargain: "Listen Noah, if you want us to believe in you, then dismiss your believers. They are meek and poor, while we're rich and elite, no faith can include us both."

Noah listened to heathens (uncivilized or irreligious person) of his community and realized they were being obstinate (stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion). However, he was gentle in his response. He explained to his people that he could not dismiss the believers as they were not his guests but Allah's.

Noah appealed to them in Surah Hud, Verse (29-31):

"And O my people! I ask of you no wealth for it, my reward is from none but Allah. I am not going to drive away those who have believed. Surely, they are going to meet their Lord, but I see that you are a people that are ignorant."

"And O my people! Who will help me against Allah, if I drove them away? Will you not then give a thought?"

"And I do not say to you that with me are the Treasures of Allah, "Nor that I know the Ghaib (unseen); "nor do I say I am an Angel, and I do not say of those whom your eyes look down upon that Allah will not bestow any good on them. Allah knows what is in their inner-selves  (as regards belief, etc). In that case, I should, indeed be one of the Zalimun (wrong-doers, oppressors, etc)."

Noah refuted (disprove) the arguments of the disbelievers with the noble knowledge of the prophets. It is the logic of intellect that rids itself of personal pride and interests.

Ignorant Disbelievers:

    The rulers were tired of Noah's arguments. Allah the Exalted related their attitude in Surah Hud, Verse (32-34):

They said: "O Nuh (Noah)! You have disputed with us and much have you prolonged the dispute with us, now bring upon us what you threaten us with, if you are of the truthful."

He said: " Only Allah will bring it (the punishment) on you, if He will, and then you will escape not."

"And my advice will not profit you, even if I wish to give you good counsel, if Allah's will is to keep you astray. He is your Lord! and to Him you shall return."

The battle continued, the arguments between the disbelievers and Noah became prolonged. When all the refutations of the disbelievers collapsed and they had no more to say, they began to be rude and insulted Noah.

Narrated in Surah Al-A'raaf, Verse (60-62):

The leaders of people said: "Verily, we see you in plain error."

Noah said: " O my people! There's no error in me, but I am a Messenger from the Lord of the 'Alamin (mankind, jinns, and all that exists)."

"I convey unto you the Messages of my Lord and give sincere advice to you. And I know from Allah what you know not."

Noah continued appealing to his people to believe in Allah hour after hour, day after day year after year. He admonished his people and called them to Allah day and night, in secret and openly. 

He gave them examples, explained Allah's signs and illustrated Allah's ability in the formation of His creatures. But whenever he called them to Allah, they ran away from him. Whenever he urged them to ask Allah to forgive them, they put their fingers in their ears and became too proud to listen to the truth.

Noah's Appeal to his people:

    Allah the Almighty related what Noah faced in Surah Nuh, Verse(01-28):

Verily, We sent Nuh (Noah) to his people (Saying): "Warn your people before there comes to them a painful torment."

He said: "O my people! Verily, I am a plain warner to you, that you should worship Allah (alone), be dutiful to Him, and obey Him."

"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."

He said: "O my Lord! Verily. I have called my people night and day (i.e. secretly and openly to accept the doctrine of Islamic Monotheism).

"But all my calling added nothing but to (their) flight (from the truth)."

"And verily! Every time I called unto them that You might forgive them, they thrust their fingers into their ears, covered themselves up with their garments, and persisted (in their refusal), and magnified themselves in pride."

"Then verily, I called to them openly (aloud)."

"Then verily, I proclaimed to them in public, and I have appealed to them in private."

I said( to them): "Ask forgiveness from their 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 you gardens and bestow on you rivers."

"What is the matter with you, (that you fear not Allah and His punishment) and you hope not for reward (from Allah or you believe not in His Oneness)."

"While He has created you in (different) stages [i.e. first Nutfah (drops of mixed semen), then 'Alaqah (blood clot), and then Mudghah (a lump of flesh)]."

"See you not how Allah(SWT) has created the seven Heavens one above another, And has made the moon a light therein, and made the sun a lamp?"

"And Allah has brought you forth from the (dust of) Earth."

"Afterwards He will return you into it (the Earth), and bring you forth (again on the Day of Resurrection)?"

