Prophets
Nuh
Nūḥ
Noah, one of the five greatest prophets (Ulul-Azm). He called his people to monotheism for 950 years, built the Ark, and was saved with the believers from the Flood.
Who is Nuh?
Nuh (Noah) is one of the greatest messengers of God and one of the five "Ulul-Azm" — the prophets of firm resolve. He was sent to call his people away from idolatry back to the worship of the One God. He is renowned for his extraordinary patience: he called his people for 950 years, yet only a few believed.
The Long Call of Nuh
The Quran records Nuh's tireless preaching night and day, in public and in private, met mostly with mockery and rejection: "And indeed We sent Nuh to his people, and he remained among them a thousand years less fifty" (29:14). His patience over nearly a millennium is a supreme model of perseverance in conveying the truth.
The Flood and the Ark
When his people persisted in disbelief and oppression, God commanded Nuh to build an ark. The believers and pairs of every kind of animal boarded it, and a great flood destroyed the disbelievers, including Nuh's own son who refused to believe. The story is a sign of God's justice and mercy, and of salvation through faith and obedience.
Nuh in the Quran
- "We sent Nuh to his people, [saying]: Warn your people before there comes to them a painful punishment." (71:1)
- "So We saved him and those with him in the ark." (7:64)
- An entire surah (Surah Nuh, chapter 71) is named after him
Lessons from the Story of Nuh
The story teaches steadfast patience in calling to God, that guidance is in God's hands and not the preacher's, that family ties cannot save a disbeliever, and that God's help comes after sincere perseverance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Nuh called one of the Ulul-Azm?
Because of his exceptional resolve and patience in the face of centuries of rejection. The five Ulul-Azm are Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa, Isa, and Muhammad ﷺ.
What happened to Nuh's son?
His son refused to board the ark, trusting a mountain to save him from the flood, and was drowned among the disbelievers — showing that faith, not lineage, is what saves.
Etymology & origin
Nuh (نوح) is the Quranic name of the prophet known in English as Noah. The Arabic form is generally treated as a non-Arabic proper name, though some connect it by sound to nawh (lamentation or wailing), reflecting his long years of grieving call to his people. He is one of the five greatest messengers (Ulul-Azm).
References
- Quran:
- 7:59, 11:25, 11:42, 11:45, 29:14, 71:1
- Hadith:
- Bukhari 3340 (Nuh and his people on the Day of Judgement); Bukhari 4712 (people will seek intercession from Nuh, the first messenger to the people of earth); Muslim 194 (the great intercession narration)
Related terms
Adam
The first human and first prophet, created by Allah from clay. Father of mankind, taught the names of all things, and the first to be honored by the angels' prostration.
Ibrahim
Abraham, one of the five greatest prophets and "Khalilullah" (Friend of Allah). Father of Ismail and Ishaq, he built the Kaaba and is the patriarch of monotheism.
Isa
Jesus, one of the five greatest prophets, born miraculously of the virgin Maryam. Given the Injil (Gospel), he performed miracles by Allah's leave and will return before the End of Times.
Muhammad ﷺ
The final Prophet and Messenger of Allah, sent as a mercy to all worlds. He received the Quran, established Islam, and is the seal of the prophets — none comes after him.
Musa
Moses, one of the five greatest prophets and "Kalimullah" (the one who spoke with Allah). He confronted Pharaoh, led the Children of Israel from Egypt, and received the Torah.
Shirk
Associating partners with Allah — the gravest sin in Islam, the opposite of Tawhid; it nullifies deeds and, if unrepented, bars entry to Paradise.