When studying the history of the Prophets (Qisas al-Anbiya), a common question arises regarding the chronological order of Prophet Nuh (Noah) and Prophet Idris (Enoch), peace be upon them.
While this article follows the narrative that Prophet Nuh came after Prophet Idris, it is important for a student of knowledge to be aware of the differing scholarly perspectives.
Opinion 1: Idris Preceded Nuh (The Historical View)
This is the view held by the majority of classical historians and scholars, most notably Ibn Kathir.
- The Genealogy: In this view, the lineage is generally understood as Adam \rightarrow Seth (Sheeth) \rightarrow Idris \rightarrow Nuh.
- The Rationale: This timeline aligns with many genealogical records and Isra’iliyyat narratives (Judeo-Christian traditions often accepted in Islam for historical context where they do not contradict the Quran) which place Enoch (Idris) as an ancestor of Noah.
- Our Approach: In alignment with this majority view, our narratives are structured with Idris serving as a predecessor to Nuh.
Opinion 2: Nuh Preceded Idris (The Textual View)
Some scholars argue that Prophet Nuh was the first prophet sent after Adam, suggesting Idris came later. This opinion is primarily derived from a linguistic interpretation of a specific verse in the Quran.
The Evidence from Surah An-Nisa:
“Indeed, We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], as We revealed to Noah and the prophets after him…” (Quran, 4:163)
Conclusion: A Note for the Seeker of Knowledge
There is no definitive textual evidence in the Quran or the authentic Sunnah that allows us to conclude the exact order with absolute certainty.
However, many scholars reconcile these views by distinguishing between a Prophet (Nabi) and a Messenger (Rasul). The consensus is that:
- Idris was a Prophet (Nabi): He came before Nuh to guide people who were still largely monotheistic but needed moral correction.
- Nuh was the first Messenger (Rasul): He was the first sent to a people who had fallen into Shirk (polytheism) with a new law and a warning of punishment.
Ultimately, investigating the exact chronological order yields little spiritual benefit. The primary focus for the believer should remain on the unified message of Tawhid delivered by both of these noble figures.
Therefore, we proceed with the historical perspective that Nuh (as) followed Idris (as).
The Call of Prophet Nuh: Reason, Revelation, and Resistance
After centuries had passed and humanity had drifted into spiritual darkness, Allah decided to send a guide to lead the idolaters back to the truth. For this sacred task, He chose Prophet Nuh (Noah), peace be upon him (‘alayhi al-salam).
To ensure the success of this difficult mission, Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) blessed His noble servant with two essential traits: eloquent speech and immense patience.
The Message: Signs in the Universe
Prophet Nuh began his mission by appealing to the logic and intellect of his people. He did not start with threats, but with observation. He drew their attention to the mysteries of the vast universe, pointing out the intricate design of creation:
- The alternation of the night and the day.
- The brilliance of the stars and the moon.
- The diversity of plants and animals.
- The expansive structure of the heavens and the earth.
Nuh explained that these were not random occurrences, but undeniable proofs of the existence of the One True God. He taught them that humanity was created for a specific purpose: to glorify and worship Allah alone.
The Warning: Monotheism vs. Idolatry
The core of Nuh’s message was Tawhid (the Oneness of Allah). He clarified that the idols they worshipped were powerless and that Satan had misled them into these rituals to distance them from their Creator.
He warned them with deep concern that continuing in idol worship would lead to a severe punishment from Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) in the Hereafter.
The Divide: The Humble vs. The Arrogant
The reaction to Nuh’s preaching created a sharp social divide. The people listened with confusion, but their responses varied based on their status in society:
- The Vulnerable: The most miserable, desperate, and poor among the people found hope and solace in Nuh’s words. They were the first to gradually enter the fold of Islam, finding dignity in the worship of the One God.
- The Affluent: The wealthy elite and tribal chiefs watched this transformation with rage. They viewed the growing movement of the poor with disdain.
The Objection: “You Are Just a Man”
The primary argument the arrogant elite used to reject Nuh was his humanity. They mocked him, saying:
“We see you but a man like ourselves.”
They argued that if God wanted to send a message, He would have sent a supernatural being.
The Logical Rebuttal Prophet Nuh (‘alayhi al-salam) countered their argument with sound logic. He acknowledged that he was indeed a human being, but explained that this was by Divine design.
- Since the earth is populated by humans, Allah sent a human messenger who could relate to them, speak their language, and serve as a practical role model.
- He argued that had the earth been occupied by angels, Allah would have surely sent an angelic messenger. But for humanity, a human Prophet was the only logical choice.
The Turning Point: Prophet Nuh’s Supplication to Allah
As the centuries passed, the resistance against Prophet Nuh (‘alayhi al-salam) evolved from simple mockery into systematic indoctrination. The hatred for the message of Tawhid was passed down like an inheritance.
The Cycle of Rejection
The elders of the community ensured that the rebellion would continue after they were gone. Every child who reached the age of understanding was explicitly warned against listening to the teachings of Nuh.
The social boycott was total:
- Avoidance: Whenever the Prophet approached a gathering to speak, the people would literally run away.
- Evasion: They found every possible excuse to escape his presence, covering their faces and plugging their ears to avoid hearing a single word of truth.
The Realization
After centuries of tireless effort, Prophet Nuh came to a painful realization. He observed that while the number of disbelievers was rapidly rising with every new generation, the number of believers remained stagnant.
Despite his deep sorrow and fear for the terrible fate awaiting his people, he realized that their hearts had become sealed. With no other avenue left to guide them, he turned to the One who sent him.