"And Allah has made for you the Earth wide spread (an expanse)."

"That you may go about therein in broad roads."

Nuh (Noah) said: "My Lord! They have disobeyed me, and followed one whose wealth and children give him no increase but only loss."

"And they have plotted a mighty plot."

And they have said: "You shall not leave your gods, nor shall you leave Wadd, nor Suwa', nor Yaghuth, nor Ya'uq, nor Nasr (names of idols)."

And indeed they have led many astray. And (O Allah): "Grant no increase to the Zalimun (polytheists, wrong-doers, and disbelievers, etc. ) save error."

Because of their sins they were drowned, then were made to enter the Fire, and they found none to help them instead of Allah.

And Nuh (Noah) said: "My Lord! Leave not one of the disbelievers on the Earth."

"If You leave them, they will mislead Your slaves, and they will beget none but wicked disbelievers."

"My Lord! Forgive me, and my parents, and him who enters my home as a believers, and all the believing men and women. And to the Zalimun (polytheists, wrong-doers, and disbelievers, etc.) grant You no increase but destruction!"

The Length of Noah's Preaching:

    Noah continued to call his people to believe in Allah for nine hundred fifty years.

Allah the Almighty says in Surah Al-Ankaboot, Verse 14: 

 "Indeed We sent Noah to his people and he stayed among them a thousand years less fifty years (inviting them to believe in the Oneness of Allah (Monotheism) and discard the false gods and other deities).

It happened that every passing generation admonished the succeeding one not to believe Noah and to wage war against him. The father used to teach his child about the matter that was between himself and Noah and counsel him to reject his call when he reached adulthood. 

Their natural disposition rejected believing and following the truth. Noah saw that the number of believers was not increasing, while that of the disbelievers was. He was sad for his people, but he never reached the point of despair.

Noah Prays for the End of Disbelievers:

    There came a day when Allah revealed to Noah that no others would believe now. Allah inspired him not to grieve for them at which point Noah prayed that the disbelievers be destroyed. 

Narrated in Surah Nuh, Verse (26 & 27):

And Nuh (Noah) said: "My Lord! Leave not one of the disbelievers on the Earth!

"If You leave them, they will mislead Your slaves, and they will beget none but wicked disbelievers."

Allah accepted Noah's prayers. The case was closed and He passed His judgement on the disbelievers in the form of a flood. 

Allah the Exalted ordered His worshipers and Noah to build an ark with His knowledge and instructions and with the help of Angels. 

Almighty Allah commanded in Surah Hud, Verse (36 & 37): 

And it was inspired to Nuh (Noah): "None of your people will believe except those who have believed already. So be not sad because of what they used to do."

"And construct the ship under Our Eyes and with Our inspiration, and address Me not on behalf of those who did wrong; they are surely to be drowned."

Noah Builds the Ark:

    Noah chose a place outside the city, far from the sea. He collected wood and tools and began to day and night to build the ark. The people's mockery continued. 

"O Noah! Does carpentry appeal to you more than prophet hood? Why are you building an ark so far from the sea? Are you going to drag it to the water or is the wind going to carry it for you?"

Noah replied: "You will come to know who will be put to shame and suffer."

Allah the Almighty says in Surah Hud, Verse (38 & 39):

And as he was constructing the ship whenever the chiefs of his people passed by him, they made a mockery of him. He said: "If you mock at us, so do we mock at you likewise for your mocking."

"And you will know who it is on whom will come a torment that will cover him with disgrace and on whom will fall a lasting torment."

The Flood Begins:

    The ship was constructed, and Noah sat waiting Allah's command. Allah revealed to him that when water miraculously gushed forth from the oven at Noah's house that will be the sign of the start of the flood, and the sign for Noah to act.

It took hundred years to build an ark. It was very huge approximately 80-100 yards and contained 3 storeys. On the top was made for birds, then human beings and the last one for the animals.

After Noah received the sign from Allah (SWT) every single creature were asked to board the ship. Noah called all the believers to board the ark. Noah had four sons, three believers and one disbeliever. 

The disbelievers watched him incredulously, asking what he intended to do with all the animals.

