Nouh (نُوح)

Surah Nuh is the 71st Surah in the 29th Juz of the Quran. It was revealed in Makkah before the Hijrah of the Prophet (ﷺ) to Madinah with 28 verses divided into 2 Rukus. Surahs that were revealed during the early time of the Prophethood of Muhammad (ﷺ)mostly carry the message for the believers to stay strong in faith, about the benefits and rewards of believing in Allah and warnings for the opponents of Allah and His Prophet (ﷺ). 

In Makki Surahs, Allah has often stated the stories of previous Prophets and their struggles with the people and spreading the message of Allah. As prominent by the name, Surah Nuh discusses the Prophethood period of Hazrat Nuh (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), his struggles, his people, and Allah’s help for Nuh (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) to accomplish his mission. In the Surah, Allah tells how the Earth, Sun, and Moon are all signs of His existence, and those who reject the signs and message of Allah violate His commands and will bear its consequences in the Duniya and akhirah. 

٧١ - نُوح

71 - Nouh

اِنَّاۗ اَرْسَلْنَا نُوْحًا اِلٰى قَوْمِہٖۗ اَنْ اَنْذِرْ قَوْمَكَ مِنْ قَبْلِ اَنْ يَّاْتِيَہُمْ عَذَابٌ اَلِيْمٌ۝۱
Inna arsalna noohan ila qawmihi an anthir qawmaka min qabli an yatiyahum AAathabun aleemun

English

Ahmed Ali

SENT NOAH to his people to warn them before the painful punishment came upon them.

1

قَالَ يٰقَوْمِ اِنِّىْ لَكُمْ نَذِيْرٌ مُّبِيْنٌ۝۲ۙ
Qala ya qawmi innee lakum natheerun mubeenun

English

Ahmed Ali

He said: "O my people, I warn you clearly

2

اَنِ اعْبُدُوا اللہَ وَاتَّقُوْہُ وَاَطِيْعُوْنِ۝۳ۙ
Ani oAAbudoo Allaha waittaqoohu waateeAAooni

English

Ahmed Ali

That you should worship God and fear Him, and follow me

3

يَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ مِّنْ ذُنُوْبِكُمْ وَيُؤَخِّرْكُمْ اِلٰۗى اَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّى۝۰ۭ اِنَّ اَجَلَ اللہِ اِذَا جَاۗءَ لَا يُؤَخَّرُ۝۰ۘ لَوْ كُنْتُمْ تَعْلَمُوْنَ۝۴
Yaghfir lakum min thunoobikum wayuakhkhirkum ila ajalin musamman inna ajala Allahi itha jaa la yuakhkharu law kuntum taAAlamoona

English

Ahmed Ali

That He may forgive some of your sins and prolong your term till an appointed time. Surely when God's appointed time is come it will not be put off, if only you knew!

4

قَالَ رَبِّ اِنِّىْ دَعَوْتُ قَوْمِيْ لَيْلًا وَّنَہَارًا۝۵ۙ
Qala rabbi innee daAAawtu qawmee laylan wanaharan

English

Ahmed Ali

He said: "O Lord, I called my people night and day,

5

فَلَمْ يَزِدْہُمْ دُعَاۗءِيْۗ اِلَّا فِرَارًا۝۶
Falam yazidhum duAAaee illa firaran

English

Ahmed Ali

But the more I called, they only ran the farther away.

6

وَاِنِّىْ كُلَّمَا دَعَوْتُہُمْ لِتَغْفِرَ لَہُمْ جَعَلُوْۗا اَصَابِعَہُمْ فِيْۗ اٰذَانِہِمْ وَاسْتَغْشَوْا ثِيَابَہُمْ وَاَصَرُّوْا وَاسْتَكْبَرُوا اسْتِكْبَارًا۝۷ۚ
Wainnee kullama daAAawtuhum litaghfira lahum jaAAaloo asabiAAahum fee athanihim waistaghshaw thiyabahum waasarroo waistakbaroo istikbaran

English

Ahmed Ali

And every time I called them that You may forgive them, they thrust their fingers into their ears, and covered themselves with their garments, and became wayward, and behaved with downright insolence.

