Sūrah Hūd

āyāt 1–3

This divine scripture is perfect and clearly explained, coming from Allah, the All-Wise and All-Aware. Its core message, brought by a messenger, is to worship no one but Allah, as the messenger is a warner and a bringer of good news from Him. It also calls on people to seek their Lord's forgiveness and turn to Him in repentance, promising that He will grant them a good life for an appointed time and reward every good deed generously. However, if they turn away, then a severe punishment on a great Day awaits them.

āyāt 4–5

Everyone will return to Allāh, and He has power over all things. Some people try to hide themselves, even covering themselves with their clothing, but Allāh knows everything they conceal and everything they make apparent. Indeed, He truly knows what is in their hearts.

āyāt 7–9

God is the One who created the heavens and the earth in six days, with His Throne already upon water, so that He could test which of you performs the best deeds. If you tell those who disbelieve that they will be brought back to life after death, they will dismiss it as nothing but clear magic. If God delays a punishment from them for a short time, they will ask what is holding it back, but when it does come, nothing will avert it, and they will be completely surrounded by what they used to mock. If God allows a human to experience His mercy and then takes it away, that person becomes despairing and ungrateful.

āyāt 10–11

When people experience hardship and then are given a taste of good fortune, they often say that their troubles are gone for good, becoming overly joyful and proud. This does not apply, however, to those who are patient and perform good deeds; they are the ones who will receive forgiveness and a great reward.

āyāt 12

The Messenger ﷺ is asked if he would perhaps omit some of what has been revealed to him, or if his heart feels distressed by it. This is because people might say, 'Why hasn't a treasure been sent down to him, or an angel come with him?' But the Messenger ﷺ is only a warner, and Allah is the Guardian over all things.

āyāt 13–15

This passage challenges those who claim the Prophet ﷺ invented the Qur'an to produce ten chapters like it and to call on anyone they wish for help, if they are truthful. If they cannot respond to this challenge, then it is clear that the Qur'an was revealed with God's knowledge, and there is no deity worthy of worship except Him, so would people not then submit to Him? It then states that whoever desires only the life of this world and its fleeting attractions will be fully compensated for their deeds in this life, and nothing will be diminished for them here.

āyāt 16

These are the people for whom there will be nothing in the Hereafter except the Fire. All the good they thought they did in this life will be lost and come to nothing, and all their past actions will be without any value.

āyāt 17–19

The āyāt begin by asking if someone who stands on clear evidence from their Lord, supported by a witness from Him, and whose path was preceded by the Scripture of Moses عليه السلام as guidance and mercy, is like those mentioned before. Those who followed earlier revelations will believe in this message, but whoever from various factions disbelieves in it, their destination is the Fire. You should not doubt this message, as it is truly from your Lord, though most people do not believe. The āyāt then declare that no one is more unjust than those who invent lies about Allāh. These individuals will be brought before their Lord, and witnesses will confirm they were the ones who lied against Him, and Allāh’s curse will be upon such wrongdoers. These are the ones who turned people away from Allāh's path, trying to make it seem crooked, and they disbelieved in the Hereafter.

āyāt 20–22

These people could not escape God's reach on earth, nor did they have any protectors besides Him. Their punishment will be severe because they were unable to hear the truth or see it. They are the ones who have ruined themselves, and all the falsehoods they invented have vanished from them. Indeed, in the Hereafter, they will be the greatest losers.

āyāt 23–24

Those who have believed, performed good deeds, and submitted themselves humbly to their Lord are the inhabitants of Paradise, where they will live forever. The difference between those who believe and those who do not is like the difference between someone who is blind and deaf, and someone who can see and hear; these two are not equal. Therefore, people should reflect upon this.

āyāt 25–27

Allāh sent Prophet Nūḥ عليه السلام to his people, telling them that he was a clear warner. He called them to worship none but Allāh, warning them that if they did not, he feared for them the punishment of a painful day. However, the prominent disbelievers among his people rejected him, saying they saw him as nothing more than a man like themselves, and that only the lowest among them had hastily followed him. They claimed to see no superiority in him over them, believing him and his followers to be liars.

