Hud (The Prophet Hud)

The Tafsir of Surah Hud


(Chapter - 11)


Which was Revealed in Makkah


Surah Hud made the Prophet`s Hair turn Gray
Abu `Isa At-Tirmidhi recorded from Ibn `Abbas that Abu Bakr said, "O Messenger of Allah, verily your hair has turned gray.`` The Prophet replied,(Surahs Hud, Al-Waqi`ah, Al-Mursalat, `Amma Yatasa`lun ﴿An-Naba`﴾ and Idhash-Shamsu Kuwwirat ﴿At-Takwir﴾ have turned my hair gray.) In another narration he said,(Surah Hud and its sisters...)In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.(1. Alif Lam Ra. (This is) a Book, the Ayat whereof are perfect (in every sphere of knowledge), and then explained in detail from One (Allah), Who is All-Wise Well-Acquainted (with all things).) (2. (Saying) worship none but Allah. Verily, I (Muhammad) am unto you from Him a warner and a bringer of glad tidings.) (3. And (commanding you): "Seek the forgiveness of your Lord, and turn to Him in repentance, that He may grant you good enjoyment, for a term appointed, and bestow His abounding grace to every owner of grace. But if you turn away, then I fear for you the torment of a Great Day.) (4. To Allah is your return, and He is able to do all things.``)

The Qur`an and its Call to (worship) Allah Alone
A discussion concerning the letters of the alphabet (which appear at the beginning of some chapters of the Qur`an) has already preceded at the beginning of Surat Al-Baqarah. That discussion is sufficient without any need for repetition here. Concerning Allah`s statement,(The Ayat whereof are perfect and then explained in detail) This means perfect in its wording, detailed in its meaning. Thus, it is complete in its form and its meaning. This interpretation was reported from Mujahid and Qatadah, and Ibn Jarir ﴿At-Tabari﴾ preferred it. Concerning the meaning of Allah`s statement,(from One (Allah), Who is All-Wise, Well-Acquainted.) This means that it (the Qur`an) is from Allah, Who is Most Wise in His statements and His Laws, and Most Aware of the final outcome of matters.((Saying) worship none but Allah.) This means that this Qur`an descended, perfect and detailed, with the purpose of Allah`s worship alone, without any partners. This is similar to the statement of Allah, the Exalted,(And We did not send any Messenger before you but We revealed to him (saying): There is no God but I, so worship Me.) ﴿21:25﴾ It is similar to Allah`s statement,(And verily, We have sent among every Ummah a Messenger (proclaiming): `Worship Allah (Alone), and avoid Taghut (calling false deities.)`)﴿16:36﴾ In reference to Allah`s statement,(Verily, I am unto you from Him a warner and a bringer of glad tidings.) This means, "Verily, I am unto you a warner of the punishment if you oppose Him (Allah), and a bringer of the good news of reward if you obey Him.`` This meaning has been recorded in the authentic Hadith which states that the Messenger of Allah ascended mount As-Safa and called out to his near relatives of the Quraysh tribe. When they gathered around him, he said,(O people of Quraysh, if I informed you that a cavalry was going to attack you in the morning, would you not believe me) They replied, "We have not found you to be a liar.`` He said,(Verily I am a warner unto you before a severe punishment.) Concerning His statement,(And (commanding you): `Seek the forgiveness of your Lord, and turn to Him in repentance, that He may grant you good enjoyment, for a term appointed, and bestow His abounding grace to every owner of grace.) This means, "I am commanding you to seek forgiveness from previous sins and to turn to Allah from future sins, and thereafter you abide by that.``(that He may grant you good enjoyment,) This is in reference to this worldly life.(for a term appointed, and bestow His abounding grace to every owner of grace.) This refers to the Hereafter, according to Qatadah. "This is like the statement of Allah,(Whoever works righteousness -- whether male or female -- while a true believer, verily to him We will give a good life.)﴿16:97﴾ Concerning Allah`s statement,(But if you turn away, then I fear for you the torment of a Great Day.) This is a severe threat for whoever turns away from the commandments of Allah, the Exalted, and rejects His Messengers. Verily, the punishment will afflict such a person on the Day of Resurrection and there will be no escape from it.(To Allah is your return,) This is means your return on the Day of Judgement.(and He is able to do all things.) This means that He is capable of doing whatever He wishes, whether it be goodness towards His Awliya` (friends and allies), or vengeance upon His enemies. This also includes His ability to repeat the creation of His creatures on the Day of Resurrection. This section encourages fear, just as the previous section encourages hope.(5. No doubt! They did fold up their breasts, that they may hide from Him. Surely, even when they cover themselves with their garments, He knows what they conceal and what they reveal. Verily, He is the All-Knower of the (innermost secrets) of the breasts.)

Allah is Aware of All Things
Ibn `Abbas said, "They used to dislike facing the sky with their private parts, particularly during sexual relations. Therefore, Allah revealed this verse.`` Al-Bukhari recorded by way of Ibn Jurayj, who reported from Muhammad bin `Abbad bin Ja`far who said, "Ibn `Abbas recited, (????? ????????? ?????????? ???????????) "Behold their breasts did fold up.`` So I said: `O Abu Al-`Abbas! What does -their breasts did fold up- mean` He said, `The man used to have sex with his woman, but he would be shy, or he used to have answering the call of nature (in an open space) but, he would be shy. Therefore, this verse,(No doubt! They did fold up their breasts,) was revealed.``` In another wording of this narration, Ibn `Abbas said, "There were people who used to be shy to remove their clothes while answering the call of nature in an open space and thus be naked exposed to the sky. They were also ashamed of having sexual relations with their women due to fear of being exposed towards the sky. Thus, this was revealed concerning them.`` Al-Bukhari reported that Ibn `Abbas said that(they cover themselves) means that they cover their heads.(6. And no moving creature is there on earth but its provision is due from Allah. And He knows its dwelling place and its deposit. All is in a Clear Book.)

Allah is Responsible for the Provisions of All Creatures
Allah, the Exalted, informs that He is responsible for the provisions of all the creatures that dwell in the earth, whether they are small, large, sea-dwelling or land-dwelling. He knows their place of dwelling and their place of deposit. This means that He knows where their journeying will end in the earth and where they will seek shelter when they wish to nest. This place of nesting is also considered their place of deposit. `Ali bin Abi Talhah and others reported from Ibn `Abbas that he said concerning the statement,(And He knows its dwelling place) that it means where it resides. In reference to the statement,(and its deposit.) he (Ibn `Abbas) said it means where it will die. Allah informs us that all of this is written in a Book with Allah that explains it in detail. This is similar to Allah`s statement,(There is not a moving creature on earth, nor a bird that flies with its two wings, but are communities like you. We have neglected nothing in the Book, then unto their Lord they (all) shall be gathered.) ﴿6:38﴾, and(And with Him are the keys of the Ghayb (all that is hidden and unseen), none knows them but He. And He knows whatever there is in the land and in the sea; not a leaf falls, but he knows it. There is not a grain in the darkness of the earth nor anything fresh or dry, but is written in a Clear Record.) ﴿6:59﴾(7. And He it is Who has created the heavens and the earth in six Days and His Throne was over the water, that He might try you, which of you is the best in deeds. But if you were to say to them: "You shall indeed be raised up after death,`` those who disbelieve would be sure to say, "This is nothing but obvious magic.``) (8. And if We delay the torment for them till a determined Ummah (term), they are sure to say, "What keeps it back`` Verily, on the day it reaches them, nothing will turn it away from them, and they will be surrounded by (or fall in) that at which they used to mock!)

