Overcoming Hubut – A Discouraging Obstacle in Hifdh al-Qur’an

No pain, no gain.

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As-salamu `alaykum wa rahmatullah

This is a little something I brainstormed over the issue of ‘mental-blocks’ and laxity when it comes to Hifdh al-Qur’an. I wrote this a few years ago for a group of sisters, but thought to brush it up and share with the wider world. Mental blocks, difficulties and laxity are something that affects us all when memorizing Qur’an, so I hope insha’Allah the advice below helps everyone. Please feel free to pass this on and share with others…

Overcoming Hubut (هبوط) – A Discouraging Obstacle in Hifdh al-Qur’an

This Qur’an, as much as it is the Gift of Allah which He gives to whom He wishes, it is also the test of Allah for many of us. If we’ve made a sincere decision to memorise the Qur’an, this Book which took 23 years to come down to Earth, then we need to realize that it’s not…

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Reflections from Surah Hud: 97-123

Bismillah

Indeed in that there is a sure lesson for those who fear the torment of the Hereafter. That is a Day whereon mankind will be gathered together, and that is a Day when all will be present.

And We delay it only for a term (already) fixed.

After narrating all these stories to us, He tells us that there are lessons in them for people who fear the Day of Judgement. These people were caught in disobedience, they were warned against it, some gave in and they were saved, while some persisted and they were punished. And on that Day, there will be a clear distinction them. And then He describes it to be a Day on which ALL THE PEOPLE, the first of them and the last of them, will be gathered for Judgement.

Reflections from Surah Hud: Ayah 96-102

Bismillah

1- The Story of Musa and Fir`awn 

2- The Lesson taken from the Destroyed Towns    

3- The Destruction of the Towns is a Proof of the Establishment of the Hour

And indeed We sent Musa (Moses) with Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) and a manifest authority;

To Fir’aun and his chiefs, but they followed the command of Fir’aun, and the command of Fir’aun was no right guide.

Musa ‘alayhissalam’s story is not mentioned much in this Surah.

Allah informs us of Musa ‘alayhissalam being sent to Bani Israel with clear proofs and signs, but they followed the ways of Fir’awn, of corruption, ignorance, tyranny, disbelief and misguidance, and this was not a path set right. They followed him, but he lead them to their destruction and they drowned. 

 

 

Reflections from Surah Hud: Ayah 84-95

Bismillah

 

1- The Story of the People of Madyan and the Call of Shu`ayb ‘alayhissalam           

2- The Response of Shu`ayb’s People         

3- Shu’ayb’s Refutation of His People                        

4- Shu’ayb’s threatening of His People When Shu’ayb ‘alayhissalam despaired of their response

 

 

And to the Madyan people (We sent) their brother Shu’aib. He said: “O my people! Worship Allah, you have no other Ilah (God) but Him, and give not short measure or weight, I see you in prosperity; and verily I fearfor you the torment of a Day encompassing.

Madyan was a place between the land of Al-Hijaz and Al-Sham, not very far from the Sodom where Lut ‘alayhissalam’s people were destroyed.

Shu’ayb ‘alayhissalam was an eloquent prophet, and was known as Khateeb Al Anbiya (The Orator of the Prophets). The power of speech was given to him and he would throw off any opponents during an argument or debate. He was also the best amongst them in lineage.

Reflections from Surah Hud: Ayah 77-83

Bismillah

1- The Coming of the Angels to Lut, His Grief, and His Discussion with His People   

2- Lut’s Inability, His Desire for Strength and the Angels’ Informing Him of the Reality          

3- The Town of Lut’s People is overturned and Their Destruction

 

And when Our Messengers came to Lut, he was grieved on their account and felt himself straitened for them (lest the town people should approach them to commit sodomy with them). He said: “This is a distressful day.”

Lut ‘alayhissalam was sent by Allah to the people of Sodom near Jordan. These people were doing things that were strange, unnatural and filthy. They were actually guilty of doing many acts of disobedience, but there was one vice that made the others pale in comparison: they were the first homosexual people on earth. It wasn’t just a few people who committed these acts, rather it was the WHOLE POPULATION. Lut ‘alayhissalam started warning them and reminding them of Allah’s punishment, and as per usual, they started accusing him of having material interests. He told them what the other messengers told their people: their reward is only with Allah, and they are nothing but messengers from Allah.

