Surah Hud (Hud) 11 : 49

Explanatory Note

This sums up the objectives of relating such stories in the Qur’ān:

•It establishes the fact of revelation denied by the unbelievers. These stories were unknown to the Prophet and to his people. It was part of God’s knowledge and the Prophet could not have known about it except through revelation from the One who knows all.

•It also establishes the fact that the true faith has always been the same, ever since Noah, the second father of mankind. The message of the Prophet uses almost the same expressions as Noah.

•The objections and the accusations made by those who denied the message of the Prophet are always the same. Furthermore, the glad tidings and the warnings made by the Prophet will surely come to pass. This story is then a testimony from history.

•Another fact which is established by this comment is that God’s laws will not fail. They do not favour anyone: “The future belongs to those who are God- fearing.” They are the ones who will prosper and who will be given power.

•It also establishes the true tie that exists between individuals and generations.

•It is the tie of faith, the same faith which holds together all believers in God, the only Lord of the universe. All generations of believers have in common the fact that they submit themselves to Him alone and ascribe divinity to no one else.