āyāt 28–30

Prophet Nūḥ عليه السلام asks his people if they should force guidance upon them, even though they dislike it, especially when he has received clear evidence and mercy from his Lord which they cannot perceive. He then clarifies that he seeks no wealth from them for his efforts, as his reward is only from Allah. He also states that he will not drive away those who have believed, as they will surely meet their Lord, and he sees his people behaving ignorantly. Finally, he asks who would protect him from Allah if he were to drive away the believers, questioning why they are not reminded by this.

āyāt 31–33

Nūḥ عليه السلام tells his people that he doesn't claim to possess God's treasures, know the unseen, or be an angel, nor does he deny God's favor to those they despise, because God knows what is in everyone's hearts, and doing so would make him unjust. His people then challenge him, saying he has argued with them often and demanding that he bring about the punishment he threatens if he is truthful. Nūḥ عليه السلام replies that only God can bring that punishment if He wills, and they cannot escape it.

āyāt 34–36

Nūḥ عليه السلام tells his people that his advice would be useless if Allāh intended for them to go astray, for He is their Lord, and to Him they will all return. Then, the sūrah asks if people claim that the Prophet ﷺ invented this message. If so, the Prophet ﷺ is instructed to say that the consequences of his crime would be upon him, but he is innocent of their wrongdoing. Allāh then revealed to Nūḥ عليه السلام that no one else among his people would believe except those who already had, so he should not be saddened by their actions.

āyāt 37–38

Allāh commanded Nūḥ عليه السلام to build an ark under His watchful eye and guidance, and not to intercede for those who had wronged, as they were destined to be drowned. So Nūḥ عليه السلام began building the ark, and whenever the leaders of his people passed by, they would mock him. He responded that if they ridiculed him now, he would ridicule them in return.

āyāt 36–38

Allāh revealed to Prophet Nūḥ عليه السلام that no more of his people would believe except those who already had, and that he should not grieve over their actions. He was then commanded to build the Ark under divine supervision and not to plead for those who had done wrong, for they were destined to drown. As Prophet Nūḥ عليه السلام built the Ark, the prominent people among his community mocked him, to which he replied that if they laughed at him now, he would laugh at them later.

āyāt 39–41

The people are told that they will soon know who will receive a humiliating punishment in this life and an enduring punishment in the Hereafter. Eventually, when God's command arrived and the oven overflowed, Prophet Nūḥ عليه السلام was instructed to load onto the Ark pairs of every creature, his family – except those destined for destruction – and all the believers. However, only a small number of people had believed with him. Prophet Nūḥ عليه السلام then told everyone to embark, saying that in the name of God are its course and its anchorage, and that his Lord is indeed Forgiving and Merciful.

āyāt 42–44

The ark sailed through waves as high as mountains. Nūḥ عليه السلام called to his son, who was standing apart, urging him to board the ark and not remain with those who disbelieved. His son refused, saying he would take refuge on a mountain to escape the water, but Nūḥ عليه السلام told him that no one could be protected from Allah's decree that day, except those on whom He bestowed mercy. A wave then separated them, and the son was among the drowned. Afterwards, the earth was commanded to swallow its water and the sky to stop its rain; the water receded, the task was completed, and the ark came to rest on the mountain of Jūdiyy. It was declared that the wrongdoing people were cast away.

āyāt 45

Prophet Nūḥ عليه السلام called out to his Lord, saying that his son was indeed from his family and that God's promise was true. He then affirmed that God is the most just of judges.