He began explaining the severity and consequences of the act that they were committing, and told them to come back to natural human instincts. Those who say that its a biological/heredity problem, then that is nothing but an excuse. There is no scope for even allowing such acts or finding a leeway. 

These people were also highwaymen, they would block the roads and rob anybody who was passing through. Their gatherings were where they engaged and propagated these acts in full view, not even in secret. They scoffed at Lut ‘alayhissalam and accused him, rejecting his message to guidance. He told them strongly that he is opposing their acts and warned them sternly. They threatened to throw him out of the town, because they mocked his “cleanliness and purity”. They even challenged him; asking for trouble, asking him to hasten the punishment. Lut ‘alayhissalam prayed for protection.

Allah blessed Lut ‘alayhissalam with two daughters and he did not have any sons. 

 And his people came rushing towards him, and since aforetime they used to commit crimes (sodomy, etc.), he said: “O my people! Here are my daughters (i.e. the daughters of my nation), they are purer for you (if you marry them lawfully). So fear Allah and degrade me not as regards my guests! Is there not among you a single right-minded man?”

The messengers that were sent to the people of Lut were angels in human form. Lut ‘alayhissalam intended to protect them from the vile people and tried to discourage them to spend any time in the town. Lut ‘alayhissalam was still unaware of who the angels were, and he told them, “These are the worst people on the face of the earth…” and he testified to their crimes. The angels were happy to hear this because they were commanded not to destroy them until the Messenger testifies to the crime. 

Lut ‘alayhissalam’s wife helped the people commit these crimes and she sent a message to them informing them of the visitors. They came rushing towards Lut ‘alayhissalam’s home, rejoicing and absolutely drunk in their misguidance. They knocked on his door and Lut ‘alayhissalam told them not to embarass him, and asked them, “Is there not a single one of you who is sensible?!” They said, “Didn’t we tell you that you are not allowed to host anyone?” They continued arguing.

 

They said: “Surely you know that we have neither any desire nor in need of your daughters, and indeed you know well what we want!”

They started banging on the door and getting violent. Lut ‘alayhissalam got extremely worried, and he told the people, “Why don’t you marry my daughters?!” He meant the females of the community. He’s calling to their natural instincts, but these disgusting people said that that is not what they want.

He said: “Would that I had strength (men) to overpower you, or that I could betake myself to some powerful support (to resist you).”

Lut ‘alayhissalam is helpless now; he has no supporters. He says, “If only I had men with me to overcome this evil, or some powerful support to put an end to this!” The angels now spoke up:

 They (Messengers) said: “O Lout (Lot)! Verily, we are the Messengers from your Lord! They shall not reach you! So travel with your family in a part of the night, and let not any of you look back, but your wife (will remain behind), verily, the punishment which will afflict them, will afflict her. Indeed, morning is their appointed time. Is not the morning near?”

The angels now spoke up and said, “We are angels from Allah, and these people will never harm you.” They asked him to run away with his family except his wife, and told them not to turn back to even look at them. He immediately left. Their final time would be early morning and it was already very late into the night. These people had three different punishments:

So when Our Commandment came, We turned the town upside down, and rained on them stones of baked clay, piled up;

First there was a shriek. Then Jibreel ‘alayhissalam tipped the whole town over, and stones of clay were rained on them. 

Marked from your Lord, and they are not ever far from the Zalimun.

Each one of these stones had the names of each man engraved on it. In a very short time, the entire community was destroyed. The Dead Sea is the remainder of these people. Nowadays, this act is being promoted and encouraged on a political and social stand, and people are not even thinking twice about the consequences.

-The Sahara Bloggers (Umm Saifullah)

Reflections from Surah Hud: Ayah 69-72

Bismillah

1- The Angel’s Good News to Ibrahim ‘alayhissalam about Ishaq and Isma’il

2- Ibrahim ‘alayhissalam’s dispute for the people of Lut  

 

And verily, there came Our Messengers to Ibrahim with glad tidings.They said: Salam (greetings or peace!) He answered, Salam (greetings or peace!) and he hastened to entertain them with a roasted calf.