Allah created the Heavens and the Earth in Six Days
Allah, the Exalted, informs of His power over all things, and that He created the heavens and the earth in six days. He mentions that His Throne was over the water before that, just as Imam Ahmad recorded that `Imran bin Husayn said, "The Messenger of Allah said,(Accept the glad tidings, O tribe of Tamim!) They said, `Verily you have brought us glad tidings and you have given us.` Then he said,(Accept the glad tidings, O people of Yemen!) They said, `We accept. Therefore, inform us about the beginning of this matter and how it was.` He said,(Allah was before everything and His Throne was over the water. He then wrote in the Preserved Tablet mentioning everything.) Then a man came to me and said, "O `Imran, your she camel has escaped from her fetter.`` I then went out after her and I do not know what was said after I left.`` This Hadith has been recorded in the Two Sahihs of Al-Bukhari and Muslim with a variety of wordings. In Sahih Muslim, it is recorded that `Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al-`As said that the Messenger of Allah said,(Verily Allah measured the amount of sustenance of the creatures fifty thousand years before He created the heavens and the earth, and His Throne was over the water.) Under the explanation of this verse, Al-Bukhari recorded from Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allah said,(Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, said, `Spend and I will spend on you.`) And he said,(Allah`s Hand is full, and it is not diminished by spending throughout the night and the day.) He also said,(Have you seen what has been spent since the creation of the heavens and the earth Verily it does not diminish what is in His Right Hand (in the slightest) and His Throne was over the water. In His Hand is the Scale and he lowers and raises it.) Concerning Allah`s statement,(that He might try you, which of you is the best in deeds.) This means that He created the heavens and the earth for the benefit of His servants, whom He created so that they may worship Him and not associate anything with Him as a partner. Allah did not create this creation (of the heavens and the earth) out of mere frivolity. This is similar to His statement,(And We created not the heaven and the earth and all that is between them without purpose! That is the consideration of those who disbelieve! Then woe to those who disbelieve from the Fire!) ﴿38: 27﴾ Allah the Exalted, said,(Did you think that We created you in play (without any purpose), and that you would not be brought back to Us So Exalted is Allah, the True King: there is no God but He, the Lord of the Supreme Throne!) ﴿23:115-116﴾ Allah, the Exalted, said,(And I (Allah) created not the Jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone).) ﴿51:56﴾ Concerning the statement of Allah,(that He might try you,) It means so that He (Allah) may test you. Concerning the statement,(which of you is the best in deeds.) It is important to note here that Allah did not say, "Which of you has done the most deeds.`` Rather, He said, "Best in deeds.`` A deed cannot be considered a good deed until it is done sincerely for Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, and it must be in accordance with the legislation of the Messenger of Allah . Whenever a deed lacks one of these conditions, then it is null and void.

The Polytheists hasten their Torment by arguing against Resurrection after Death
Concerning Allah`s statement,(But if you were to say to them: "You shall indeed be raised up after death.``) Allah, the Exalted, is saying, "O Muhammad, if you were to inform these polytheists that Allah is going to resurrect them after their death, just as He created them originally (they would still reject).`` Even though they know that Allah, the Exalted, is the One Who created the heavens and the earth, just as He said,(And if you ask them who created them, they will surely say: "Allah.``)﴿43:87﴾ Allah says,(And if you were to ask them: "Who has created the heavens and the earth and subjected the sun and the moon`` They will surely reply: "Allah.``) ﴿29:61﴾ Even after their awareness of this (Allah`s creating), they still reject the resurrection and the promised return on the Day of Judgement. Yet, in reference to ability, the resurrection is easier (for Allah to perform) than the original creation. As Allah said,(And He it is Who originates the creation, then He will repeat it (after it has perished); and this is easier for Him.) ﴿30:27﴾ Allah also said,(The creation of you all and the resurrection of you all are only as (the creation and resurrection of) a single person.) ﴿31:28﴾ Concerning the statement,(This is nothing but obvious magic.) The polytheists say this due to their disbelief and obstinacy. They say, "We do not believe your claim that resurrection will occur.`` They also say, "He (Muhammad) only says this (resurrection of the dead) because he is bewitched, and he wants you to follow him in what his bewitchment tells him. Concerning Allah`s statement,(And if We delay the torment for them till a determined term,) Allah, the Exalted, is saying "If We delay the torment and the destruction of these polytheists until an appointed time and a period determined, and We promise them a specific time period (of life), they would still say, in rejection and haste;(What keeps it back) They mean by this, "What delays this torment from overtaking us`` Both rejection and doubt are their very nature. Therefore, they have no escape or refuge from the torment.

The Meanings of the Word Ummah
The word Ummah is used in the Qur`an and Sunnah with a number of different meanings. Sometimes when it is used it means a specified period of time. An example is the statement of Allah, the Exalted, in this verse,(till a determined Ummah (term),) This is also the meaning in the statement of Allah in Surah Yusuf,(Then the man who was released, now after Ummah (some time) remembered.) ﴿12:45﴾ The word Ummah is also used to refer to the Imam (leader) who is followed. An example of this is in the statement of Allah,(Verily, Ibrahim was an Ummah, obedient to Allah, Hanif, and he was not of those who were polytheists.) ﴿16:120﴾ The word Ummah is also used to mean religion and religious creed. This is as Allah mentions concerning the polytheists, that they said,(Verily, we found our fathers following a certain way and religion, and we will indeed follow their footsteps. ) ﴿43:23﴾ The word Ummah is also used to mean a group (of people). This is as Allah says,(And when he arrived at the water (well) of Madyan, he found there a group of men watering (their flocks).) ﴿28:23﴾ Allah also said,(And verily, We have sent among every Ummah a Messenger (proclaiming): "Worship Allah (Alone), and avoid Taghut.``) ﴿16:36﴾ Allah also said,(And for every Ummah there is a Messenger; when their Messenger comes, the matter will be judged between them with justice, and they will not be wronged.) ﴿10:47﴾ The meaning of Ummah here is those people who have had a Messenger sent among them. The meaning of Ummah in this context includes the believers and the disbelievers among them. This is like what has been recorded in Sahih Muslim,(By He in Whose Hand is my soul! there is no one of this Ummah, whether he be a Jew or Christian, who hears of me and does not believe in me, except that he will enter the Hell- fire.) In reference to the Ummah of followers, then they are those who believe in the Messengers, as Allah said,(You (the followers of Prophet Muhammad) are the best Ummah ever raised up for mankind.) ﴿3:110﴾ In the Sahih the Prophet said,(Then I will say, "My Ummah (followers), my Ummah!``) The word Ummah is also used to mean a sect or party. An example of this usage is in the statement of Allah,(And of the people of Musa there is an Ummah who lead (the men) with truth and established justice therewith.) ﴿7:159﴾ Likewise is His statement,(A party of the People of the Scripture stand for the right.) ﴿3:113﴾(9. And if We give man a taste of mercy from Us, and then withdraw it from him, verily, he is despairing, ungrateful.) (10. But if We let him taste good (favor) after evil (poverty and harm) has touched him, he is sure to say: "Ills have departed from me.`` Surely, he is exultant and boastful (ungrateful to Allah).) (11. Except those who show patience and do righteous good deeds: those, theirs will be forgiveness and a great reward (Paradise).)

