Ulul 'Azm (Firm Resolve)
Nuh peace be upon him
One of the five Ulul 'Azm
The first messenger sent after people fell into idol-worship. He remained among his people for 950 years, calling them to Allah; then Allah saved him and the believers in the Ark from the great Flood.
Ulul 'Azm means "those of firm resolve": the five greatest messengers, known for their exceptional patience and determination Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa, 'Isa and Muhammad (46:35; 33:7). Nabi (prophet): one who receives revelation from Allah. Every messenger is a prophet, but not every prophet is a messenger.
- Sent to
- His people, who worshipped idols such as Wadd, Suwa', Yaghuth, Ya'uq and Nasr (71:23)
- Region
- Mesopotamia (according to historians)
- Named in the Quran
- 43 times by name
Key events
- Called his people night and day, openly and in private, for 950 years (29:14; 71:5-9).
- Only a few believed with him (11:40); even his own son refused to board the Ark and drowned (11:42-43).
- Commanded to build the Ark under Allah's eyes and inspiration (11:37).
- The Flood came, and the Ark came to rest on Mount al-Judi (11:44).
- Called "a grateful servant" (17:3); later humanity descends from those saved with him (37:77).
Lesson
Keep calling to the truth with patience, no matter how few respond.