āyāt 47–49

Nūḥ عليه السلام then pleaded with Allāh, seeking refuge from asking about things he had no knowledge of, and acknowledging that without Allāh's forgiveness and mercy, he would be among those who lose. Allāh then commanded Nūḥ عليه السلام to disembark with security and blessings for him and for the communities that would descend from those with him. However, other communities among them would be given enjoyment in this life, but then a painful punishment from Allāh would touch them. Allāh then tells the Prophet ﷺ that this story is from the unseen news that He reveals to him, something neither the Prophet ﷺ nor his people knew before. Therefore, the Prophet ﷺ is told to be patient, for indeed, the final outcome is always for those who are righteous.

āyāt 50–52

This passage tells us that God sent Hūd عليه السلام to his people, ʿĀd. Hūd عليه السلام called them to worship God alone, stating that there is no deity except Him, and that their current beliefs were fabricated falsehoods. He emphasized that he sought no reward for his message, as his reward was solely from his Creator. Hūd عليه السلام then urged his people to seek their Lord's forgiveness and turn to Him in repentance, promising that if they did so, God would send abundant rain upon them from the sky and increase their strength, warning them not to turn away as criminals.

āyāt 53–55

The people told Hūd عليه السلام that he had not shown them clear proof, and they would not abandon their gods merely on his word, nor did they believe him. They suggested that perhaps one of their gods had inflicted him with madness. Hūd عليه السلام responded by calling Allāh to witness, and asking them to witness, that he disassociated himself from everything they associated with Allāh besides Him. He then challenged them all to plot against him without delay.

āyāt 56–58

A prophet declares his complete reliance on Allāh, his and their Lord, affirming that Allāh controls every living being and is always on a path of truth and justice. He then warns that if they turn away from his message, he has fulfilled his duty, and Allāh will bring forth another people in their place without them being able to harm Him in any way, for Allāh watches over all things. Finally, when Allāh's command arrived, He saved the prophet Hūd عليه السلام and his followers through His mercy, protecting them from a terrible punishment.

āyāt 59–60

The people of ʿĀd rejected God's signs and disobeyed His messengers, instead choosing to follow the commands of every stubborn tyrant. Because of this, they were pursued by a curse in this world and will also face one on the Day of Resurrection. Indeed, ʿĀd denied their Lord, and for that, they are cast away.

āyāt 61–63

Allāh sent Ṣāliḥ عليه السلام to his people, Thamūd. He urged them to worship Allāh alone, as He created them from the earth and settled them in it, and to seek His forgiveness and turn to Him, for He is near and responsive. His people responded by saying he used to be a source of hope for them, but now he forbids them from worshipping what their forefathers worshipped, and they are in great doubt about his message. Ṣāliḥ عليه السلام replied, asking them to consider that if he has clear evidence and mercy from his Lord, who would protect him from Allāh if he disobeyed Him, and that their rejection would only increase his loss.

āyāt 64–66

Prophet Ṣāliḥ عليه السلام told his people that a special she-camel was a sign from God for them. He instructed them to let her graze freely on God's earth and warned them not to harm her, lest they be seized by a swift punishment. However, they crippled the she-camel, so Prophet Ṣāliḥ عليه السلام told them to enjoy themselves in their homes for three days, as this was a sure promise of what was to come. When God's command arrived, God saved Prophet Ṣāliḥ عليه السلام and those who believed with him, out of mercy, and protected them from the humiliation of that day. Indeed, your Lord is the All-Powerful, the Almighty.

āyāt 67–68

A terrible shriek seized those who had done wrong, leaving them lifeless in their homes, fallen prostrate. It was as if they had never even lived and flourished in that place. Truly, the people of Thamūd rejected their Lord, so they were utterly destroyed.

āyāt 69–71

Messengers arrived at Ibrāhīm's عليه السلام home with good tidings, greeting him with peace, and he returned the greeting, quickly offering them a roasted calf. However, when he noticed they weren't eating it, he became distrustful and apprehensive, but they reassured him, explaining they were sent to Lūṭ's عليه السلام people. At this, Ibrāhīm's عليه السلام wife, who was standing nearby, smiled, and God gave her the good news of a son, Isḥāq عليه السلام, and after him, a grandson, Yaʿqūb عليه السلام.