The changing of Man`s Attitude in Happiness and Hardship
Allah, the Exalted, informs about mankind and the blameworthy characteristics that he possesses, except for those believing servants upon whom Allah has bestowed His mercy. Allah explains that when any hardship befalls man, after he has experienced blessings, he is disheartened and he despairs of any good in the future. He denies and rejects (the bounties of) his previous condition. Thus, he behaves as if he has never seen any good and he loses all hope for relief (from his situation). Likewise, if any blessing befalls him after displeasure,(he is sure to say, "Ills have departed from me.``) This means that he will claim that no harm or calamity will afflict him after this (blessing).(Surely, he is exultant and boastful (ungrateful to Allah).) This means that he is pleased with what he has in his hand and ungrateful (to Allah). At the same time he is boastful towards others. Allah, the Exalted, then says,(Except those who show patience) meaning, those who show patience during times of hardship and adversity. In reference to Allah`s statement,(and do righteous good deeds) This means that they perform the good deeds in times of ease and good health. Concerning the statement,(those, theirs will be forgiveness) meaning, that they will be forgiven due to the calamities that afflicted them. Concerning Allah`s statement,(and a great reward.) This great reward is due to them because of what they sent forth (of good deeds) in their times of ease. This is similar to what is mentioned in the Hadith,(By He in Whose Hand is my soul! No worry, calamity, distress, illness, or grief strikes a believer, even the prick of a thorn, except that Allah will expiate his sins for him because of it.) In the Sahih it is recorded that the Prophet said,(By He in Whose Hand is my soul! Allah does not decree any matter for the believer except that it is good for him. If any blessing befalls him, he is thankful (to Allah) and that is good for him. If any harm comes to him, he is patient and that is also good for him. This is (a bounty) exclusively for the believer.) For this reason, Allah, the Exalted, says,(By Al-`Asr (the time). Verily, man is in loss. Except those who believe and do righteous good deeds. And recommend one another to the truth and recommend one another to patience.) ﴿103:1-3﴾ Allah also says,(Verily, man was created very impatient.) ﴿70:19﴾(12. So perchance you may give up a part of what is revealed unto you, and that your breast feels straitened for it because they say, "Why has not a treasure been sent down unto him, or an angel come with him`` But you are only a warner. And Allah is a Guardian over all things.) (13. Or they say, "He forged it.`` Say: "Bring you then ten forged Surahs like unto it, and call whomsoever you can, other than Allah, if you speak the truth!``) (14. If then they answer you not, know then that it is sent down with the knowledge of Allah and that there is no god besides Him! Will you then be Muslims)

The Messenger grieving by the Statements of the Polytheists, and His Gratification
This statement of Allah, the Exalted, to His Messenger comforted the worries that the polytheists were causing him due to their statements directed towards him. This is just as Allah says about them,(And they say: "Why does this Messenger eat food, and walk about in the markets. Why is not an angel sent down to him to be a warner with him`` Or; "(why) has not a treasure been granted to him, or why has he not a garden whereof he may eat`` And the wrongdoers say: "You follow none but a man bewitched.``) ﴿25:7-8﴾ Thus, Allah commanded His Messenger and guided him to not let these statements of theirs grieve his heart. Allah directed him to not let these statements prevent him, or deter him from calling them to Allah, both day and night. This is as Allah said,(Indeed, We know that your breast is straitened at what they say.) ﴿15:97﴾ Allah says in this verse,(So perchance you may give up a part of what is revealed unto you, and that your breast feels straitened for it because they say...) The meaning here is that he (the Prophet ) may be compelled to give up the Message due to what they (the polytheists) say about him. However, Allah goes on to explain: "You (Muhammad) are only a warner and you have an example in your brothers of the Messengers who came before you. For verily, the previous Messengers were rejected and harmed, yet they were patient until the help of Allah came to them.``

An Explanation concerning the Miracle of the Qur`an
Then Allah, the Exalted, explains the miracle of the Qur`an, and that no one is able to produce its like, or even bring ten chapters, or one chapter like it. The reason for this is that the Speech of the Lord of all that exists is not like the speech of the created beings, just as His attributes are not like the attributes of the creation. Nothing resembles His existence. Exalted is He, the Most Holy, and the Sublime. There is no deity worthy of worship except He and there is no true Lord other than He. Then Allah goes on to say,(If then they answer you not,) Meaning, that if they do not come with a reply to that which you have challenged them with (to the reproduction of ten chapters like the Qur`an), then know that it is due to their inability to do so. Know (that this is a proof) that this is the speech revealed from Allah. It contains His knowledge, His commands and His prohibitions. Then Allah continues by saying,(and that there is no God besides Him! Will you then be Muslims)(15. Whosoever desires the life of the world and its glitter, to them We shall pay in full (the wages of) their deeds therein, and they will have no diminution therein.) (16. They are those for whom there is nothing in the Hereafter but Fire, and vain are the deeds they did therein. And of no effect is that which they used to do.)