The story of Ibrahim ‘alayhissalam is very, very long and detailed, mentioned many time in the Quran. There is a narration that Lut ‘alayhissalam was Ibrahim ‘alayhissalam’s nephew and was brought up by him, therefore, he was from those who believed in the message of Ibrahim and accompanied him on his journeys. They separated ways after a while and Lut ‘alayhissalam settled in Jordan (according to the majority opinion) and Ibrahim ‘alayhissalam settled in Palestine. When Lut ‘alayhissalam reached the shores of the Dead Sea, he discovered people who were committing a sin the like of which no one had ever committed on the face of the earth before. These people initiated this shameless vice that is still practiced today. Lut ‘alayhissalam began calling them to the truth and his conversations with them will follow in the next post.

While all of this was happening, Allah sent angels to Ibrahim ‘alayhissalam in the form of three handsome young men. He was a very hospitable man and immediately began preparing food for them, but they did not partake in the meal!

But when he saw their hands went not towards it (the meal), he felt some mistrust of them, and conceived a fear of them. They said: “Fear not, we have been sent against the people of Lut.”

Ibrahim ‘alayhissalam sensed a sort of strangeness because these men refused to eat, after which they informed him that they were angels sent to destroy the people of Lut ‘alayhissalam. 

 And his wife was standing (there), and she laughed (either, because the Messengers did not eat their food or for being glad for the destruction of the people of Lut.) But We gave her glad tidings of Ishaaq, and after him, of Ya’qub.

Sarah and Ibrahim ‘alayhissalam were both very old by this time; past child-bearing age. But these Messengers informed them of good news from Allah about a continuing progeny.

She said: “Woe unto me! Shall I bear a child while I am an old woman, and here is my husband, an old man? Verily! This is a strange thing!”

She did not believe it and was absolutely astonished. Allah mentions in the Quran that when she was shocked, she smote her forehead in surprise and Ibn ‘Abbas says that this is something women do when they are surprised and confronted with amazing news. She says, “Am I, a barren old woman, to have a child when I was unable to even when I was young?” 

They said: “Do you wonder at the Decree of Allah? The Mercy of Allah and His Blessings be on you, O the family [of Ibrahim]. Surely, Heis All-Praiseworthy, All-Glorious.”

The angels told her, “Do not be so surprised, this is the Decree of Allah, when He wills something, He says Be and it is.” 

Then when the fear had gone away from (the mind of) Ibrahim, and the glad tidings had reached him, he began to plead with Us (Our Messengers) for the people of Lut.

Verily, Ibrahim was, without doubt, forbearing, used to invoke Allah with humility, and was repentant (to Allah all the time, again and again).

“O Ibrahim! Forsake this. Indeed, the Commandment of your Lord has gone forth. Verily, there will come a torment for them which cannot be turned back.”

Once the fear left Ibrahim ‘alayhissalam’s heart concerning these strange men and he was given good news of a son, he asked them why they were sent exactly. They told him of Allah’s punishment for the people of Lut ‘alayhissalam and he began to argue with them. He said, “Will you destroy a town that has believers in it?” But they replied saying that Lut ‘alayhissalam and those who  believed with him would be saved, although they were very, very few in number.

-The Sahara Bloggers (Umm Saifullah)

Reflections from Surah Hud: Ayah 61-68

Bismillah

1- The Story of Salih and the People of Thamud     

2- The Conversation between Salih and the People of Thamud

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, Responsive.”

The people of ‘Ad were the most sophisticated, inventive people on earth, but Allah destroyed them and nothing could stop Him. Likewise the superpowers of this era are technologically advanced, and quickly progressing, and while they arrogantly attribute this “success” to themselves, it is nothing but a test that will soon be over. The greatest disaster that this Ummah faced was the death of the Messenger of Allah sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. There is no disaster that can compare. No matter how slowly progressing we may seem in comparison to the western nations, we are actually in greater blessing because Allah is with us. That is true attainment. They were succeeded by the people of Salih, known as the nation of Thamud.

The people of Salih lived in a place called “Al Hijr” which was a rocky area. Their dwellings are still present close to Madinah, and the Messenger of Allah sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam visited their remnants and so did his companions radhiallahu ‘anhum. They were also misled by luxuries that they indulged themselves in. They were huge, wealthy, strong people. 