āyāt 72–74

Ibrāhīm's عليه السلام wife expressed her astonishment at the news that she would give birth, stating that both she and her husband were old. The messengers then asked her why she was amazed at Allāh's decree, invoking His mercy and blessings upon the people of the house, affirming that He is Praiseworthy and Honorable. Once Ibrāhīm عليه السلام was relieved of his fear and received the good news, he began to plead with Allāh regarding Lūṭ's عليه السلام people.

āyāt 75–76

Allāh describes Ibrāhīm عليه السلام as forbearing, sorrowful, and often turning back to Him. The angels then told Ibrāhīm عليه السلام to stop his pleading, explaining that Allāh's command for Lūṭ's people had already been issued, and an unavoidable punishment was coming to them.

āyāt 77–79

When God's messengers, who were angels, came to Lūṭ عليه السلام, he became distressed and felt great unease, calling it a difficult day. His people then rushed to him, having long been engaged in evil acts. Lūṭ عليه السلام pleaded with them, saying that his daughters were purer for them, urging them to fear God and not shame him concerning his guests, asking if there was no sensible man among them. They replied that he already knew they had no interest in his daughters, and indeed, he knew what they truly desired.

āyāt 80–82

Prophet Lūṭ عليه السلام expressed his wish for strength or a strong refuge against the people. The angels then told him that they were messengers from God and that the people would not be able to harm him. They instructed him to leave with his family during the night, ensuring no one looked back, except for his wife, who would face the same fate as the townspeople. The angels confirmed that the destruction of the town was appointed for the morning, asking if morning was not near. When God's command came, the city was turned upside down, and stones of hard clay were rained down upon its people.

āyāt 83

This punishment is decreed by your Lord, and it is never far from those who do wrong.

āyāt 84–86

This passage tells us that Prophet Shuʿayb عليه السلام was sent to the people of Madyan. He called them to worship Allāh alone, because there is no other god for them. He also told them not to cheat in measurements and weights, warning them that even though they were prosperous, he feared a severe punishment for them on an all-encompassing Day. Prophet Shuʿayb عليه السلام then urged his people to give full measure and weight fairly, not to withhold what is due to others, and not to spread corruption on the earth. He concluded by saying that what Allāh leaves lawful for them is better, if they would truly believe, and that he is not there to watch over them like a guardian.

āyāt 87

The people of Madyan questioned Prophet Shuʿayb عليه السلام, asking if his prayer and religion truly commanded them to abandon the worship of their ancestors. They also wondered if it meant they could no longer do as they pleased with their own wealth. They sarcastically referred to him as 'the forbearing, the discerning.'

āyāt 89–91

Prophet Shuʿayb عليه السلام warned his people not to let their opposition to him bring upon them a fate similar to the peoples of Noah, Hūd, or Ṣāliḥ عليه السلام, reminding them that the people of Lot were not far removed from them. He urged them to seek forgiveness from their Lord and turn back to Him, for indeed, his Lord is Merciful and Loving. His people replied that they did not understand much of what he said and considered him weak among them, adding that were it not for his family, they would have stoned him to death, as he held no respect in their eyes.

āyāt 92–94

Prophet Shuʿayb عليه السلام asks his people if his family is more powerful in their eyes than God, for they have disregarded God's commands. He reminds them that his Lord is fully aware of everything they do. He then tells his people to continue acting as they wish, for he too will continue his work, and they will soon discover who will face a humiliating punishment and who is a liar. So, he advises them to wait and watch, as he will also be waiting and watching with them. When God's command for their destruction arrived, God saved Prophet Shuʿayb عليه السلام and those who believed with him, out of His mercy. A terrible shriek seized those who had done wrong, and they were left dead in their homes, fallen prostrate.

āyāt 95

The people who came before the inhabitants of Madyan faced a similar fate, as if they had never even settled there. The people of Madyan were then swept away, just as the people of Thamūd had been destroyed.