Whoever wants the Worldly Life, then He will have no Share of the Hereafter
Al-`Awfi reported that Ibn `Abbas said concerning this verse, "Verily those who show off, will be given their reward for their good deeds in this life. This will be so that they are not wronged, even the amount equivalent to the size of the speck on a date-stone.`` Ibn `Abbas continued saying, "Therefore, whoever does a good deed seeking to acquire worldly gain - like fasting, prayer, or standing for prayer at night - and he does so in order to acquire worldly benefit, then Allah says, `Give him the reward of that which he sought in the worldly life,` and his deed that he did is wasted because he was only seeking the life of this world. In the Hereafter he will be of the losers.`` A similar narration has been reported from Mujahid, Ad-Dahhak and many others. Anas bin Malik and Al-Hasan both said, "This verse was revealed concerning the Jews and the Christians.`` Mujahid and others said, "This verse was revealed concerning the people who perform deeds to be seen.`` Qatadah said, "Whoever`s concern, intention and goal is this worldly life, then Allah will reward him for his good deeds in this life. Then, when reaches the next life, he will not have any good deeds that will be rewarded. However, concerning the believer, he will be rewarded for his good deeds in this life and in the Hereafter as well.`` Allah, the Exalted, says,(Whoever desires the quick-passing (transitory enjoyment of this world), We readily grant him what We will for whom We like. Then, afterwards, We have appointed for him Hell; he will burn therein disgraced and rejected. And whoever desires the Hereafter and strives for it, with the necessary effort due for it while he is a believer - then such are the ones whose striving shall be appreciated. On each - these as well as those - We bestow from the bounties of your Lord. And the bounties of your Lord can never be forbidden. See how We prefer one above another, and verily, the Hereafter will be greater in degrees and greater in intricacy.) ﴿17:18-21﴾ Allah, the Exalted, says,(Whosoever desires the reward of the Hereafter, We give him increase in his reward, and whosoever desires the reward of this world, We give him thereof, and he has no portion in the Hereafter.) ﴿42:20﴾(17. Can they who rely on a clear proof from their Lord, and whom a witness from Him recites (follows) it; and before it, came the Book of Musa, a guidance and a mercy, they believe therein, but those of the sects that reject it, the Fire will be their promised meeting place. So be not in doubt about it. Verily, it is the truth from your Lord, but most of mankind believe not.)

The One Who believes in the Qur`an is upon Clear Proof from His Lord
Allah, the Exalted, informs of the condition of the believers who are upon the natural religion of Allah, which He made inherent in His creatures. This is based upon their confession to Him that there is none worthy of worship except He. This is similar to Allah`s statement,(So set you your face towards the religion, Hanifan. Allah`s Fitrah with which He has created mankind.) ﴿30:30﴾, In the Two Sahihs it is recorded that Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allah said,(Every child is born upon the Fitrah, but his parents make him a Jew, Christian, or Magian. This is just as the calf that is born whole. Have you noticed any calves that are born mutilated) In Sahih Muslim it is recorded that `Iyad bin Himar said that the Messenger of Allah said,(Allah, the Exalted, says, `Verily, I created my servants Hunafa`, but the devils came to them and distracted them from their religion. They made unlawful for them what I had made lawful for them and they commanded them to associate partners with Me, concerning which no authority has been revealed.) Therefore, the believer is one who remains upon this Fitrah. Concerning Allah`s statement,(and whom a witness from Him recites (follows) it;) This means that a witness comes to him from Allah. That witness is the pure, perfect and magnificent legislation that Allah revealed to the Prophets. These legislations were finalized with the legislation (Shari`ah) of Muhammad . The believer has the natural disposition that bears witness to (the truth of) the general legislation, and accepts that specific laws are taken from the general legislation. The Fitrah accepts the Shari`ah and believes in it. For this reason Allah, the Exalted, says,(Can they who rely on a clear proof from their Lord, and whom a witness from Him recites (follows) it;) This clear proof which is recited is the Qur`an, which Jibril conveyed to the Prophet and the Prophet Muhammad conveyed it to his Ummah. Then Allah says,(and before it, came the Book of Musa,) This means that before the Qur`an, there was the Book of Musa, the Tawrah.(a guidance and a mercy) This means that Allah, the Exalted, revealed it to that Ummah as a leader for them and a guide for them to follow, as a mercy from Allah upon them. Therefore, whoever believed in it with true faith, then it would lead him to believe in the Qur`an as well. For this reason Allah said,(they believe therein) Then Allah, the Exalted, threatens those who reject the Qur`an, or any part of it, by saying,(but those of the sects that reject it, the Fire will be their promised meeting place.) This is directed towards everyone on the face of the earth who disbelieves in the Qur`an, whether they are idolators, disbelievers, People of the Scripture, or other sects from the descendants of Adam. This applies to all whom the Qur`an reaches, regardless of their differences in color, appearance, or nationality. As Allah says,(that I may therewith warn you and whomsoever it may reach. ) ﴿6:19﴾ Allah, the Exalted, said,(Say: "O mankind! Verily, I am sent to you all as the Messenger of Allah.``) Allah says,(but those of the sects that reject it, the Fire will be their promised meeting place.) In Sahih Muslim it is recorded that Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari, may Allah be pleased with him, said that the Messenger of Allah said,(By He in Whose Hand is my soul! there is no one of this Ummah, whether he be a Jew or Christian, who hears of me and does not believe in me, except that he will enter the Hell- fire.)

Every Hadith is confirmed by the Qur`an
Ayyub As-Sakhtiyani reported from Sa`id bin Jubayr that he said, "I did not hear any Hadith of the Prophet , substantiated as he stated it, except that I found its confirmation in the Qur`an. (The narrator said, "Or he said, `I found its verification in the Qur`an.```) Thus, it reached me that the Prophet said,(There is no one of this Ummah, whether he be a Jew or Christian, who hears of me and does not believe in me, except that he will enter the Hellfire.) Therefore, I said, `Where is its verification in the Book of Allah Most of what I have heard reported from the Messenger of Allah , I have found its verification in the Qur`an.` Then I found this verse,(but those of the sects that reject it (the Qur`an), the Fire will be their promised meeting place.) And this means from all religions.`` Then Allah says,(So be not in doubt about it. Verily, it is the truth from your Lord,) This means that the Qur`an is the truth from Allah and there is no doubt or suspicion concerning it. This is as Allah says,(Alif Lam Mim. The revelations of the Book in which there is no doubt, is from the Lord of all that exists!)﴿32:1-2﴾ Allah, the Exalted, says,(Alif Lam Mim. This is the Book in which there is no doubt.) ﴿2:1-2﴾ The Ayah;(but most of mankind believe not.) is similar to Allah`s statement,(And most of mankind will not believe even if you desire it eagerly.)﴿12:103﴾ Likewise, Allah says,(And if you obey most of those on the earth, they will mislead you far away from Allah`s path.) Allah also says,(And indeed Iblis did prove true his thought about them: and they followed him, all except a group of true believers.)﴿34:20﴾(18. And who does more wrong than he who invents a lie against Allah. Such will be brought before their Lord, and the witnesses will say,``These are the ones who lied against their Lord!`` No doubt! The curse of Allah is on the wrongdoers.) (19. Those who hinder (others) from the path of Allah, and seek a crookedness therein, while they are disbelievers in the Hereafter.) (20. By no means will they escape on earth, nor have they protectors besides Allah! Their torment will be doubled! They could not bear to listen and they used not to see (the truth).) r(21. They are those who have lost their own selves, and that which they invented eluded them.) (22. Certainly, they are those who will be the greatest losers in the Hereafter.)