Allah sent to them Salih ‘alayhissalam who was also from a wealthy family that had a high standing in their community. They were going to appoint him as their leader anyway because they considered him to have leadership skills and characteristics, as did all the other Messengers. 

He warned them against polytheism just as all the Messengers before him had done with their nations. He reminds them of the gifts of Allah upon them; He established them on the earth and granted them growth and offspring, so they should be grateful and turn to Him repentance, and that repentance and belief will guarantee their prayers to be answered. 

These people used to carve their homes out of rocks, and like the people of Hud, were arrogant about their strength and ability. They felt very secure in their homes thinking: the water cannot reach the mountain because it is so high, and the wind cannot destroy the mountain because it is so strong, and the earthquakes cannot destroy the mountain because it is established firmly into the ground. But little did they remember or take heed from the people who had been destroyed before them. 

They said: “O Salih! 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 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).”

He said: “O my people! Tell me, if I have a clear proof from my Lord, and there has come to me a Mercy (Prophethood, etc.) from Him, who then can help me against Allah, if I were to disobey Him? Then you increase me not but in loss.

Salih ‘alayhissalam was a very intelligent man, he told them to fear Allah and stop being blasphemous. He told them about the Message from Allah and told them that they should obey him. He reminded them that they did not have to recompense him with any material good, rather, his reward is with Allah. This reminder is repeated by almost every Messenger, and it serves as a good reminder and eye opener that many preachers of deviant religions have no incentive except making money. These money making schemes have become more and more common in our world today, as corrupted, ignorant people feed on the innocence of their followers. Allah is reminding us that the truthful people will never have greedy incentives. 

They tell him that they used to consider him a leader, and had hope in him, but now that he is calling to a “new religion”, they start doubting him. They belittle the Message that he came with, and told him that it will never get him a high standing in their society. 

They accused him of being a magician because a few poor people started following him. And theeeeeeen they asked him to bring a sign… Uh oh. Once they ask for a sign, and Allah sends it to them exactly the way they asked for it, there are no more chances after that. 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.”

“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.”

When the camel came forth the way they wanted it, Salih ‘alayhissalam told them not to harm it and warned them of Allah’s punishment. It was a huge camel and had a huge appetite. One day was designated for this camel to drink from the spring, and the next day was designated for the rest of their camels. They were very unhappy with this.

The community split into two. Half of them called it magic and half of them believed. Everyday a few people accepted Salih ‘alayhissalam’s message. The number of his followers started increasing, but the majority were still disbelievers.  

 But they killed her. So he said: “Enjoy yourselves in your homes for three days. This is a promise (i.e. a threat) that will not be belied.”

They got tired of this camel soon enough. Their cattle and camels were afraid of it and would run away anytime it approached. They decided to kill the camel and Salih ‘alayhissalam warned them again. But a few men from amongst them destroyed the sign that Allah had sent to them, and in their ignorance they challenged Salih ‘alayhissalam and said, “Bring the punishment that you promised now.” He replied, “Remain in your houses three days, and that will be the end.” They were still haughty and arrogant about their homes and didn’t think twice of what they had now done. 

So when Our Commandment came, We saved Salih (Saleh) and those who believed with him by a Mercy from Us, and from the disgrace of that Day. Verily, your Lord, He is the All-Strong, the All-Mighty.

 The first day of the punishment, their faces changed color and they were crying, calling it “days of bad omen.” In the evening, nine people from his community got together and swore an oath to kill Salih ‘alayhissalam and his whole family and in the morning they would pretend that they did not do it. They planned, but Allah had a greater plan. Salih ‘alayhissalam left the area with his family and those who believed. The result of their plot against the one who was bringing them to goodness was that Allah destroyed them completely! They stayed in their mountain homes and Allah sent a wave of loud shrieking that made the whole nation shake out of terror. Their hearts burst because of the intensity of that sound. 

And As-Saihah  overtook the wrong-doers, so they lay (dead), prostrate in their homes, –

It was a loud sound wave, and the whole nation ended up in a pile of rubble. When everything was destroyed, Salih ‘alayhissalam went back and saw the destruction… He said, “O my people, I conveyed the message to you and I advised you, but you do not like people who advise you.” 

