Lesson from Life of Nuh (as)

The structure claimed to be the Nuh’s Ark near the Mount Arat in Turkey

And recite to them the news of Nuh, when he said to his people, “O my people, if my residence and my reminding of the signs of Allah has become burdensome upon you - then I have relied upon Allah. So resolve upon your plan and [call upon] your associates. Then let not your plan be uncertain to you. Then carry it out upon me and do not give me any respite.
- Surah Younis verse 71

I read the above verse of Quran. Until today, I thought to myself the efforts of Nuh (as) were in vain mostly, because of his failure in convincing masses towards Allah. But more I read about him, more I find myself incorrect.

The lessons from the above verse are;

1. Do not Count Heads

2. Allah (swt) values the struggle

1. Do not Count Heads

People by Ryoji Iwata

More followers on twitter, more people on wedding, more people in our audience, more heads visiting our websites and more fans listening to us. We are striving to get more people to listen to us. We want fame, loud applauses and meaning-less encouragements. We only count heads.

The struggle of Nuh (as) had been a 850 years long journey. In 850 years he managed to find nearly 80 people around him, who understood his message and converted to Islam. After continues negation, he was asked to build an ark that will save him and his people of Allah’s punishment.

Nuh (as) is considered the “second Adam”, for the entire world’s population met its end. The pairs of plants to insects to animals were put in his ark and protected from the flood. His son was among those people who drowned and rejected his message.

Prophet Nuh (as) did not give up on building a boat, on sugar coating the message of Allah and on choosing the easier path to hit people’s heart. He was content with 80 followers. He did not count heads. He converted the 80, the best 80 of his time. He motivated them, inspired them and brought them to pinnacle of leadership. He gave them his own place. And these 80 later carried forward his legacy.

I have not yet reached at convincing 1 person to find Quran as amazing as it used to amaze the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions. I have not yet reached at raising 1 person who can stand like Nuh (as) or Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). I have not yet succeeded in convincing 1 person; there is Allah who is all around us, who is worth our wealth, attention and sacrifice.

Prophet Nuh (as) is quoted as one of the greatest leader in the history. He valued each person who stood beside him. He raised leaders. Built empires. Rejected masses. Relied blind. Called a loud. Challenged blunt. Fought brave. Prophet Nuh (as) acted a wall against falsehood.

2. Allah (swt) values the struggle

Strength by Ian Chen

The struggle, the journey, the run and the sweat. Allah (swt) values the craving, the craziness and the will. He doesn’t look at the results. He doesn’t want more people follow our call. He just wants us to raise the call. He doesn’t want people listening through us, He only values our intent.

The humans are built on the sunnah’s of Allah (swt). He wants us to act like Him; pure, honest and loving. He wants we do not look towards the results, he wants we look at the run towards the results. He does not want us winning every battle, he wants us to show up in battle. He doesn’t need more people in Paradise, he wants few who deserve the paradise. He just wants to segregate the ones who stand for Him, from the ones who stand against Him.

Muhammad (PBUH)’s 1.8 Billion people in Ummah, might never make it up to the 80 muslims from the Nuh (as). Musa (as)’s millions might never prove their worth as of Nuh’s people. The Yousaf, Yaqub, Ismail, Daud and all the prophet’s combined, might never make it upto the Nuh’s follower-ship. The number, the heads, the total quantity is of bleak value for Allah. He only values quality.

If we look at it, the quality way, we will get one much awaited answer to the question; “Will we succeed on the day of Judgement?”

We do not know. We are not a quality product yet. Our quantity does not carry the meaning. Each one of us, has a meaning. If we start becoming a quality product today, we might not find good 80 people who listens to our call towards Allah. But we might find a place for Allah’s mercy in the life hereafter. We might rise with Nuh (as) and we might make Allah proud of us.

Conclusion

Inside by Vitor Pádua

You are a good person. You have few negatives, few positives. You have been criticised in the past. You have been told you are not good enough. But believe me, you are a wonderful human being inside. You were always right in your life. You only missed few opportunities. You only walked slower. You only thought yourself down. Have the confidence, the freedom and the thinkings of Nuh (as) and Muhammad (saw). You can become just like them overnight. You can walk just like them. You can win people’s heart just like them. You can live a life of freedom just like them. You will be saved with another Ark. Or you will be blessed with angels to fight for you. You will start winning your battles starting today. The only need, the only desire, the only compulsion that awaits you, is Change. Today, change. Tomorrow, fail. Day after tomorrow, conquer. Normalcy no more. Laziness no more. Sleeping wasted no more. Just become the person, that you inside yourself believe in, today. Not the person, somebody else wants out of you. Just you, the way you want to see you, at your destination One Day.