The story of Prophet Noah (Nūḥ, عليه السلام) is one of the most important stories in Islam. It is mentioned in detail in several chapters of the Qur’an, including Surah Hud (11), Surah Al-Qamar (54), Surah Nuh (71), and others. Here’s a summary of the story according to Islamic tradition:
Prophet Noah’s Mission
Noah (Nūḥ عليه السلام) was sent by Allah to guide his people, who had fallen into idol worship and sinful behavior. He called them to worship Allah alone and abandon their false gods.
Noah preached to his people for 950 years (Surah Al-Ankabut 29:14) with patience and persistence.
He used every possible method to guide them — speaking publicly, privately, day and night — but most of his people rejected him and mocked him.
- "Indeed, We sent Noah to his people, [saying], 'Warn your people before there comes to them a painful punishment.'"
(Surah Nuh 71:1)
Rejection and Mockery
The leaders and wealthy among Noah’s people ridiculed him and accused him of being a liar.
- They said, "You are just a human like us. Why should we follow you?"
- They demanded that Noah drive away the poor believers who followed him, but Noah refused.
- "We see you but a man like ourselves, and we do not see you followed except by those who are the lowest of us."
(Surah Hud 11:27)
The Command to Build the Ark
When it became clear that his people would not believe, Allah commanded Noah to build a massive ark (Safina) under His guidance.
Noah built the ark far from the sea, and his people mocked him, saying, "Will it sail on land?"
- Noah remained patient and continued building the ark as Allah instructed.
- "And construct the ship under Our observation and Our inspiration and do not address Me concerning those who have wronged; indeed, they are [to be] drowned."
(Surah Hud 11:37)
The Great Flood
When the ark was completed, Allah instructed Noah to take on board:
- Believers
- A pair of each kind of animal (male and female)
The skies opened with rain, and water gushed forth from the earth.
- A massive flood covered the entire land, and the disbelievers were drowned.
- "So We opened the gates of the heaven with pouring rain, and caused the earth to gush forth with springs, so the waters met for a matter already predestined."
(Surah Al-Qamar 54:11–12)
Noah’s Son Refuses to Believe
Noah’s son refused to board the ark, saying he would climb a mountain to escape the water.
- Noah pleaded with him, but his son was among the disbelievers and was drowned.
- "And Noah called to his son who was apart [from them], 'O my son, come aboard with us and be not with the disbelievers.' He said, 'I will take refuge on a mountain to protect me from the water.' Noah said, 'There is no protector today from the decree of Allah except for whom He gives mercy.' And the waves came between them, and he was among the drowned."
(Surah Hud 11:42–43)
The End of the Flood and Allah’s Promise
After the punishment was complete, Allah commanded the earth to swallow its water and the sky to withhold its rain.
- The ark came to rest on Mount Judi (in present-day Turkey).
Noah and the believers were saved, and Allah promised blessings and a new beginning for humankind.
- "And it was said, 'O earth, swallow your water, and O sky, withhold [your rain].' And the water subsided, and the matter was accomplished, and the ship came to rest on [the mountain of] Judi."
(Surah Hud 11:44)
Prophet Noah's Prayer
After the flood, Noah prayed to Allah to forgive him, his parents, and the believers, and to not leave any disbeliever alive.
"My Lord, forgive me and my parents and whoever enters my house as a believer and the believing men and believing women. And do not increase the wrongdoers except in destruction."
(Surah Nuh 71:28)
