Overview (Verses 71 - 73)

Reference was made earlier in the sūrah to ancient communities and what happened to them when they denied the messages of their prophets. Another generation was made to succeed them: “Indeed, We destroyed generations before your time when they persisted in their wrongdoing. The messengers sent to them brought them veritable evidence of the truth, but they would not believe. Thus do We reward the guilty. Then We made you their successors on earth, so that We might see how you behave.” (Verses 13-14)

Another reference was made to the fact that every community had a messenger sent to them to deliver God’s message. “To every community was sent a messenger. It is when their messenger had come to them that judgement was passed on them in all fairness; and never are they wronged.” (Verse 47)

Now the sūrah speaks in more detail about such earlier messages, highlighting certain aspects of the stories of Noah and Moses. The consequences of denying God’s messages are emphasized in both accounts. A brief reference is also made to Jonah, whose community accepted the faith when they were about to be overtaken by God’s punishment, and they were thus saved. This serves to encourage those who deny God to stop so that they spare themselves an end similar to that experienced by Noah’s people and Pharaoh and his host.

The previous passage concluded with an order to the Prophet Muĥammad (peace be upon him) to declare that those who fabricate lies against God and associate partners with Him will come to an awful end: “Say: “Those who invent falsehood about God shall not be successful. They may have a brief enjoyment in this world, but then to Us they must return, and We will then make them suffer severe torment for their unbelief” (Verses 69-70) This declaration follows a reassurance given to the Prophet that the believers “who are close to God have nothing to fear, nor shall they grieve.” (Verse 62) The Prophet is also encouraged not to pay much attention to what the unbelievers say: “Be not grieved by what they say. All might and glory belong to God alone. He alone hears all and knows all.” (Verse 65)

Now the Prophet is instructed to relate to them Noah’s story and how he challenged his people. He was then saved with those believers who followed him, while the unbelievers who were much stronger and larger in number were destroyed.

These stories serve to emphasize the meaning of the preceding passages. In fact, all stories mentioned in the Qur’ān serve a definite purpose. They are related in different styles, highlighting different episodes as may befit the context in which they occur. Here the stories of earlier prophets highlight the absurdity of the Makkans towards the Prophet Muĥammad (peace be upon him) and his small group of believers. They also stress the fact that those believers were firm in their faith despite facing an enemy mustering far superior forces.

Noah’s Challenge

Relate to them the story of Noah. He said to his people: My people! If my presence among you and my reminders to you of God’s revelations are repugnant to you — well, in God have I placed my trust. Decide, then, what you are going to do, and [seek the help of] those whom you associate as partners with God. Be clear about your course of action, leaving no room for uncertainty, then carry out against me whatever you may have decided and give me no respite. But if you turn away, [remember that] I have asked of you no reward whatsoever. My reward rests with none but God. I have been commanded to be one of those who surrender themselves to Him.’ But they disbelieved him. So we saved him and all those who joined him in the ark, and made them inherit the earth. And we drowned the others who denied Our revelations.

Reflect on the fate of those who were forewarned. (Verses 71-73)

Only the end part of Noah’s story is mentioned here where we see him offering his people a final challenge. He had spent a very long time preaching and warning his people, but to no avail. There is no mention of the ark here, or of those who were taken on board and so saved from the great floods. The aim here is to highlight the challenge and the believers’ reliance on God, as well as the saving of a small, powerless group of believers and the destruction of the great hordes of unbelievers. The sūrah reduces the whole story to a single episode so as to emphasize its final end. This is what is most fitting in the present context.

“Relate to them the story of Noah. He said to his people: My people! If my presence among you and my reminders to you of God’s revelations are repugnant to you — well, in God have I placed my trust. Decide, then, what you are going to do, and [seek the help of] those whom you associate as partners with God. Be clear about your course of action, leaving no room for uncertainty, then carry out against me whatever you may have decided and give me no respite.” (Verse 71) Noah tells his people that if they are completely fed up with him, unable to tolerate his presence among them and his reminders of their duty to believe in God, then let that be as it may. He will continue along his way, unperturbed by their opposition, for “in God have I placed my trust.” He seeks no help from anyone else. “Decide, then, what you are going to do, and [seek the help of] those whom you associate as partners with God.” (Verse 71)

They may, for all he cares, mobilize all their forces and resources. “Be clear about your course of action, leaving no room for uncertainty.” (Verse 71) They are further told to make their position very clear, allowing no ambiguity or hesitation, and leaving no room for return. Then when they have done that, they are told: “carry out against me [i.e. Noah] whatever you may have decided and give me no respite.” (Verse 71)

It is a clear challenge thrown out by one who is absolutely certain of his ground and power. In fact he is inviting his opponents to attack him. What were the forces at his command facilitating such a challenge? He simply had faith, which gave him a power that is superior to everything else. Numbers, careful planning and firepower are of little use when compared to faith. He had God’s support, and God does not abandon those who believe in Him. It is the challenge of one who relies on the source of real power, for faith establishes a bond between the believer and the One who has power over everything in the universe. It is neither an arrogant nor a foolhardy challenge. Rather, it is the challenge of true power.

Advocates of the divine faith have in God’s messengers a fine example to follow. They should have unwavering confidence as they place their trust in God and face tyranny, whatever its source may be. Tyranny will not cause them any real or lasting damage, apart from perhaps some physical pain which God allows as a test of the believers. God does not abandon the believers to His and their enemies, but He lets them undergo this test so that true believers come through it unharmed. The end favours the believers when God’s promise is fulfilled and they are victorious.

Having made his challenge clear, Noah says to his people: “But if you turn away, [remember that] I have asked of you no reward whatsoever. My reward rests with none but God. I have been commanded to be one of those who surrender themselves to Him.” (Verse 72). If you turn a deaf ear to what I call on you to accept, then that is your choice. I have not asked for a reward for guiding you to the right path, so I do not fear that my compensation will be reduced as a result of your turning away. “My reward rests with none but God.” (Verse 72) Your attitude will not tempt me to change my way in the least, for my orders are such that I must surrender myself completely to God: “I have been commanded to be one of those who surrender themselves to Him.” (Verse 72)

What happened, then? “They disbelieved him. So We saved him and all those who joined him in the ark, and made them inherit the earth. And We drowned the others who denied Our revelations. Reflect on the fate of those who were forewarned.” (Verse 73) All that happened is given in a very brief account: his rescue with the believers who followed him; their establishment as successors to the land and subsequent power; and the drowning of the multitude of unbelievers. “Reflect on the fate of those who were forewarned.” (Verse 73) It is indeed something to be reflected upon by all people at all times, so that they may heed the lesson and follow in the footsteps of the believers who were saved.

The outcome was not merely the destruction of the unbelievers. Instead this was preceded by the saving of the believers from all danger, and their establishment in the land to rebuild human life on a sound basis.

Such is the law God has established and such is His promise to the believers. If they feel at any time that the road seems endless, they must realize that it is the only way, and that the outcome will certainly be in their favour. They must not precipitate the fulfilment of God’s promise. God does not deceive believers, nor does He abandon them to their enemies. He only teaches and equips them with what is of help to them along their way.