Prophet Hud (alayhis salam) was a prophet of Allah, a descendant of Sam, the son of Prophet Nuh. He was sent to the people of 'Ad, a powerful and arrogant tribe that had rejected Allah and worshipped idols. His story is a powerful reminder of the consequences of arrogance and the salvation for those who remain steadfast in faith.
The People of 'Ad and the City of Iram
After the Great Flood, the people of 'Ad were the first to return to idol worship. They worshipped three gods named Saki, Samud, and Hatar. Allah had blessed them with extraordinary physical strength and wealth. They could carve homes into mountains and build great structures. The Quran describes their city as "Iram of the pillars, the like of which was never created in the land." (Quran 89:7-8).
The people of 'Ad were famous for their tall stature and unparalleled strength. They were so proud of their power that they arrogantly asked, "Who is mightier than us in strength?". Wealth and power had hardened their hearts and made them forget the One who had bestowed these blessings upon them.
The Call of Prophet Hud
Amidst this misguidance, Allah sent Prophet Hud (alayhis salam), a man from their own tribe, to call them back to the path of truth.
"And to 'Ad [We sent] their brother Hud. He said, 'O my people, worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him. You are not but inventors [of falsehood]. O my people, I do not ask you for it any reward. My reward is only from the One who created me. Then will you not reason?'"(Surah Hud, 11:50-51)
However, the arrogant leaders refused. They said, "Indeed, we see you in foolishness, and indeed, we think you are among the liars." Prophet Hud firmly replied, "O my people, there is no foolishness in me, but I am a messenger from the Lord of the worlds. I convey to you the messages of my Lord, and I am to you a trustworthy advisor... And remember when He made you successors after the people of Noah and increased you in stature extensively. So remember the favors of Allah that you might succeed." (Quran 7:67-69).
The Challenge and Stubbornness
Prophet Hud also warned them of the Day of Judgment, but they mocked, "Do you promise us that when we have died and become dust and bones, we will be brought forth [again]? How far, how far, is that which you are promised!". They insisted that there was only this worldly life. Finally, Prophet Hud prayed, "My Lord, support me because they have denied me." (Quran 23:39). Allah responded, "After a little, they will surely become regretful."
The Punishment by a Roaring Wind
Allah sent upon them a devastating drought. The sky withheld its rain, and the sun scorched the desert. Prophet Hud advised them once again, "O my people, ask forgiveness of your Lord and then repent to Him. He will send [rain from] the sky upon you in showers and increase you in strength [added] to your strength." (Quran 11:52). But they remained stubborn and challenged, "Then bring us what you promise us, if you should be of the truthful."
Soon after, a dark cloud appeared and advanced towards their valley. The people of 'Ad rejoiced, shouting, "This is a cloud bringing us rain." But Prophet Hud (alayhis salam) warned them:
"Nay, it is that for which you were impatient! A wind, wherein is a painful torment! Destroying everything by the command of its Lord."(Surah Al-Ahqaf, 46:24-25)
Allah unleashed upon them a roaring, cold, and violent wind that lasted for **seven nights and eight days without ceasing**. The force of the wind swept away everything in its path. It penetrated their bodies and destroyed them from within. It lifted the tall men of the 'Ad tribe into the air and then slammed them to the ground, leaving them scattered like hollow palm trunks. The wind destroyed everything it touched, so much so that "nothing could be seen of them except their dwellings."
Throughout this time, Allah protected Prophet Hud and the few believers who followed him. They were in an area shielded from the destructive wind. After the punishment ended, Prophet Hud and his followers migrated to Hadramaut (Yemen), where they lived in peace and worshipped Allah.
Timeless Lessons from the Story
The people of 'Ad were blessed with strength and wealth, but they used these blessings to become arrogant and complacent. They believed their power could protect them. The story is a reminder that no power can stand against the might of Allah.
Wealth and power are not always signs of Allah's pleasure; they can be a test. How we use these blessings - with gratitude or arrogance - determines our fate.
Out of His mercy, Allah did not punish the people of 'Ad immediately. He sent Prophet Hud to them, giving them a chance to repent. This shows the justice and forbearance of Allah.
Despite the devastating power of the wind, it could not touch Prophet Hud and his followers. This proves that true protection and salvation come only from Allah, and it is reserved for those who place their complete trust in Him.
Referenced Sources
(The story of Prophet Hud is primarily narrated in detail in the Quran. Additional details are taken from Tafsir (Quranic exegesis) books by scholars like Ibn Kathir, based on historical accounts.)
Share and Reflect
Alhamdulillah, the story of Prophet Hud (alayhis salam) and the people of 'Ad is a powerful wake-up call. Which lesson from this story resonates with you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below and don't forget to share this article with your family and friends for them to reflect on as well. Jazakallahu Khairan!
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