Those Who invent Lies against Allah and hinder Others from His Path are the Greatest Losers
Allah, the Exalted, explains the condition of those who lie against Him and that their scandal in the Hereafter will be presented before the heads of creation (for testimony) from the angels, Messengers, Prophets and the rest of mankind and Jinns. This is just as Imam Ahmad recorded from Safwan bin Muhriz. Safwan said, "I was holding the hand of Ibn `Umar when a man was brought to him. The man said, `How did you hear the Messenger of Allah describe An-Najwa (secret counsel or confidential talk) on the Day of Resurrection` Ibn `Umar said, `I heard him say,(Verily, Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, will draw near the believer and He will place His shade over him. He will conceal him from the people and make him confess to his sins. He will say to him, "Do you recognize this sin Do you recognize that sin Do you recognize such and such sin`` This will continue until He makes him confess to all of his sins and he (the believer) will think to himself that he is about to be destroyed. Then Allah will say, "Verily, I have concealed these sins for you in the worldly life and I have forgiven you for them today.`` Then he (the believer) will be given his Book of good deeds. As for the disbelievers and the hypocrites, the witnesses will say,)(These are the ones who lied against their Lord! No doubt! The curse of Allah is on the wrongdoers).`` Both Al-Bukhari and Muslim recorded this narration in the Two Sahihs. Concerning Allah`s statement,(Those who hinder (others) from the path of Allah, and seek a crookedness therein,) This means that they prevent the people from following the truth and traversing upon the path of guidance that leads to Allah, the Mighty and Sublime. In doing so they also keep the people away from Paradise itself. Allah`s statement,(and seek a crookedness therein,) This means that they want their path to be crooked and uneven. Then, Allah`s statement,(while they are disbelievers in the Hereafter.) This means that they deny the Hereafter and they reject the idea that any of its events will occur, or any of it exists at all. Concerning Allah`s statement,(By no means will they escape on earth, nor have they protectors besides Allah!) This means that these disbelievers are under the power of Allah and His force. They are in His grasp and are subject to His authority. He is Most Able to exact vengeance against them in this life before the coming of the Hereafter. This is like Allah`s statement,(but He gives them respite up to a Day when the eyes will stare in horror.)﴿14:42﴾ In the Two Sahihs it is recorded that the Prophet said,(Verily Allah gives respite to the oppressor until He seizes him, then he will not be able to escape Him.) For this reason Allah says,(Their torment will be doubled!) This means that the torment will be doubled upon them, because Allah gave them hearing, vision and hearts, but these things did not benefit them. Rather, they were deaf from hearing the truth and blinded away from following it. This is just as Allah has mentioned concerning them when they enter into the Hellfire. Allah says,(And they will say: "Had we but listened or used our intelligence, we would not have been among the dwellers of the blazing Fire!``) Allah also says,(Those who disbelieved and hinder (men) from the path of Allah, for them We will add torment to the torment.)﴿16:88﴾ For this reason they will be punished for every command that they abandoned and every prohibition that they indulged in. Then Allah continues by saying,(They are those who have lost their own selves, and that which they invented eluded them.) They lost themselves, meaning that they be made to enter a blazing Fire, where they will be punished, and its torment will not be lifted from them for even the blinking of an eye. This is as Allah said,(Whenever it abates, We shall increase for them the fierceness of the Fire.)﴿17:97﴾ Concerning the statement,(eluded them.) meaning that it has left them.(that which they invented) besides Allah, such as rivals and idols. Yet, these things did not avail them in the slightest. In fact, these things actually caused them great harm. This is as Allah says,(And when mankind are gathered, they will become their enemies and will deny their worshipping.)﴿46:6﴾ Allah says,(When those who were followed disown those who followed (them), and they see the torment, then all their relations will be cut off from them.)﴿2:166﴾ Likewise, there are many other verses that prove this loss of theirs and their destruction. For this reason Allah says,(Certainly, they are those who will be the greatest losers in the Hearafter.) ﴿11:22﴾ In this verse Allah informs about the direction of their end. He explains that they are the greatest losers among mankind in their transaction for the abode of the Hereafter. That is because they exchanged the highest levels (of Paradise) for the lowest levels (of Hell) and they substituted the pleasure of Gardens (of Paradise) for the fierce boiling water (of Hell). They exchanged the drink of sealed nectar with the fierce hot wind, boiling water, and a shade of black smoke. They chose food from the filth of dirty wounds instead of wide-eyed lovely maidens. They preferred Hawiyah (a pit in Hell) instead of lofty castles. They chose the anger of Allah and His punishment over nearness to Him and the blessing of gazing at Him. Therefore, it is no injustice that such people should be the greatest losers in the Hereafter.(23. Verily, those who believe and do righteous good deeds, and humble themselves before their Lord, they will be the dwellers of Paradise to dwell therein forever.) (24. The likeness of the two parties is as the blind and the deaf and the seer and the hearer. Are they equal when compared Will you not then take heed)

Rewarding the People of Faith
When Allah, the Exalted, mentioned the condition of the wretched, He also commended the people of delight (the believers). They are those who believe and work righteous deeds. Thus, their hearts believed and their limbs worked righteous deeds, both in statements and actions. This includes their performance of deeds of obedience and their abandonment of evils. In this way they are the inheritors of Gardens (of Paradise), which contain lofty rooms and seats arranged in rows. Therein they will find bunches of fruit near to them, elevated couches, fair and beautiful wives, various types of fruit, desired kinds of food and delicious drinks. They also will be allowed to see the Creator of the heavens and the earth and they will be in this state of pleasure forever. They will not die, nor will they grow old. They will not experience sickness, nor will they sleep. They will not have excrement, nor will they spit or snot. Their sweat will be the perfume of musk.

