The Story of Prophet Nuh (Noah)(AS)
The Great Flood and the Call to Truth. Prophet Nuh's (AS) timeless mission.
After the passing of Prophet Idris (Enoch) (AS), the believers were left without divine leadership. Since no new Prophet had been appointed, the people turned to the righteous companions of Idris (AS) for guidance. However, as these pious souls also passed away, the community was left vulnerable to misguidance.
Centuries later, when corruption and idol worship had spread widely, Allah sent Prophet Nuh (AS) as a Warner and Mercy to mankind. According to Shia narrations, Nuh (AS) was not only a Prophet but also one of the Ulul Azm (the five greatest Prophets), bearing immense patience and perseverance in his mission.
The Divine Mission of Nuh (AS)
Allah blessed Nuh (AS) with profound wisdom and eloquence to guide his people. He called them to reflect on the signs of creation—the heavens, the earth, the alternation of night and day—all pointing to the existence of the One True God.
In Shia tradition, it is emphasized that Nuh (AS) did not merely preach monotheism in a general sense but explicitly called people to Wilayah (divine guardianship)—submission to Allah’s chosen representatives. Some narrations suggest that Nuh (AS) spoke of the coming of the Ahlul Bayt (AS), the purified successors of Prophet Muhammad (S), as part of the eternal covenant of divine guidance.
The Resistance of the Elite and the Acceptance of the Oppressed
The wealthy and powerful mocked Nuh (AS), saying:
"We see you only as a man like ourselves!" (Quran, Surah Hud, Chapter 11, Verse 27)
Nuh (AS) responded with divine logic:
"If Allah had willed, He could have sent angels. But He sent a human Prophet because humans are the ones being addressed."
This aligns with the Shia belief that divine leaders are chosen from among the people to serve as perfect examples—just as the Imams (AS) were successors to the Prophet (S).
The downtrodden and oppressed were the first to accept Nuh’s message, while the arrogant elites rejected him. This dynamic mirrors the struggle of the Ahlul Bayt (AS), who were supported by the faithful few while facing persecution from the powerful.
The Supplication of Nuh (AS) and the Curse Upon the Disbelievers
When Nuh (AS) realized that his people would not repent, he prayed:
"My Lord! Do not leave upon the earth any home of the disbelievers!" (Quran, Surah Nuh, Chapter 71, Noah, Verse 26)
In Shia narrations, this supplication is seen as a manifestation of divine justice—just as Imam Ali (AS) said: "The curse of Allah is upon the oppressors." (Nahjul Balagha).
The Great Flood and the Ark of Salvation
Under Allah’s command, Nuh (AS) built the Ark. Shia sources mention that the construction was aided by divine inspiration and the assistance of angels. The Ark symbolizes divinely appointed leadership—only those who followed Nuh (AS) were saved, just as only those who follow the true successors of the Prophet (S) attain salvation.
When the flood came, even Nuh’s own son (who was among the disbelievers) refused to board. Nuh (AS) called out to him, but the son arrogantly replied that he would seek refuge on a mountain. Nuh (AS) understood that blood relation does not guarantee salvation—only faith and obedience to Allah matter.
This is a crucial lesson in Shia Islam: Loyalty to truth is above family ties, as seen in the events of Karbala, where Imam Hussain (AS) stood for justice despite betrayal by many of his kin.
The Legacy of Nuh (AS) in Shia Tradition
After the flood, Nuh (AS) and the believers repopulated the earth. Shia hadiths mention that Nuh (AS) was buried in Najaf, the same sacred land where Imam Ali (AS) is buried, further connecting the legacy of the Prophets to the Imams.
The story of Nuh (AS) is often cited in Shia teachings as a reminder of:
The necessity of divine leadership (Imamah).
The patience of the Prophets and Imams in the face of oppression.
The ultimate victory of truth, no matter how long falsehood seems dominant.
Conclusion: Lessons for the Believers
The story of Nuh (AS) is not just a historical account but a living lesson for Muslims, especially the followers of Ahlul Bayt (AS). It teaches:
Obedience to divine representatives is essential for salvation.
Material power is temporary; true success lies in faith.
Allah’s justice will always prevail, even if after centuries of patience.
As Imam Ali (AS) said: "The example of the Prophets is a light for those who seek guidance."