The Majestic Quran

71. Nuh Noah This Makkan chapter sketches the life and works of one of the great prophets of God, Noah . The archaeologists of the Bible believe he lived approximately 10,000 years ago, on the Southern shores of the Black Sea. Its central theme is his struggle against unbelievers. The story comes as a reassurance for the Prophet Muhammad r and the early Muslims: they would be saved and their enemies destroyed, as happened with the people of Noah in the past. For nine and a half centuries, Noah preached bravely in a variety of ways, with determination. He presented convincing evidence from their lives, the natural world around them, and from history, but his words fell on deaf ears. They were stubborn, materialistic idolaters who could not see beyond the physical realm. The chapter presents a heart-rending prayer, his moving sermon, and finally his prayer of desperation in the final section. In the name of God, the Kind, the Caring. N 1 Indeed, We sent Noah to his people with a message : “Warn your people before a painful punishment comes to them.” 2 He told them, “My people! I am a clear warner to you, 3 so worship God, be mindful of Him and obey me, 4 then He will forgive your sins and spare you until your appointed time. When God’s deadline comes, it cannot be delayed, I wish you understood.” N ’ - 5 He prayed: “My Lord, I called my people day and night, 6 my calling has only increased them in fleeing further and further away. 7 Each time I