As if they had never lived there. No doubt! Verily, Thamud disbelieved in their Lord. So away with Thamud!

Their empty homes are still a sign for those who wish to take heed. The companions radhiallahu ‘anhum visited it with the Messenger of Allah who instructed people never to pass through that destruction except in the state of humility and fear, rather than treating it as a tourist attraction. 

-The Sahara Bloggers (Umm Saifullah)

Reflections from Surah Hud: Ayah 56-60

Bismillah

1- The Conversation between (the People of) Ad and Hud              

2- The Destruction of the People of  Ad and the Salvation of Those among Them Who believed      

“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.”

He challenged them and told them that he isn’t afraid of their plotting because Allah protects His sincere servants. He told them not to challenge or mock the message because they are opposing a Power that will seize them and totally destroy them. They still refused…

And when Our Commandment came, We saved Hud and those who believed with him by a Mercy from Us, and We saved them from a severe torment.

Hud ‘alayhissalam then made a very, very short du’aa, “O my Lord! Help me because they deny me.” That’s all.

And Allah responded immediately: “In a little while, they are sure to be regretful.” (Surah Al Mu’minoon) 

When that revelation came, he relaxed. He left it to Allah who affected them with a drought and their lands dried up. They used to beseech their gods and pray for rain, but Hud ‘alayhissalam had already told them make istighfar and tawbah so that Allah will bless them with rain! But they were drowning in ignorance and forgetfulness. After that, Allah sent huge, dense, dark clouds to them. When they saw this, they rejoiced and thought that this rain will be a blessing… but the winds started blowing, strong, cold and howling. It started gaining strength. It stayed for 7 days and 8 nights, cold, furious and loud. The rain started falling and it was such that it destructed EVERYTHING. These were the strongest people that Allah had ever created, but not a single proof of their existence remains on the face of the earth. Complete, utter destruction. They were arrogant about their structures and their strength, but Allah destroyed them and they were blown away like particles of sand.

“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.” (Surah Al Ahqaf)

Such were ‘Ad (people). They rejected the Ayat of their Lord and disobeyed His Messengers, and followed the command of every proud obstinate.

And they were pursued by a curse in this world and (so they will be) on the Day of Resurrection. No doubt! Verily, ‘Ad disbelieved in their Lord. So away with ‘Ad, the people of Hud.

Then He tells us that they will be punished again in the Akhirah, and that punishment will be more severe. It is a reminder for the disbelievers of every era that these people were granted more than any nation ever created, but these blessings did not avail them in the least. If Allah had not informed us of this nation, we would never have known about them. 

-The Sahara Bloggers (Umm Saifullah)

Reflections from Surah Hud: Ayah 49-55

Bismillah

1- The Story of Prophet Hud and the People of  Ad              

2- The Conversation between (the People of) Ad and Hud     

And to ‘Ad we sent their brother Hud. He said, “O my people! Worship Allah! You have no other Ilah but Him. Certainly, you do nothing but invent lies!

These were the people who lived at that time in Hadramout, near Yemen. The area was beautiful and spacious; it was a desert area with sand dunes. They were given a lot more signs and proofs than the people of Nuh ‘alayhissalam, and were blessed with amazing stature and abundant wealth which they used to build tall palaces and temples. The Quran states that Allah created these people unique and distinct, and the structures that these people built were also unique and distinct. 

Allah says “their brother” because he was from amongst them, and this is why the proof has been established. They cannot doubt his background and his character, nor can they reject his message because he isn’t a stranger or foreigner! He called them to the worship of Allah and warned them against inventing lies. Polytheism is the biggest problem that all the Messengers dealt with and it is the biggest trap of Shaytan.

“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?

They accused him of having some ulterior, selfish motive behind the Message but He reminds them that he asks for no reward in return for it, and desires reward only from the One who has created him, and he emphasized “created” because he wanted to remind them about their origin. He then tells them to fear the One who has blessed them with everything they know: their livestock and children, gardens and springs,(Surah Al Shu’ara) and he persisted in calling to them:

“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).”

He told them what Nuh ‘alayhissalam had told his people about istighfaar and tawbah. 

They 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.

