Prophet Nuh (AS) was one of the five great prophets (besides Ibrahim, Musa, Isa, and Muhammed (PBUH)) sent by Allah (SWT) to guide humanity. He was also the first messenger given a new law (Shariah).
Allah chose Nuh (AS) as a prophet when he was 40 years old. At that time, his people worshipped stone idols and were wicked and corrupt in every way. He was sent to guide his people on the path of righteousness, which meant believing in Allah's (SWT) and his teachings.
Nuh (AS) preached for nearly 950 years, and like all the other prophets, he faced many hardships and persecutions from non-believers during his Prophethood. The Quran mentions his story in detail throughout different chapters (Surahs). His life presents us with some valuable lessons that we can follow in our daily lives.
5 Valuable Lessons to Learn From the Life of Prophet Nuh (AS)
Here are some valuable lessons to learn from Prophet Nuh (AS) as narrated in the Quran:
1. Having Patience and Perseverance
The Prophet Nuh (AS) was sent by Allah (SWT) to guide his people on the path of righteousness because, at that time, idol worshipping was widespread, and the teachings of the Prophet Adam and other prophets before him were completely forgotten.
He advised his people not to worship anyone other than Allah (SWT) and that anyone who disobeyed him would suffer severe punishment. Mostly, poor people believed him, but not the rich ones, and they made fun of him every time he called them.
He preached to his people for 950 years, showing immense patience and dedication. While he mostly faced rejection and mockery from his people, he never gave up. As the Quran mentions:
“We (once) sent Noah to his people, and he tarried among them a thousand years less fifty: but the Deluge overwhelmed them while they sin.”
(Surah Al-Ankabut 29:14)
Even after all these years, he did not give up his prophethood and believed in Allah's (SWT) plan. This teaches the value of persistence and patience when facing challenges, and the belief that everything happens according to the will of Allah (SWT) and that whatever he has planned is best for us. We will get the reward for our patience at the right time.
2. Calling for Allah's Help in Difficult Times (Making Dua)
After preaching for nearly 950 years and facing hardships like persecution and threats from his people, Prophet Nuh (AS) finally got tired and asked for help from Allah (SWT) and made dua, as the Quran mentions:
‘So he (Nuh) cried out to his Lord, “I am helpless, so help me!’
(Surah Al-Qamar 54:10)
Through this simple dua, he asked Allah (SWT) for help and guidance during distressing times. This also teaches us to seek guidance from Allah (SWT) when facing difficulty. When in turmoil, we search for help, but we forget to ask the Almighty, who guides and organises our lives. It is simply a matter of raising one's hands and saying, “O' Lord, I am powerless, so help me! ”
So, no matter whatever difficult situation we are in, we can always rely on Allah (SWT) and ask for his guidance and blessing through simple dua and dhikrs.
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3. Having Tawakkul (Trust in Allah)
Allah (SWT) instructed Prophet Nuh (AS) to build an ark for his followers before sending the great flood that destroyed the entire world. He did so without hesitation and trusted Allah's (SWT) plan. While the prophet was building the ark, his enemies mocked and taunted him without understanding what was to come.
"And build the Ark under Our ˹watchful˺ Eyes and directions, and do not plead with Me for those who have done wrong, for they will surely be drowned.”
(Surah Hud 11:37)
The ark depicts our spirit, while the flood represents the challenges we face in life. The disbelievers who mocked Prophet Nuh (AS) can be interpreted as our ego telling us to follow our instincts and forget Allah's (SWT) plan. The story teaches us never to give up on our faith, even when things seem hopeless.
This is an important lesson from Prophet Nuh (AS). We need to realise that life is a journey and that we will face certain challenges along the way. No matter what happens, we must always have an unshakeable faith and trust in Allah (SWT) and believe whatever is happening is for our own good.
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4. Faith Over Family
Prophet Nuh (AS) had a very difficult time dealing with his family during his prophethood. His family, including his wife and son, refused to believe in him. Despite the fact that he had been preaching for a long time, they never came to the path of righteousness.
When the flood came, his eldest son, who worshipped idols, climbed the highest mountain to escape the flood. He shouted to his son to climb onto the ark when he saw his son being overtaken by the water waves. His son, however, refused and drowned.
This is narrated in detail in the Quran:
“And so the Ark sailed with them through waves like mountains. Noah called out to his son, who stood apart, “O my dear son! Come aboard with us and do not be with the disbelievers. He replied, “I will take refuge on a mountain, which will protect me from the water.” Noah cried, “Today no one is protected from Allah’s decree except those to whom He shows mercy!” And the waves came between them, and his son was among the drowned.”
(Surah Hud 11:42-43)
Prophet Nuh's (AS) story shows us that faith has nothing to do with family ties. When he asked his son to come on board the ark, all his sins would be forgiven, but his son refused, and thereby Allah (SWT) drowned him. This shows that faith must be a personal choice, and having any relation with the believer does not guarantee forgiveness from Allah (SWT). This also shows that nothing is possible without Allah’s (SWT) help. His son climbed the mountain hoping to be saved but eventually drowned because Nuh (AS) had warned him that without Allah's (SWT) help, he could not survive.
5. Consequences of Disobedience
Those who rejected Prophet Nuh's (AS) message died in the great flood, showing the severity of disobedience and disbelief in Allah's (SWT) guidance.
Even though Prophet Nuh (AS) warned of what might happen, the disbelievers refused to follow the path of righteousness and, as a result, they were punished by the great flood.
“Because of their sins they were drowned and put into the Fire, and they found not for themselves besides Allah (any) helpers”
(Surah Nuh 71-25)
This clearly shows the consequences of disobeying Allah's (SWT) teachings. While it doesn’t necessarily mean that we will drown in flood or die a painful death. Punishment comes in different ways, like getting sick, having business losses or being in a state of depression at all times, etc.
Remember, despite disobeying and engaging in sinful actions, there is always the path of forgiveness. If we sincerely repent for our sinful behaviour and ask for forgiveness, Allah (SWT) is very forgiving. He will listen to our prayers and will forgive all. This is mentioned several times in the Quran:
"And We will surely let them taste the nearer punishment short of the greater punishment that perhaps they will return (repent)”
(Surah As-Sajdah 32:21)
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Conclusion
The Prophet Nuh (AS) story teaches us to trust Allah’s (SWT) plan and never lose our faith. Even in difficult times when everything seems to go against you, ask him for help, and surely he will listen to your prayers. You will get the reward for your patience sooner or later.