7

ثُمَّ اِنِّىْ دَعَوْتُہُمْ جِہَارًا۝۸ۙ
Thumma innee daAAawtuhum jiharan

English

Ahmed Ali

Then I called them loudly and more openly,

8

ثُمَّ اِنِّىْۗ اَعْلَنْتُ لَہُمْ وَاَسْرَرْتُ لَہُمْ اِسْرَارًا۝۹ۙ
Thumma innee aAAlantu lahum waasrartu lahum israran

English

Ahmed Ali

And declared to them in public and in private,

9

فَقُلْتُ اسْتَغْفِرُوْا رَبَّكُمْ۝۰ۭ اِنَّہٗ كَانَ غَفَّارًا۝۱۰ۙ
Faqultu istaghfiroo rabbakum innahu kana ghaffaran

English

Ahmed Ali

And I told them: 'Ask your Lord to forgive you. He is verily forgiving.

10

Shaan e Nazool (Historical Background)

No specific event or incident is associated with the revelation of Surah Nuh. It was revealed during the life and Prophetic mission of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ in Mecca. While the exact period of its revelation is not specifically ascertained by authentic Quran commentators and scholars, it is widely believed that it was sent down during a time when opposition to his Prophethood by the disbelievers of Mecca, especially the leaders of Quraysh, had become strong and severe. The context of its revelation is sometimes linked to the revelation of Surah Al-Ma’arij, in which it was narrated that some people of that era were arrogantly challenging the occurrence of the Day of Judgment and final accountability. They even dared to ask: if the Divine punishment has to come, why isn’t it coming right now?

The subject and theme of Surah Nuh are closely related to that type of rejection and opposition of the Prophethood of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ. With that background, Surah Nuh was revealed. The entire Surah comprises the Prophetic struggle and untiring efforts of the Prophet Nuh عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, to spread the Divine Message and bring his people to the righteous path. A major portion of this Surah, spanning verses 5 to 20, where the Prophet Nuh's عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ efforts are described, spans a period of 950 years.

In these verses, his style and methods of preaching are described in detail, including personalized and open public invitations. But after consistent preaching and struggle for 950 years, the Prophet Nuh عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ finally humbly requested Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ that these people would not come to the right path and would continue to disobey Divine Messages and Prophets; hence, they deserve the punishment right now. He prayed that all of them should face the consequences of their disbelief, except those who accepted the Divine Message. His request was honored, and the entire nation was destroyed and drowned in the historic "flood of Nuh". Only those who believed and followed the instructions of the Prophet Nuh عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ survived this devastating flood.  

The purpose of describing this whole scenario in this Surah is to remind the disbelievers of Mecca that if they continue rejecting the Prophethood and opposing the Message of Islam, preached by the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ, they would certainly have to face a similar punishment as the nation of Prophet Nuh عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ had faced. The reason was that the opposition and rejection of Prophethood almost resembled that of the nation of the Prophet Nuh عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ. When in these circumstances, some of them mockingly challenged, saying, if punishment is inevitable, let it come right now, as described in Surah Al-Ma’arij.

Hence, Surah Nuh was purposely sent down, apparently with the objective of warning the disbelievers of Mecca, and encouraging the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ that previous Prophets has also faced similar circumstances, but the Divine punishment, which is inevitable, will come at the appropriate time, as Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ is “all-knowing” and has the ultimate Authority to dispense punishment.  

Makki or Madni Surah

By consensus, Surah Nuh is a Makki Surah.

Place in the Quran

Surah Nuh is the 71st Surah of the Quran, placed in the 29th Juzz (Para). It comes after Surah Al-Ma’arij and before Surah Al-Jinn. It is the 71st Surah in the order of revelation, and also comes at number 71 in the sequence of recitation.