But they rejected and despite the blessings of wealth, health and offspring that Allah had bestowed on them, they were ungrateful. Just because Allah had given them these things, it did not mean that He was pleased with them. It did not increase their iman, nor did it make them capable of understanding the truth, rather, they were blinded by these luxuries, and they started accusing him: 

“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, –

He was accused of being mad and mindless! They told him that because he had opposed the gods, they inflicted him with a mental disease. These wealthy, massive people were scared that they would have to change their whole lives if they believe in Hud ‘alayhissalam. They were seriously afraid of change, even if it was good for them. They also accused him of lying in Surah Al Ahqaaf. They told him that it didn’t matter to them whether he advised them or he didn’t advise them; in other words, they told him to stop wasting his time. (Sound familiar?) They said that these “stories” that he told them and reminded them about (he told them that Nuh ‘alayhissalam’s people were destroyed before them) were all lies, and then they uttered a blasphemous statement, saying that they were “too strong to be destroyed”. But they had forgotten that the One who had given them this strength is capable of taking it away in the blink of an eye. (Surah Fussilat) The ayat that describe the people of ‘Ad are extremely, extremely powerful.

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

Hud ‘alayhissalam told them that they are tyrants seizing him with a terrible accusation because they considered him a threat. He was certain that they would fail in plotting against him or trying to turn away from the message, and so he challenged them to attempt harming him. Messengers don’t normally “challenge” their people, and the first thing he tells them is that he is free of this polytheism and that he bears witness to that. He knew that they were cowards and knew that he was right, but their arrogance prevented them from surrendering. 

-The Sahara Bloggers (Umm Saifullah)

Reflections from Surah Hud: Ayah 41-48

Bismillah

1- The riding upon the Ship and Its sailing through the huge Waves              

2- The Story of the drowning of Nuh’s Disbelieving Son      

3- The End of the Flood     

4- A Return to the Story of the Son of Nuh and mentioning what transpired between Nuh and Allah concern          

5- The Command to descend from the Ship with Peace and Blessings

 And he 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.”

Once the rain was falling and the whole world started flooding around them, Nuh ‘alayhissalam started the journey with the name of Allah. They were the sole ark floating in the middle of a storm like no other, but they were under the protection of Allah in contrast to those who were drowned and punished.

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

The ark is being guided through waves like mountains, and Nuh ‘alayhissalam looked out and saw his son who had been with the disbelievers… he now calls out to him, trying to save him… 

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.

This verse always makes my heart break for Nuh ‘alayhissalam. The son says almost confidently that he will climb the top of the mountain and the water will not reach him. But Nuh ‘alayhissalam gives him the final warning… that there is no savior from the punishment of Allah that day except whom Allah had mercy upon… and just as the conversation was continuing, a wave broke in and the son was drowned. The water was coming from the earth and from the skies, it was pouuuuring down with powerful intensity and this ensured the destruction of these people… (Surah Al Qamar has a powerful description of this flood.) 

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 wrongdoers!”

Allah then instructed the earth to swallow the water it had spit out and the sky was commanded to hold back the rain. The destruction had been completed and the will of Allah was fulfilled. The ark of Nuh ‘alayhissalam had been guided to a safe resting place on the Mount Judi and not a single disbeliever was spared.

And Nuh 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.”

Nuh ‘alayhissalam was still aching for his son, he beseeched to Allah and did not question His decree, but could not understand why his son was punished.

He said: “O Nuh! 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 ignorants.”

Nuh  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.”

Allah tells him that his son had done deeds that made him a disbeliever deserving of punishment. The bond of faith is much stronger than the bond of blood. Allah disowned that son from Nuh ‘alayhissalam’s family… and told him not to defend someone who had done wrong, even if he was his biological son! 

It was said: “O Nuh! Come down (from the ship) with peace 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.”

Allah told Nuh ‘alayhissalam to disembark from the ark and bestowed His Mercy on them. Then He informs him of the future offspring of these people, from whom there will be people who will disbelieve and will be punished. Allah also informs us in the Quran that the common forefather between all humanity after Adam ‘alayhissalam is Nuh ‘alayhissalam whose progeny continued after the flood had destroyed everybody. 

-The Sahara Bloggers (Umm Saifullah)