The Parable of the Believers and the Disbelievers
Then, Allah, the Exalted, makes a parable of the disbelievers and the believers. He says,(The likeness of the two parties) This refers to those disbelievers whom Allah first described as wretched, and then those believers whom He described with delightfulness. The first group is like one who is blind and deaf, while the second group is like he who sees and hears. Thus, the disbeliever is blind from the truth in this life and in the Hereafter. He is not guided to goodness, nor does he recognize it. He is deaf from hearing the proofs, thus he does not hear that which would benefit him. As Allah says,(Had Allah known of any good in them, He would indeed have made them listen.)﴿8:23﴾ The believer is smart, bright and clever. He sees the truth and distinguishes between the truth and falsehood. Thus, he follows the good and abandons the evil. He hears and distinguishes between the proof and scepticism. Therefore, falsehood does not overcome him. Are these two types of people alike(Will you not then take heed) This statement means, "Will you not consider, so that you may distinguish between these two categories of people.`` This is as Allah mentions in another verse,(Not equal are the dwellers of the Fire and the dwellers of the Paradise. It is the dwellers of Paradise that will be successful.)﴿59:20﴾ Allah also says,(Not alike are the blind and the seeing. Nor are (alike) darkness and light. Nor are (alike) the shade and the sun`s heat. Nor are (alike) the living and the dead. Verily, Allah makes whom He wills to hear, but you cannot make hear those who are in graves. You are only a warner. Verily, We have sent you with the truth, a bearer of glad tidings and a warner. And there never was a nation but a warner had passed among them.)﴿35:19-24﴾(25. And indeed We sent Nuh to his people (and he said): "I have come to you as a plain warner.``) (26. "That you worship none but Allah; surely, I fear for you the torment of a painful Day.``) (27. The chiefs who disbelieved among his people said: "We see you but a man like ourselves, nor do we see any follow you but the meanest among us and they (too) followed you without thinking. And we do not see in you any merit above us, in fact we think you are liars.``)

The Story of Nuh and His Conversation with His People
Allah, the Exalted, informs about Prophet Nuh. He was the first Messenger whom Allah sent to the people of the earth who were polytheists involved in worshipping idols. Allah mentions that he (Nuh) said to his people,(I have come to you as a plain warner.) meaning, to openly warn you against facing Allah`s punishment if you continue worshipping other than Allah. Thus, Nuh said,(That you worship none but Allah;) This can also be seen in his statement,(surely, I fear for you the torment of a painful Day.) This means, "If you all continue doing this, then Allah will punish you with a severe punishment in the Hereafter.`` Then Allah says,(The chiefs who disbelieved among his people said;) The word `chiefs` (Al-Mala`u) here means the leaders and the heads of the disbelievers. They said,(We see you but a man like ourselves,) This means, "You are not an angel. You are only a human being, so how can revelation come to you over us We do not see anyone following you except the lowliest people among us, like the merchants, weavers and similar people. No people of nobility, or rulers among us follow you. These people who follow you are not known for their intelligence, wit, or sharp thinking. Rather, you merely invited them (to this Islam) and they responded to your call and followed you (ignorantly).`` This is the meaning of their statement,(nor do we see any follow you but the meanest among us and they (too) followed you without thinking.) The statement, "without thinking,`` means that they merely followed the first thing that came to their minds. Concerning the statement,(And we do not see in you any merit above us, in fact we think you are liars.) In this they are saying, "We do not see that you ﴿and your followers﴾ have any virtuous status above us in your physical appearance, your character, your provisions, or your condition, since you accepted this (new) religion of yours.``s(in fact we think you are liars. ) This means, "We think you are lying about that which you are claiming for yourselves of righteousness, piety, worship and happiness in the abode of the Hereafter when you arrive there.`` This was the response of the disbelievers to Nuh and his followers. This is a proof of their ignorance and their deficiency in knowledge and intelligence. For verily, the truth is not to be rejected because of the lowly status of those who follow it. Verily, the truth is correct in itself, regardless of whether its followers are of low status, or nobility. Actually, the reality concerning which there is no doubt, is that the followers of the truth are the noble ones, even though they may be poor. On the other hand, those who reject the truth are the lowly wretches, even though they may be wealthy. Thus, we see that usually the weakest of people are the ones who follow the truth, while the nobility and high-class people usually are opposed to the truth. This is as Allah says,(And similarly, We sent not a warner before you to any town (people) but the luxurious ones among them said: "We found our fathers following a cerain way and religion, and we will indeed follow their footsteps.``)﴿43:23﴾ When Heraclius, the emperor of Rome, asked Abu Sufyan Sakhr bin Harb about the qualities of the Prophet , he said to him, "Are his followers the noble people, or the weak`` Abu Sufyan said, "They are the weakest of them.`` Then Heraclius said, "They (weak ones) are the followers of the Messengers.`` Concerning their statement,(without thinking. ) In reality this is not objectionable, or something derogatory, because the truth when it is made clear, does not leave room for second-guessing, or excessive thinking. Rather, it is mandatory that it should be followed and this is the condition of every pious, intelligent person. No one continues doubtfully pondering the truth (after it is made clear) except one who is ignorant and excessively critical. The Messengers - Allah`s peace and blessings be upon them all - only delivered what was obvious and clear. Concerning Allah`s statement,(And we do not see in you any merit above us,) They did not see this (the virtue of accepting Islam) because they were blind from the truth. They could not see, nor could they hear. Rather, they were wavering in their skepticism. They were wandering blindly in the darknesses of their ignorance. They, in reality, were the slanderers and liars, lowly and despicable. Therefore, in the Hereafter they will be the greatest losers.(28. He said: "O my people! Tell me, if I have a clear proof from my Lord, and a mercy (prophethood) has come to me from Him, but that (mercy) has been obscured from your sight. Shall we compel you (to accept) it when you have a strong hatred for it)

The Response of Nuh
Allah says, informing about the response of Nuh to his people,(Tell me, if I have a clear proof from my Lord,) Bayyinah means certainty, a clear matter, and truthful prophethood. That is the greatest mercy from Allah upon him (Nuh) and them (his people).(but that (mercy) has been obscured from your sight.) "Obscured from your sight`` in this verse means, `it was hidden from you and you are not guided to it. Thus, you ﴿people﴾ did not know its importance so you hastily rejected and denied it.`(Shall we compel you (to accept) it) This means, "Should we force you to accept it, while you actually detest it.``(29. And O my people! I ask of you no wealth for it, my reward is from none but Allah. I am not going to drive away those who have believed. Surely, they are going to meet their Lord, but I see that you are a people that are ignorant.) (30. And O my people! Who will help me against Allah, if I drove them away Will you not then give a thought) Nuh says to his people, "I do not ask you for any wealth in return for my sincere advice to you.`` Wealth (Mal) here means, "payment that I take from you.`` Nuh means, "I am only seeking the reward from Allah, the Mighty and Sublime.`` Concerning the statement,(I am not going to drive away those who have believed.) This alludes to the fact that they (the disbelievers) requested Nuh to disassociate himself from the believers, because they were averse to them and felt themselves too important to sit with them. This is similar to the request of disbelievers to the seal of the Messengers to disassociate himself from a group of the people who were considered weak in their social status. They wanted the Prophet to sit with them in a special gathering of the elite. Therefore, Allah revealed,(And turn not away those who invoke their Lord, morning and afternoon.) Allah also says,(Thus We have tried some of them with others, that they might say: "Is it these (poor believers) whom Allah has favored from among us`` Does not Allah know best those who are grateful)﴿6:53﴾(31. And I do not say to you that with me are the treasures of Allah, nor that I know the Ghayb; nor do I say I am an angel, and I do not say of those whom your eyes look down upon that Allah will not bestow any good on them. Allah knows what is in their inner selves. In that case, I should, indeed be one of the wrongdoers.) Nuh is informing them that he is a Messenger from Allah, calling to the worship of Allah alone, without any partners and he is doing this by the permission of Allah. At the same time, he is not asking them for any reward for this work. He invites whomever he meets, whether of nobility or low class. Therefore, whoever responds favorably, then he has achieved salvation. He also explains that he has no power to manipulate the hidden treasures of Allah, nor does he have any knowledge of the Unseen, except what Allah has allowed him to know. Likewise, he is not an angel, rather, he is merely a human Messenger aided with miracles. Nuh goes on to say, "I do not say about these people whom you (disbelievers) detest and look down upon, that Allah will not reward them for their deeds. Allah knows best what is in their souls. If they are believers in their hearts, as their condition appears to be outwardly, then they will have a good reward. If anyone behaves evilly with them after they have believed, then he is a wrongdoer who speaks what he has no knowledge of.(32. They said: "O Nuh! You have disputed with us, and much have you prolonged the dispute with us, now bring upon us what you threaten us with, if you are of the truthful.``) (33. He said: "Only Allah will bring it (the punishment) on you, if He wills, and then you will escape not.) (34. "And my advice will not profit you, even if I wish to give you good counsel, if Allah`s will is to keep you astray. He is your Lord! and to Him you shall return.``)

