Introduction
Allah ﷻ imposes tests and trials on every individual, including prophets, which elevates their status and eradicates their sins. In fact, the prophets (peace be upon them) had the toughest challenges. The severity of trials and tribulations varies based on an individual’s proximity to Allahﷻ. The closer one is to God, the greater the severity of the test or trial they will encounter. Mus’ab bin Sa’d narrated from his father that a man asked:
“O Messenger of Allah! Which of the people is tried most severely?’ He said: ‘The Prophets, then those nearest to them, then those nearest to them…” [Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2398].
Prophet Noah (peace be upon him) was among the noblest of prophets, who underwent the trials and tribulations set by Allahﷻ. The nature and severity of Prophet Noah’s tests and the lessons derived is significant for every Muslim who is facing his own trials.
Trials of the Prophet Noah (peace be upon him)
Mockery of his people
Prophet Noah (peace be upon him) consistently urged his people to have faith in Allahﷻ for more than nine centuries. Allah ﷻsaid:
“And We certainly sent Noah to his people, and he remained among them a thousand years minus fifty years, and the flood seized them while they were wrongdoers.” [Qur’an 29:14].
In this length of time, very few people answered his call. Not only did his people reject his da’wah, but they mocked him and described him as a madman.
“He is not but a man possessed with madness, so wait concerning him for a time.” [Qur’an 23:25].
They persisted in their disbelief, until Allah ﷻcommanded Prophet Noah (peace be upon him) to construct an Ark. As they watched him build it, they would ridicule and mock him even more, saying
“O Noah! 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?” Noah replied: “You will come to know who will be put to shame and suffer.” (Ibn Kathir).
It could also be perceived that Allah ﷻ tested Prophet Noah (peace be upon him) through the awful acts that his people have done to him. If Allah ﷻwills it, He could have made them accept his message without resistance.
“And had your Lord willed, those on earth would have believed – all of them entirely.” [Qur’an 10:99].
Although Allahﷻ could have easily compelled his people to accept and follow Prophet Noah (peace be upon him) or at the very least, refrain from harming or ridiculing him. Yet, Prophet Noah (peace be upon him) had to bear a long and difficult journey marked by numerous tests and tribulations. This journey served as a test of his patience, making him amongst those who bear patience.
Disbelieving wife:
A successful home depends on a good wife, who is the backbone of the household. The age-old proverb states that “Behind every successful man stands a woman,” and as a wife, it is essential to be supportive and conform to her husband’s wishes. In Islam, the role of a good wife is emphasized, and it is stressed that she should obey her husband.
One of the most significant obstacles that the Prophet Noah (peace be upon him) faced was his disbelieving wife. Allah ﷻsaid:
“Allah presents an example of those who disbelieved: the wife of Noah and the wife of Lot. They were under two of Our righteous servants but betrayed them.”[Qur’an 66:10].
Disbelieving child:
Allah ﷻtested Prophet Noah (as) not only with a disbelieving wife but also with a disbelieving son. Additionally, there is a possibility disbelieving son may have been influenced by the disbelieving wife, as mothers often have a significant influence on their children. Nevertheless, Prophet Noah (peace be upon him) made every effort to invite his son to accept his message and follow his calls. Unfortunately, the son declined and was among those who perished during the flood. Allah ﷻsaid:
“And it sailed with them through waves like mountains, and Noah called to his son who was apart [from them], “O my son, come aboard with us and be not with the disbelievers. [But] he said, “I will take refuge on a mountain to protect me from the water.” [Noah] said, “There is no protector today from the decree of Allah, except for whom He gives mercy.” And the waves came between them, and he was among the drowned.” [Qur’an 11:42-43].
Due to the depth of his paternal affection for his son, Prophet Noah (peace be upon him) sought Allah’s ﷻguidance on the matter of his son’s drowning. Allah ﷻrevealed to Noah (peace be upon him) that his son was not part of his family, and only those who believed in him and his faith were considered as his true family. In the Qur’an [11:45-46], Allah ﷻ advised Noah (peace be upon him), urging him not to seek knowledge on matters he was unaware of, and emphasized the importance of avoiding ignorance.
Conclusion
Valuable lessons can be learned from the life of Prophet Noah (peace be upon him) and the trials he faced, proving that the intensity of tests is proportional to the individual’s rank in the eyes of Allahﷻ. In life, many of us are often faced with trials in relation to society, kith and kin, spouse and children. The one whose support we require end up being the cause of our tests, in such situations one must know that, one must strengthen their bond with Allah and rely only him, just like prophet Noah (peace be upon him). Prophet Noah’s (peace be upon him) also went through trials that we can relate, but his were more tougher than what we experience today. But he triumphed successfully through patience and reliability to Allah, a virtue for every Muslim undergoing a trial.
Written by: Isatou Ceesay
Edited by: The Editorial Team
© The Islamic Reflections Blog
References
Ibn Kathir. (n.d.). Stories of the Prophets (Peace be upon them). https://www.kalamullah.com/Books/Stories%20Of%20The%20Prophets%20By%20Ibn%20Kathir.pdf
Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2398 – Chapters on Zuhd – كتاب الزهد عن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم – Sunnah.com – Sayings and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم). (n.d.). https://sunnah.com/tirmidhi:2398
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged) (Second, Vol. 10). (2003). Darussalam. https://www.kalamullah.com/Books/Tafsir%20Ibn%20Kathir%20-%20Volume%2001-10%20-%20English.pdf
Translation of the meanings Surah Al-‘Ankabūt – English Translation – Saheeh International – The Noble Qur’an Encyclopedia. (n.d.). The Noble Qur’an Encyclopedia. https://quranenc.com/en/browse/english_saheeh/29