āyāt 96–98

Allāh states that Mūsā عليه السلام was sent with clear signs and undeniable authority to Firʿawn and his chiefs. However, they obeyed Firʿawn's command, which was misguided and lacking sound judgement. Therefore, on the Day of Resurrection, Firʿawn will lead his people directly into the Fire, and what a terrible destination it is.

āyāt 99

Those who incurred Allah's wrath in this life are also pursued by a curse on the Day of Resurrection. What a dreadful gift this is to receive.

āyāt 100–102

This is news from cities whose stories God relates to you; some of them still exist, while others have been completely destroyed. God did not wrong these people; rather, they wronged themselves. Their deities, which they called upon instead of God, were of no benefit to them when God's command came, and only increased their ruin. This is how severe God's grasp is when He seizes towns while they are engaged in wrongdoing, for His grasp is indeed painful and severe.

āyāt 103–105

There is truly a sign in these matters for anyone who fears the punishment of the Hereafter. That Day is when all people will be gathered together, and it is a Day that everyone will witness. God does not delay this Day except for a specific, limited time. When that Day arrives, no soul will be able to speak unless God permits it, and on that Day, some will be wretched and others will be prosperous.

āyāt 106–108

This passage describes the fates of two groups of people on the Day of Judgement. Those who were destined for wretchedness will be in the Fire, where they will experience violent breathing. They will remain there for as long as the heavens and the earth endure, unless your Lord wills otherwise, for your Lord always accomplishes what He intends. Conversely, those who were destined for prosperity will be in Paradise, dwelling there for as long as the heavens and the earth endure, unless your Lord wills otherwise, receiving an uninterrupted reward.

āyāt 109–111

This passage tells the Prophet ﷺ not to doubt the worship of these polytheists, as they are simply following the ways of their forefathers, and they will certainly receive their full due. It then mentions that Prophet Musa عليه السلام was given the Scripture, but people disputed over it. If not for a prior decree from God, judgment would have already been passed between them, and people are indeed in unsettling doubt about this Qur'an. Ultimately, for every person, whether believer or disbeliever, your Lord will fully repay them for their actions, for He is fully aware of all that they do.

āyāt 112–114

The Prophet ﷺ is commanded to remain steadfast on the straight path, along with all who have turned to God with him, and not to transgress, for God sees all that they do. They are warned not to incline towards those who do wrong, lest they be touched by the Fire, and then they would have no protectors other than God and no help. Instead, they should establish prayer at both ends of the day and during the early part of the night, because good deeds erase misdeeds, and this is a reminder for those who reflect.

āyāt 115–117

The divine message encourages steadfastness, assuring that Allāh will never diminish the reward of those who do good deeds. It then raises a question, wondering why past nations did not have more people of sound judgment who would prevent corruption on Earth, with only a few exceptions whom Allāh saved. Instead, the wrongdoers among those nations indulged in the luxuries they were granted, and they were criminals. The āyāt conclude by stating that Allāh would never unjustly destroy towns whose people were striving for reform.

āyāt 118–119

These āyāt explain that if God had wished, He could have made all of humanity into one single community. However, people will continue to disagree and hold differing beliefs, except for those upon whom God bestows His mercy. God created humanity for this very purpose, and His declaration will come to pass: He will surely fill Hell with both jinn and humankind together.

āyāt 113

This āyah warns against leaning towards those who do wrong, for if one does, they risk being touched by the Fire. In such a situation, there would be no protector other than God, and no help would be found.

āyāt 115

The believers are told to be patient. Allāh assures us that He will not let the reward of those who do good go to waste.

āyāt 121–123

The sūrah instructs the Prophet ﷺ to tell those who disbelieve to act according to their current state, because the believers are also acting. It then tells them to wait, as the believers too are waiting. It declares that all unseen matters in the heavens and the earth belong to Allāh, and all affairs will be returned to Him. Therefore, one should worship Him and rely upon Him, for your Lord is fully aware of everything you do.