Allah the Almighty says in Surah Hud, Verse 40:

"(So it was) till then there came Our command and the oven gushed forth (water like fountains from the earth). We said: "Embark therein of each kind two (male and female) , and your family, except him against whom the word has already gone forth, and those who believe. And none believe with him, except a few."

When the water started to gush from the earth and fall from the sky, Allah (SWT) instructed Noah to enter the ark with his family and the believers.  Allah also commanded Noah to take a pair (male and female) of every animal, bird and insect with him.  The disbelievers watched him incredulously, asking what he intended to do with all the animals.

Noah’s wife did not join him, for she had never believed in the message that Noah had been preaching; nor did his oldest son, who preferred to flee to a high mountain.  

The scholars of Islam hold different opinions about the number of people on the ark, but the highest estimate is 80. As the believers and animals entered the ark, the water gushed from every crack in the earth, and the rain fell from the sky in quantities never seen before. Hour after hour the water levels rose, and the seas and rivers invaded the land.

Narrated in Surah Hud, Verse 41 - 48:

And he (Noah) said:"Embark therein, in the Name of Allah will be its moving course and its resting anchorage. Surely, my Lord is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."

So it (the ship) sailed with them  amidst the waves like mountains, and Nuh (Noah) called out to his son, who had separated himself (apart), "O my son! Embark with us and be not with the disbelievers."

The son replied: "I will betake myself  to a mountain, it will save me from the water." Nuh said: "This day there is no saviour from the Decree of  Allah except him on whom He has mercy." And a wave came in between them, so he (the son) was among the drowned.

And it was said: "O Earth! Swallow up your water, and O Sky! Withhold (your rain)." And the water was diminished (made to subside) and the Decree (of Allah) was fulfilled (i.e. the destruction of the people of Nuh). And it (the ship) rested on Mount Judi, and it was said: "Away with the people who are Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doing)!"

And Nuh(Noah) called upon his Lord and said: "O my Lord! Verily, my son is of my family! And certainly, Your Promise is true, and You are the Most Just of the judges."

He said: "O Nuh(Noah)! Surely, he is not of your family, verily his work is unrighteous, so ask not of Me that of which you have no knowledge! I admonish you, lest you be one of the ignorant."

Nuh (Noah) said: "O my Lord! I seek refuge with You from asking You that of which I have no knowledge. And unless You forgive me and have Mercy on me, I would indeed be one of the losers."

It was said: "O Nuh (Noah)! Come down (from the ship) with peace from Us and blessings on you and on the people from Us and blessings on you and on the people who are with you (and on some of their off spring), but (there will be other) people to whom We shall grant their pleasures (for a time), but in the end a painful torment will reach them from Us."

The Flood Ends:

    At Allah's command, the rain stopped and the water ceased to gush from all the cracks in the earth. Sun began to shine. The flood had cleansed the earth of idolatry and disbelievers. Not a single person who had disbelieved in Allah remained on the earth. The earth swallowed up the water and the ark rested upon Mount Judi (what is believed to be in present day Turkey).

Noah released the animals, the birds and the insects and they scattered over the earth. Noah and his family (the believers) disembarked, whereupon Noah touched his head to the ground in prostration. At this point the Qur'an and the narrations of Prophet Muhammad leave the story of Noah. We do not know how his affairs with his people continued, nor do we know what happened to his family. All we can ascertain is that on his death bed Noah drew his sons close to him and called on them to worship One Allah: The Creator and Sustainer of the Universe.

Prophet Muhammad says in Sahih Al-Bukhari: 

“When the death of the Messenger of God, Noah, approached, he admonished his sons: ‘Indeed I would give you far reaching advice, commanding you to do two things, and warning you against doing two things as well.  I charge you to believe that there is no god but Allah(SWT) and that if the seven heavens and the Earths were put on one side of a scale and the words “There is no god but Allah” were put on the other, the latter would outweigh the former.  I warn you against associating partners with Allah(SWT) and against pride.” 

Most of Noah's people rejected his message, but the message survives in the hearts and minds of Muslims to this day. The comforting words, and the hopes of salvation Noah conveyed to his sons while on his death bed, remain part of a Muslim's belief and confirm his attitude towards Allah.

Success comes from Allah (SWT) and He knows the best.