  • Number of Verses: Surah Nuh has 28 verses.
  • Number of Ruku (Sections): The verses of Surah Nuh are grouped in 2 Rukus (sections).

Significance of Surah Nuh  

Surah Nuh describes many significant aspects of Islamic teachings, some of which are summarized here:

  • Like many other Meccan Surahs, Surah Nuh also emphasizes the importance of believing in the Islamic concept of Tawheed (Oneness of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ. The opening verses of this Surah narrate the invitation and warning by the Prophet Nuh عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, urging them to worship only Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ. It strengthens the faith (Iman) of Muslims, encouraging them to worship and obey Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ.
  • The Surah describes the untiring struggle of the Prophet Nuh عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, spanning a period of 950 years, consistently. This teaches us that persistence in Dawah (Call to Islam) matters, despite hardships. So, Muslims must continue inviting to good deeds, and never give up or lose hope, leaving the outcome to Allah's سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ Will and Command.
  • Surah Nuh also emphasizes seeking Mercy and Forgiveness from Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, as He is ever "Perpetual Forgiver", as mentioned in the 10th verse of this Surah. It encourages us to rely on Istighfar and seek His Mercy and Forgiveness.
  • The Surah invites people to reflect on Allah's Creations, such as the earth, the seven heavens, the sun, and the moon. It also reminds us that human life largely depends on the Earth.
  • This Surah also reminds and warns of the consequences of disbelieving by giving the example of the nation of the Prophet Nuh عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, who were destroyed in the historic flood.
  • The spiritual significance of this Surah includes its emphasis on steadfastness during difficult times, consistency in promoting good deeds, and seeking Allah's سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ Mercy and Forgiveness. On the other hand, it also gives us moral lessons, such as observance of patience in hardships, humility before Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, and refraining from arrogance.

Theme and Subject Matter of Surah Nuh

Surah Nuh starts with how Hazrat Nuh (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was sent down to his people to warn them against the painful punishment of disobeying Allah and worshipping anyone other than Allah. The Surah talks about the struggles of Nuh (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) spreading the message of Allah. Whenever he (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) tried to approach his people to warn them and guide them, they only ran away and mocked him. 

Allah reveals how Nuh (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) guided his people about the attributes of Allah and how Allah will grant them wealth and forgiveness if they repent to Him. Nuh (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) mentioned the skies, earth, moon, and sun, and everything Allah has created for mankind in perfection. He (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) also mentioned how human is made from the earth as a vegetable grows and will die and be resurrected on the Day of Judgment.

The Surah highlights the patience and consistency of Hazrat Nuh (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in guiding his people even while facing rejection from them. Even after his extensive efforts, they remained arrogant and faced a severe punishment from Allah as a great flood that left only those believers and Noah alive who were saved in the ark. Even the wife and son of Nuh (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) couldn’t be saved from this severe punishment. Those who repented and followed the path were all saved by Allah. 

By stating the story of Nuh (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and his people, Allah warns everyone who objects to the message Prophet (ﷺ) was spreading at that time and the excuses they were making to keep worshipping idols. Through this story, Allah also sends down the message to the believers that they are the ones who will be successful, as it is Allah who is helping them be overpowered by the Mushriks. The Surah also conveys the message of repentance and how Allah loves those who repent and seek forgiveness. 

Virtues and Benefits of Surah Nuh

Surah Nuh reflects the benefits of showing patience and faith in Allah during challenging times. The Surah tells us the importance of seeking forgiveness from Allah and how Allah loves and supports those who repent and rely solely on Allah.

We also learn the challenges of Hazrat Nuh (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) while spreading the words of Allah, which are related to the challenges of the Prophet (S.A.W). The Surah provides guidance to those who spread Islam even today, highlighting how important consistency and patience are when spreading the words of Allah.