The Prayer Against the Disbelievers
Prophet Nuh (‘alayhi al-salam) raised his hands in a powerful supplication (Dua), complaining of his people’s stubbornness and their blind following of corrupt leaders.
As recorded in the Quran (Surah Nuh), he prayed:
“My Lord! They have disobeyed me, and followed one whose wealth and children give them no increase but only loss.
They have plotted a mighty plot.
They have said: ‘You shall not leave your gods, nor shall you leave [the idols] Wadd, Suwa’, Yaghuth, Ya’uq, nor Nasr.’
Indeed they have led many astray. O Allah! Grant no increase to the disbelievers.”
The Five Idols
- Wadd
- Suwa
- Yaghuth
- Nasr
- Ya’uq
This prayer marked the end of the era of tolerance and the beginning of Divine judgment.
The Construction of the Ark and the Great Flood
Following the Divine decree, Prophet Nuh (‘alayhi al-salam) left the city limits and ventured into the open desert. Far from the sea, he began the monumental task of constructing the Ark.
According to the text, he worked day and night, bolstered by the support and guidance of the Angels. This phase of his mission required unwavering conviction, as he was building a massive vessel on dry land with no water in sight.
The Mockery: “Carpentry Over Prophethood?”
The construction site became a source of entertainment for the disbelievers. The affluent chiefs and common people alike would pass by to jeer at him. Their mockery highlighted their shortsightedness:
“O Nuh! Does carpentry appeal to you more than prophethood? Why are you building an ark so far from the sea? Are you going to drag it to the water, or is the wind going to carry it for you?”
Prophet Nuh did not waver. His response was a chilling warning of the reality to come:
“You will come to know who will be put to shame and suffering.”
The Sign of the Oven (At-Tannur)
Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) had given Nuh a specific, supernatural sign to signal the exact moment the evacuation must begin. He was told to watch the oven (referred to as At-Tannur in Islamic tradition) in his home.
When water began to miraculously gush forth from the burning oven, Nuh knew the time had come. This was the signal that the earth’s crust was breaking.
Acting immediately, he gathered the believers. As commanded, he also loaded pairs (male and female) of animals, birds, and insects to preserve life. Even at this critical juncture, the people laughed, saying:
“Nuh must have gone out of his head! What is he going to do with the animals?”
The Deluge: When Earth and Sky Met
The punishment arrived with terrifying force. The Quran describes the flood not just as rain, but as a convergence of water from two directions:
- From the Skies: The “gates of heaven” opened, pouring down torrential rain.
- From the Earth: Water erupted from every crack and fissure in the ground.
The dry land was quickly conquered by the rising oceans. The disbelievers, who had mocked the idea of water reaching the desert, now found themselves surrounded by it.
The Tragic Separation: A Father’s Plea
Amidst the chaos, Prophet Nuh witnessed the heartbreaking reality of his own family. His wife, who had supported the disbelievers, refused to board. More painfully, Nuh saw his son struggling in the rising waters.
Desperate to save him, Nuh called out from the Ark:
“O my son! Embark with us and be not among the disbelievers.”
Nuh’s final words to his son were a declaration of absolute truth:
“This day there is no savior from the Decree of Allah except him on whom He has mercy.”
Moments later, a massive wave rose between them. The son was engulfed by the angry waters and drowned, proving that lineage alone cannot save a person—only faith can.
A New Beginning: Gratitude and the Legacy of Nuh
Disembarking the Ark
As the waters receded and the earth was cleansed, Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) commanded Prophet Nuh (‘alayhi al-salam) to leave the safety of the Ark. Along with the small band of believers, he stepped onto the renewed, green land, releasing the pairs of animals, birds, and insects to repopulate the earth.
The First Acts of Worship
The survival of the believers was not met with celebration of their own strength, but with absolute humility before the Creator.
- Prostration (Sujud): Prophet Nuh immediately placed his forehead on the ground in prostration, offering immense thanks to his Lord for His mercy, protection, and blessings.
- Fasting (Sawm): To show their gratitude for being saved from the terrible ordeal, the believers observed a day of fasting. This act of fasting in thanksgiving established a legacy of gratitude that is remembered in Islamic history.
Quranic Index: Verses Mentioning Prophet Nuh
The story of Prophet Nuh is fundamental to Islamic theology, cited frequently as a lesson in patience and Divine justice. There are 47 instances where Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) directly refers to Prophet Nuh in the Quran.
Below is a comprehensive reference list for students and researchers wishing to explore these verses:
Imran (3:33)
Anam (6:84)
Araf (7:59)
Araf (7:69)
Taubah (9:70)
Yunus (10:71)
Hud (11:25)
Hud (11:36)
Hud (11:89)
Ibrahim (14:9)
Isra (17:3)
Isra (17:17)
Maryam (19:58)
Anbiya (21:76)
Hajj (22:42)
Muminun (23:23)
Furqan (25:37)
Shuara (26:105)
Ankabut (29:14)
Saffat (37:75)
Sad (38:12)
Ghafir (40:5)
Ghafir (40:31)
Shura (42:13)
Qaf (50:12)
Dhariyat (51:46)
Najm (53:52)
Qamar (54:9)
Hadid (57:26)
Tahrim (66:10)
Araf (7:64)
Yunus (10:73)
Hud (11:37)
Hud (11:40)
Muminun (23:27)
Ankabut (29:15)
Qamar (54:13)
Haqqah (69:11)
Nuh (71:1)
Araf (7:64)
Yunus (10:73)
Hud (11:40)
Furqan (25:37)
Ankabut (29:120)
Ankabut (29:14)
Qamar (54:11)
Nuh (71:25)