The story of Prophet Hud (هود, عليه السلام) is an important part of Islamic history. He was one of the early prophets sent by Allah to guide his people, the tribe of 'Ad (عاد), who lived in the region of Al-Ahqaf (modern-day Yemen or southern Arabia). The story of Hud is mentioned in several places in the Quran, including Surah Hud (11), Surah Al-A’raf (7), and Surah Ash-Shu'ara (26).
Background of the People of 'Ad
The people of 'Ad were descendants of Nuh (Noah).
They were physically strong and tall, known for their advanced civilization.
- They built impressive structures and were skilled in engineering and agriculture.
- Despite their material wealth and power, they became arrogant and started worshipping idols instead of Allah.
- They believed they were invincible due to their strength and wealth.
- "Do you build on every elevation a sign, amusing yourselves, and take for yourselves palaces and fortresses that you might abide eternally?"
(Surah Ash-Shu'ara 26:128–129)
Prophet Hud’s Mission
Allah sent Hud to guide the people of 'Ad back to monotheism and righteousness. Hud called his people to:
✅ Worship Allah alone.
✅ Stop idol worship.
✅ Follow moral guidance and treat people with justice.
"O my people, worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him. Then will you not fear Him?"
(Surah Al-A’raf 7:65)
Hud's Arguments
Hud reminded them of Allah’s blessings — their strength, wealth, and fertile land.
- He warned them that their arrogance and idol worship would bring Allah’s punishment.
- He called them to repent and seek Allah’s forgiveness.
- "And O my people, ask forgiveness of your Lord and then repent to Him. He will send rain from the sky upon you in showers and increase you in strength."
(Surah Hud 11:52)
Rejection and Mockery
The people of 'Ad rejected Hud’s message.
- They mocked him, saying he was a liar and insane.
- They said, "Who is stronger than us?" believing their physical power would protect them.
- "Who is greater than us in strength?" But did they not see that Allah who created them was greater than them in strength?"
(Surah Fussilat 41:15)
They argued that Hud was merely a human like them.
- They accused him of inventing lies about Allah.
- "They said, 'O Hud, you have not brought us clear evidence, and we are not going to leave our gods because of your word, nor are we believers in you.'”
(Surah Hud 11:53)
Hud’s Warning
Hud warned them that Allah’s punishment would come if they did not change their ways.
- He declared that he was free from their sins and that his duty was only to deliver Allah’s message.
- "Indeed, I have relied upon Allah, my Lord and your Lord. There is no creature but that He holds its forelock. Indeed, my Lord is on a path [that is] straight."
(Surah Hud 11:56)
The Punishment of 'Ad
When they refused to listen, Allah sent a severe punishment.
- A massive drought came first, causing the land to dry up and crops to die.
They still refused to repent.
The Great Wind (Rih Al-Ahqaf)
Allah then sent a powerful, cold, and violent wind that lasted for seven nights and eight days.
The wind:
- Uprooted trees.
- Lifted and smashed buildings.
- Threw people into the air, leaving them dead like hollow palm trunks.
- "So We sent upon them a screaming wind during days of misfortune to make them taste the punishment of disgrace in the worldly life."
(Surah Fussilat 41:16)
"And as for 'Ad, they were destroyed by a screaming violent wind which Allah imposed upon them for seven nights and eight days consecutively."
(Surah Al-Haqqah 69:6–7)
Hud and the Believers Were Saved
Allah commanded Hud and the few believers who accepted his message to leave the city.
- The disbelievers were wiped out completely, and nothing remained of their great civilization.
- Hud and his followers were spared and found refuge.
- "And when Our command came, We saved Hud and those who believed with him, by mercy from Us; and We saved them from a harsh punishment."
(Surah Hud 11:58)
Aftermath
The once mighty people of 'Ad became a forgotten civilization, buried under the sands of time.
- The story of 'Ad became a warning for future generations.
- Allah preserved Hud’s story as a reminder of the consequences of arrogance and rejecting divine truth.
- "And 'Ad and Thamud — it has become clear to you from their dwellings. Satan made their deeds pleasing to them and averted them from the path, though they were insightful."
(Surah Al-Ankabut 29:38)
Lessons from the Story of Hud
Power and wealth do not guarantee success – The people of 'Ad thought their strength would protect them, but it did not.
Arrogance leads to destruction – Their arrogance and refusal to accept the truth brought about their downfall.
Allah’s mercy for the believers – Hud and the believers were saved because of their faith.
Trust in Allah – Hud placed his complete trust in Allah even when his people mocked and rejected him.
Idol worship leads to ruin – The people of 'Ad were destroyed because they worshipped false gods and ignored Allah’s signs.
Hud's Legacy in Islam
Hud is considered one of the early prophets.
- His story is a powerful reminder of the consequences of arrogance and disbelief.
- His grave is believed to be in Hadhramaut, Yemen, though this is not confirmed.
"Indeed, in their stories is a lesson for those of understanding."
(Surah Yusuf 12:111)
The story of Hud teaches that no civilization, no matter how powerful, can stand against Allah’s will. Only faith, humility, and righteousness lead to success in this life and the Hereafter.
