Sūrat Hūd

Sūrah No. 11, Revealed in Makkah, 123 verses.

This Sūrah was revealed during the last years of the Prophet’s time in Makkah, after the deaths of Abū Tālib and Sayyida Khadīja. This was one of the hardest times for the Prophet a. Thus, many verses of the Sūrah seek to console the Prophet.This Sūrah talks about the importance of steadfastness in the face of enemies. Thus, the Prophet a is reported to have said; Sūrah Hūd has aged me. In another hadith when asked about the signs of aging on his face he said: Sūrahs Hūd and al-Wāqi‘ah have aged me. Scholars narrate that he attributed this aging in particular to verse 112 of the Sūrah; So be steadfast, just as you have been commanded—you and whoever has turned [to Allah] with you—and do not overstep the bounds. Indeed, He watches what you do.

Merits of reciting the Sūrah

1) Whoever recites this Sūrah will get the reward of those who believed in Prophet Hūd (a) and the

Prophets, and those who rejected them. On the Day of Judgment, he will be given the rank of a

martyr and will be granted an easy accounting. Holy Prophet a

Note: This great reward is for the one who ponders over the teachings of the Sūrah and applies its lessons to life.

2) Whoever writes this Sūrah and keeps it with himself will have extraordinary strength and will be able to overcome his enemies. Imam al-Sādiq (a)

Note: Tafsīr-e Namūneh mentions that this obviously does not mean just keeping the physical

contents of the Sūrah with oneself. It refers to keeping its teachings as a program for behaviour in life.

General synopsis of contents

1) Call to monotheism. (vv. 1-4)

2) The disbelievers and their rejection of the Prophet 1. (vv. 5-24)

3) Failure of the enemies in the stories of Prophets Nūh, Hūd, Sālih, Lūt, Shu‘ayb and

Mūsā G (vv. 25-110)

4) Advice towards steadfastness, patience, and to stay away from evil. (vv. 111-123)

Important Messages

1) The purpose of creation is to excel in good actions and accountability is necessary.

(verse 7)

2) Those who desire the glitter of world will get it but that will not help them in the

Hereafter. (vv. 15-16)

3) Those whose hearts are blind and deaf cannot be compared to those who can see

and hear with their inner senses. (verse 24)

4) Patience is a fruit of God consciousness. (verse 49)

5) The Prophets did not expect anything from people. Their reward was only with

Allah Y. (vv. 29, 51)

6) Allah’s mercy and blessings on a family can bring about extraordinary happenings

for them. (vv. 72-73)

7) On the Day of Judgment, no-one will speak except by the permission of Allah.

(verse 105)

8) Every generation should have a group of wise people who forbid corruption on

earth. (verse 116)

9) If Allah wanted, He could have made all of mankind one community. (verse 118)

Suggested verses for reflection and memorization.

1) Q 11:23 Indeed those who have faith and do righteous deeds and are humble before their Lord—they shall be the inhabitants of paradise, and they shall remain in it [forever].

2) Q 11:38 If you ridicule us [today], we shall ridicule you [tomorrow] just as you ridicule us [now].

3) Q 11:41 Board it: In the Name of Allah, it shall set sail and cast anchor. Indeed, my Lord is all-forgiving, all-merciful.

4) 11:52 Ask forgiveness of your Lord, then turn to Him; He will send on you clouds pouring

down abundance of rain and add strength to your strength.

5) 11:61 My Lord is indeed near, responsive.

6) 11:73 Are you amazed at Allah’s dispensation?

7) 11:78 Is there not a right-minded man among you?

8) 11:85 Observe fully the measure and the balance, with justice, and do not cheat the people of

their goods, and do not act wickedly on the earth, causing corruption.

9) 11:86 What remains of Allah’s provision is better for you, should you be faithful.

10) 11:112 So be steadfast, just as you have been commanded.

11) 11:114 Maintain the prayer at the two ends of the day, and during the early hours of the

night. Indeed, good deeds efface misdeeds. That is an admonition for the mindful.

Activities for self-study

1) Read verses 8 and 9. How is the human being described in these verses?

2) What are the demands and accusations mentioned in verses 12 and 13? How is the

Prophet a told to respond?

3) Read the story of Prophet Nūh (a). Verses 25-48.

a) What were the arguments of those who rejected him? How did he answer them?
b) What lessons do we get from the incident with his son? How does the Prophet react to it?

4) Verses 50-60 tell the story of Prophet Hūd A. Write out the conversation he has

with his people. What does he tell them about Allah in these verses?

5) Read the story of Prophet Ibrāhīm A in verses 69-76. How is he described in these verses?

6) Write out the conversation of Prophet Shu‘ayb (a) with his people (verses 84-93).

What are some things he tries to make them understand? How do they respond?

7) Read verse 120. What does it tell you about the effects of the Quran?