Surah Nuh’s last verse is an excellent dua made by Noah (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Verse 28 states:

“O Lord, forgive me, my parents, and anyone who enters my house as a believer, and all believing men and women, and do not give evil-doers increase save in ruin.” (Quran 71:28)

By learning the story of Prophet Nuh (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we also become witness to how Nuh (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) gave da’wah to his people. It is narrated by Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri (R.A):

Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)said: “Noah will be brought (before Allah) on the Day of Resurrection, and will be asked, ‘Did you convey the message of Allah?” He will reply, ‘Yes, O Lord.’ And then Noah’s nation will be asked, ‘Did he (Noah) convey Allah’s message to you?’ They will reply, ‘No warner came to us.’ Then Noah will be asked, ‘Who are your witnesses?’ He will reply. ‘(My Witnesses are) Muhammad and his followers.’ Thereupon you (Muslims) will be brought and you will bear witness.” Then Prophet (ﷺ)recited: ‘And thus We have made of you (Muslims) a just and the best nation, that you might be a witness over the nation, and the Apostle a witness over you.’ (Sahih Al-Bukhari 7349, Book 96, Hadith 77)

Listen to the Recitation of Surah Nuh by Renowned Qaris

The correct recitation of the Quranic verses, including Surah Nuh, holds great significance, whereas even a minor mistake in pronouncing any of the Quranic words might be a sinful act, because the words of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ have to be recited exactly in the way as taught by the Prophet. More importantly, any deviation from the correct recitation of a Quranic phrase may entirely change its meaning. So, for the non-Arabic speaking Muslims, correct pronunciation becomes quite a sensitive matter. The best way to overcome this difficulty is to listen to the recitations of renowned, authentic Quran Reciters (Qaris).

The MuslimandQuran mobile app provides the best solution to this important issue. The recitation of the Quran by renowned and authentic Qaris is available on our website and mobile application, which you can listen to on your mobile devices or laptops at any time. You can select a Qari of your preference to listen to and learn the correct recitation of the Quran. You only need to download the Mobile Application of the Muslim and the Quran to listen to any Surah of the Quran, including Surah Nuh.

You can download our mobile app for both Android and iOS by clicking the links given below:

Surah Nuh PDF

The ability to read the Quran online is readily available in the MuslimandQuran mobile app. But if you are interested in reading it offline, you can also download any Surah of the Quran, including Surah Nuh, as a PDF.

You can download Surah Nuh in PDF by following these simple steps:

  • Press Ctrl + P on your keyboard.
  • In the Destination dropdown menu, choose Save as PDF.
  • Click Save to download Nuh to your device.

FAQs:

Nuh is the name of a Prophet, who was sent to his people in the olden ages. Surah Nuh is titled after the name of the Prophet Nuh عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ because it contains his life story and struggle, spanning over a period of 950 years.

Surah Nuh comprises 28 verses.

No specific benefits are associated with the recitation of Surah Nuh. However, it gives us some of the core moral and spiritual lessons, including remaining steadfast in faith in the most difficult phases of life, observance of patience in the testing times, and consistently inviting people towards good deeds.

It can be recited at any time during the night or the day, according to your convenience and whenever you have time. No specific time is recommended by scholars for the recitation of Surah Nuh.

No authentic Hadith in any of the Hadith collections is specifically related to Surah Nuh.

Yes, you can listen to Nuh online, on any of your mobile devices, by logging into the mobile app of MuslimandQuran. All the Surahs, including Surah Nuh, are available for listening online on this app.

No specific rewards are associated with the daily recitation of Surah Nuh. However, reciting any Surah of the Quran, including Surah Nuh, brings huge rewards, though not specifically recommended to be recited on a daily basis.

The Quran, including Surah Nuh, is not language-specific, although it was revealed in the Arabic language. It is for the guidance of the entire mankind, irrespective of nation or language. Hence, it brings equal benefits to whoever recites any Surah of the Quran, including Surah Nuh. A non-Arabic speaker will definitely get the same benefits from the recitation of Surah Nuh as an Arabic-speaking individual may get.