The Story of Prophet Nuh (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)
There are two opinions on the Prophetic timeline of Prophet Nuh ( عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ )
The first is the opinion of many Historians like Ibn Katheer, who wrote Prophet Nuh as coming after Prophet Idris; may peace be upon them.
However, some scholars believe that ayah 163 of Surah Nisa suggests he came first before Idrees,
We present both views so you, as a student of knowledge, are aware. There isn’t enough evidence to conclude with absolute certainty, nor is there any benefit in investigating this matter further. This piece is written with the perspective that Nuh (as) came after Idris.
Life after Prophet Idris (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ):
The Muslims were left stranded following the death of Prophet Idris ( عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) . Since no other man from amongst them was chosen as a Prophet, people began to look to the pious companions of Idris for guidance.
They respected and followed these righteous men and consulted them whenever they faced a problem. Eventually, as time passed by, the pious men also passed, leaving the Muslims again with no leader for guidance.
They feared and were worried that they would stray from the path of Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ)
Centuries passed, and Allah decided to send a Prophet to guide the idolaters back to the truth. The Prophet chosen for this sacred task was Nuh (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) (the judeo-Christian equivalent to the Prophet Noah).
Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) blessed his loyal disciple with eloquent speech and immense patience so that he may carry out his duty with success. So Prophet Nuh ( عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ ) began to preach to his people about the mysteries of the vast universe—he informed them about the night and the day, the stars and the moon, the plants and animals, and the heavens and the earth.
He explained to them that man was created by Allah to glorify and worship Him. Nuh then told them about the oneness of Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) — that the mysteries of the world were only proof of the existence of one true God, and that is none other than Allah the Most High. He explained to them that Satan had misled them into worshiping idols and warned them of a terrible punishment from Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) if they continued their idol worship.
The People of Prophet Nuh listened to him with great confusion and patience.
The most miserable and desperate amongst Nuh’s people began to find hope and solace in the Prophet’s words and gradually entered into the fold of Islam, whilst the affluent watched on with rage.
They said to Nuh:
“We see you but a man like ourselves.”
Prophet Nuh ( عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ ) explained to them that he was certainly a human being, and Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) had explicitly chosen a human messenger as the earth was predominantly occupied by humans after all.
And if angels occupied the earth, Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) would have surely sent an angelic messenger to convey his message.
Nuh ( عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ ) was well aware of the ignorance of the wealthy men. He knew that he had to remain calm in order to explain to them that materialistic possessions were worthless in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ), and it was what is within one’s heart that really mattered to Him.
Prophet Nuh ( عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ ) replied to them:
O my people! I ask for no wealth for it, my reward is from none but Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ). 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 ignorant people. O my people! Who will help me against Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) , if I drove them away? Will you not then give a thought? And I do not say to you that with me are the Treasures of Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) nor that I know the unseen, nor do I say that I am an angel, and I do not say of those whom your eyes look down upon that Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) will not bestow any good on them. Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) knows what is in their inner selves. In that case, I should, indeed be one of the wrongdoers.”
— Surah Hud, Ayat 29-31
The idolaters were furious. They had tolerated Nuh’s ( عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ ) incessant preaching and arguments for far too long.
“O Nuh( عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ ) ! You have disputed with us and have prolonged the dispute with us, now bring upon us what you threaten us with, if you are of the truthful.”
— Surah Hud Ayah 32
“Only Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) will bring the punishment on you, if He wills, and then you will not be able to escape. And my advice will not profit you, even if I wish to give you counsel, if Allah’s Will is to keep you astray. He is your Lord! And to Him you shall return.”
— Surah Hud, Ayat 33-34
