Sūrat Nūh

Sūrah No. 71. Revealed in Makkah, 28 verses.

Merits of reciting the Sūrah

Although the story of Prophet Nūh (a) is mentioned in many other Sūrahs, this Sūrah focuses on his methods of preaching and the response of the people. The Sūrah reassured the early Muslims and taught them lessons from the story of Prophet Nūh (a) and his people.

Imam Ja‘far al-Sādiq (a) says: Whoever believes in Allah and the last day, and recites the Book of Allah, should not leave reciting Sūrat Nūh. Whoever recites it with faith and patience in the obligatory or recommended prayers Allah will give him a place among the homes of the virtuous ones and grant him three gardens in addition to his own in Heaven, out of respect for him.

Note: Quranic Scholars say that the reward is connected to the contents of the Sūrah and requires that recitation be done with awareness, comprehension, reflection and having an intention of implementation.

General synopsis of contents

1) Prophet Nūh (a) preaches to his people (vv. 2-4, 9-14)

2) The response of his people (vv. 6-7)

3) Prophet Nūh (a) reminds them of the signs of Allah (vv. 15-20)

4) Prayers of Prophet Nūh (a) (vv. 26-28)

Selected Lessons

1) Inviting towards the way of Allah X should be done with reason and concern.

2) Persistence is necessary in any mission you undertake.

3) Patience and tolerating challenges are required to carry out any important work in life.

4) History has a lot of lessons in the stories of the conflict between truth and falsehood.

Suggested verses for reflection and memorization.

1) 71:13-14 – What is the matter with you that you fear not the greatness of Allah? Though He has created you in various stages?

2) 71:15-16 – Do you not see how Allah has created the seven heavens, ~ one above another. And made the moon therein a light, and made the sun a lamp?

Activities for self-study

1)What is the response of the people to Prophet Nūh (a)? List all the different responses – physical and verbal, as well as their attitude. What similarities can you see in the responses of people today?

2) What does Prophet Nūh (a) teach about Allah in this Sūrah? List the different qualities about Allah he conveys in his messages to the people.