The People`s Request of Nuh to bring the Torment and His Response to Them
Allah, the Exalted, informs that the people of Nuh sought to hasten Allah`s vengeance, torment, anger and the trial (His punishment). This is based on their saying,(They said: "O Nuh! You have disputed with us and much have you prolonged the dispute with us...``) They meant by this, "You (Nuh) have argued with us long enough, and we are still not going to follow you.``(now bring upon us what you threaten us with,) What he (Nuh) promised is referring to the vengeance and torment (from Allah). They were actually saying, "Supplicate against us however you wish, and let whatever you have supplicated come to us.``("...if you are of the truthful.`` (In reply to this,) He said: "Only Allah will bring it (the punishment) on you, if He wills, and then you will escape not.)﴿11:32-33﴾ This means, `It is only Allah Who can punish you and hasten your punishment for you. He is the One from Whom nothing escapes. `(And my advice will not profit you, even if I wish to give you good counsel, if Allah`s will is to keep you astray.) This means: something that could be useful to you (in acceptance) of my preaching to you, warning you and advising you.(if Allah`s will is to keep you astray.) This means: your deception and your ultimate destruction.(He is your Lord! and to Him you shall return.) He is the Owner of the finality of all matters. He is the Controller, the Judge, the Most Just and He does not do any injustice. Unto Him belongs the creation and the command. He is the Originator and the Repeater (of the creation). He is the Owner of this life and the Hereafter.(35. Or they (the pagans of Makkah) say: "He has fabricated it.`` Say: "If I have fabricated it, upon me be my crimes, but I am innocent of (all) those crimes which you commit.)

An Interruption to verify the Truthfulness of the Prophet
This is presented in the middle of the story to affirm the story itself. It is as if Allah, the Exalted, is saying to Muhammad , "Or do these obstinate disbelievers say that he fabricated this and invented it himself``(Say: "If I have fabricated it, upon me be my crimes...``) This means: such sin would be mine alone.(but I am innocent of (all) those crimes which you commit.) This story is not invented, or fabricated falsely. Because he (the Prophet) knows better the punishment of Allah for one who lies on Allah.(36. And it was revealed to Nuh: "None of your people will believe except those who have believed already. So be not sad because of what they used to do.) (37. "And construct the ship under Our Eyes and with Our revelation, and address Me not on behalf of those who did wrong; they are surely to be drowned.``) (38. And as he was constructing the ship, whenever the chiefs of his people passed by him, they mocked at him. He said: "If you mock at us, so do we mock at you likewise for your mocking.``) (39. "And you will know who it is on whom will come a torment that will cover him with disgrace and on whom will fall a lasting torment.``)

The Revelation to Nuh concerning what would happen to the People and the Command to prepare for It
Allah, the Exalted, sent revelation to Nuh when his people hastened the vengeance and punishment of Allah upon themselves. Then, Nuh supplicated against them, as Allah mentioned, when He said;(My Lord! Leave not one of the disbelievers inhabiting the earth!) ﴿71:26﴾ And he said,(Then he invoked his Lord (saying): "I have been overcome, so help (me)!``)﴿54:10﴾ At this point Allah revealed to him,(None of your people will believe except those who have believed already.) Therefore, do not grieve over them and do not be concerned with their affair.(And construct the ship.) The word Fulk here means ship.(under Our Eyes) This means under Our vision.(and with Our revelation,) This means, "We will teach you (Nuh) what to do.``(and address Me not on behalf of those who did wrong; they are surely to be drowned.) Muhammad bin Ishaq mentioned from the Tawrah, "Allah commanded him (Nuh) to make it (the ship) from Indian oak wood. Then He commanded him to make its length eighty cubits and its width fifty cubits. Allah then commanded him to coat its interior and exterior with tar and to make it with a slanted bow to part the water (as it sailed). Its height was thirty cubits into the sky. It had three levels and each level was ten cubits high. The lowest level was for the animals, both tame and wild, the second level was for the human beings and the highest level was for the birds. Its door was in the center of it and it had a cover on top of it that covered the entire ship. Concerning Allah`s statement,(And as he was constructing the ship, whenever the chiefs of his people passed by him, they mocked at him.) This means that they teased him and rejected his threat that they would drown (in the forthcoming flood).(He said: "If you mock at us, so do we mock at you likewise...``) This is a severe threat and a serious warning.(who it is on whom will come a torment that will cover him with disgrace) This means that it (the torment) will humiliate him in this life.(and on whom will fall a lasting torment.) that is continuous and everlasting.(40. (So it was) till when Our command came and the oven gushed forth (water like fountains from the earth). We said: "Embark therein, of each kind two (male and female), and your family -- except him against whom the Word has already gone forth -- and those who believe. And none believed with him, except a few.``)

The beginning of the Flood and Nuh loads Every Creature in Pairs upon the Ship
This was the promise of Allah to Nuh , when the command of Allah came, the rain was continuous and there was a severe storm which did not slacken or subside, as Allah said,(So We opened the gates of the heaven with water pouring forth. And We caused springs to gush forth from the earth. So the waters (of the heaven and the earth) met for a matter predestined. And We carried him on a (ship) made of planks and nails. Floating under Our Eyes: a reward for him who had been rejected!)﴿54:11-14﴾ In reference to Allah`s statement,(and the oven gushed forth.) It is related from Ibn `Abbas that he said, "At-Tannur is the face of the earth.`` This verse means that the face of the earth became gushing water springs. This continued until the water gushed forth from the Tananir, which are places of fire. Therefore, water even gushed from the places where fire normally would be. This is the opinion of the majority of the Salaf (predecessors) and the scholars of the Khalaf (later generations). At this point, Allah commanded Nuh to select one pair from every kind of creature possessing a soul, and load them on the ship. Some said that this included other creatures as well, such as pairs of plants, male and female. It has also been said that the first of the birds to enter the ship was the parrot, and the last of the animals to enter was the donkey. Concerning Allah`s statement,(and your family -- except him against whom the Word has already gone forth) This means, "Load your family upon the ship.`` This is referring to the members of his household and his relatives, except him against whom the Word has already gone forth, for they did not believe in Allah. Among them was the son of Nuh, Yam, who went in hermitage. Among them was the wife of Nuh who was a disbeliever in Allah and His Messenger. Concerning Allah`s statement,(and those who believe.) from your people.(And none believed with him, except a few.) This means that only a very small number believed, even after the long period of time that he (Nuh) was among them -- nine hundred and fifty years. It is reported from Ibn `Abbas that he said, "They were eighty people including their women.``(41. 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.``) (42. So it (the ship) sailed with them amidst 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.``) (43. The son replied: "I will betake myself to some mountain, it will save me from the water.`` Nuh said: "This day there is no savior from the decree of Allah except him on whom He has mercy.`` And waves came in between them, so he (the son) was among the drowned.)

The riding upon the Ship and Its sailing through the huge Waves
Allah, the Exalted, says concerning Nuh, that he said to those whom he was commanded to carry them with him in the ship,(Embark therein: in the Name of Allah will be its (moving) course and its (resting) anchorage.) This means that its sailing upon the surface of the water, the end of its journeying and its anchoring, would all be with the Name of Allah. Abu Raja` Al-`Utaridi recited it, (?????? ????? ????????? ???????????) "In the Name of Allah, Who will be the One Who moves its course, and rests its anchor.`` Allah, the Exalted, said,(And when you have embarked on the ship, you and whoever is with you, then say: "All the praises and thanks are to Allah, Who has saved us from the people who are wrongdoers. And say: "My Lord! Cause me to land at a blessed landing place, for You are the Best of those who bring to land.``)﴿23:28-29﴾ For this reason, it is preferred to mention the Name of Allah (Bismillah) at the beginning of all affairs. The Name of Allah should be mentioned when boarding a ship, or when mounting an animal. This is as Allah, the Exalted, says,(And Who has created all the pairs and has appointed for you ships and cattle on which you ride, in order that you may mount on their backs.)﴿43:12-13﴾ This practice (mentioning Allah`s Name) has been encouraged in the Sunnah and is considered a preferred act. A discussion concerning this is forthcoming in the explanation of Surat Az-Zukhruf (43), if Allah wills. In reference to Allah`s statement,(Surely, my Lord is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.) Such statement is suitable while mentioning (His) vengeance upon the disbelievers by drowning all of them. Therefore, he (Nuh) mentions that His Lord is Oft Forgiving, Most Merciful. This is similar to Allah`s statement,(Surely, your Lord is swift in retribution, and certainly He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.) ﴿7:167﴾ He also says,(But verily, your Lord is full of forgiveness for mankind inspite of their wrongdoing. And verily, your Lord is (also) severe in punishment.) ﴿13:6﴾ Likewise, there are many other verses that combine Allah`s mercy and His vengeance. Concerning Allah`s statement,(So it sailed with them amidst waves like mountains,) This means that the ship sailed with them upon the surface of the water, which had completely covered the earth until it encompassed the tops of the mountains and even rose over them by a height of fifteen cubits. It was also said that the waves rose over the mountains by a height of eighty miles. Yet, this ship continued to move upon the water, sailing by the permission of Allah. It moved under His shade, His help, His protection and His blessing. This is as Allah, the Exalted, said,(Verily, when the water rose beyond its limits, We carried you in the ship. That We might make it an admonition for you and it might be retained by the retaining ears.)﴿69:11-12﴾ Allah also said,(And We carried him on a (ship) made of planks and nails, floating under Our Eyes: a reward for him who had been rejected! And indeed, We have left this as a sign. Then is there any that will remember (or receive admonition))﴿54:13-15﴾

The Story of the drowning of Nuh`s Disbelieving Son
Allah continues the story, saying,(and Nuh called out to his son,) This was the fourth son of Nuh. His name was Yam and he was a disbeliever. His father, Nuh, called him at the time of boarding the ship, that he might believe and embark with them. If he did so, he would be saved from drowning like the other disbelievers.(The son replied: "I will betake myself to some mountain, it will save me from the water.``) He believed, in his ignorance, that the flood would not reach the tops of the mountains and that if he clung to the top of a mountain, he would be saved from drowning. His father, Nuh, said to him,(This day there is no savior from the decree of Allah except him on whom He has mercy.) This means that nothing will be saved today from the command of Allah.(And waves came in between them, so he (the son) was among the drowned.)(44. And it was said: "O earth! Swallow up your water, and O sky! Withhold (your rain).`` And the water was made to subside and the decree was fulfilled. And it rested on (Mount) Judi, and it was said: "Away with the people who are wrongdoing!``)

The End of the Flood
Allah, the Exalted, informs that when the people of the earth were all drowned, except for the people on the ship, He commanded the earth to swallow its water, which had sprang from it and gathered upon it. Then He commanded the sky to cease raining.(And the water was made to subside) This means that it (the water) began to decrease.(and the decree was fulfilled.) This means that all of those who disbelieved in Allah were removed from the people of the earth. Not a single one of them remained upon the earth.(And it (the ship) rested) This is referring to the ship and those who were in it.(on (Mount) Judi.) Mujahid said, "Judi is a mountain in Al-Jazirah (Northwest Mesopotamia) where the mountains sought to tower above each other on the day of the drowning. On that day of destruction, all the mountains sought to be higher (to avoid being overcome by the water). However, this mountain (Judi) humbled itself for Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, and therefore it was not drowned. This is why Nuh`s ship anchored upon it.`` Qatadah said, "The ship rested upon it (Mount Judi) for a month before they (the people) came down from it. `` Qatadah also said, "Allah made Nuh`s ship remain on Mount Judi in the land of Al-Jazirah, as a lesson and a sign.`` Even the early generations of this Ummah saw it. How many ships are there that have come after it and have been destroyed and became dust(and it was said: "Away with the people who are wrongdoing!``) means destruction and loss for them. The term "away with`` here implies being far away from the mercy of Allah. For verily, they were destroyed to the last of them, and none of them survived.(45. 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.``) (46. 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 should be one of the ignorant.``) (47. 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