This article narrates Allah's command to Prophet Nuh to build the ark after it became certain that no more of his people would believe, as well as the mockery of his people during the process of its construction.
Prophet Nuh Building the Ark in Islamic History
The day came when Allah revealed to Prophet Nuh that no more believers would be added from his people. Allah revealed to him not to grieve over their actions. Then at that moment, Prophet Nuh prayed that the disbelievers be destroyed. He said:
"My Lord, do not leave any of the disbelievers on the earth." (Qur'an 71:26)
Prophet Nuh justified his supplication with the reason:
"Verily, if You leave them, they will mislead Your servants, and they will not beget but sinners and disbelievers. " (Qur'an 71:27)
Allah says in surah Hud:
"And it was revealed to Nuh that none of your people will believe except those who have already believed, so do not grieve at what they do. And make the Ark in Our sight and by Our inspiration, and address Me not on behalf of those who have done wrong. They are to be drowned. (Qur'an 11:36-37)
Prophet Nuh Building the Ark in Islamic History
Then Allah established His decree upon the disbelievers, which was the coming of the storm wind. Allah informed Nuh that he would build this ark with "Our supervision and Our revelation," namely with Allah's knowledge and teaching, and according to His direction and the help of the angels.
Allah established His command to Nuh:
"And address Me not on behalf of those who have done wrong. They are to be drowned. (Qur'an 11:37)
Allah drowned the wrongdoers, no matter their status and no matter how close they were to the Prophet. Allah forbade His Prophet from negotiating with them or mediating their affairs. Prophet Nuh began to plant trees to make the ark from them. He waited several years, then he cut down what he had planted and began to assemble it. Finally, a great, tall, and strong ark came to be.
Allah did not provide detailed description of this matter, as it does not contribute to the essence of the story and its important purpose. Prophet Nuh began to build the ark, and the disbelievers passed by him while he was earnestly making the ark. At that time, the weather and air were very dry, and there was no river or sea nearby. How will this ark sail, O Nuh? Will it sail on land? Where is the water that would allow your ark to sail? Nuh has gone mad! The disbelievers laughed all the more and increasingly mocked Prophet Nuh.
Prophet Nuh Building the Ark in Islamic History
The peak of the conflict in the story of Prophet Nuh appears in this period. Falsehood mocks the truth and laughs at the truth for a long time. They thought that the world belonged to them and that they would always have security and that punishment would not come. But their presumption was disproven. The coming of the storm wind turned all their expectations upside down. Then the believers mocked the disbelievers in return, and their mockery was the truth. Allah says:
"And Nuh began to make the Ark. And whenever the chiefs of his people passed before him, they mocked him. He said: 'If you mock us, we shall mock you as you mock us. Soon you will know who will be afflicted with a punishment that will disgrace him and upon whom will fall a lasting punishment.' (Qur'an 11:38-39)
Allah revealed to Prophet Nuh (peace be upon him) to build an ark. Prophet Nuh asked: "O Lord, what is an ark?"
Allah said: "An ark is a wooden house that can travel on the surface of the earth."
Then Allah commanded Prophet Nuh to plant teak trees in the land of Kufah, though another opinion mentions ebony trees. And then Prophet Nuh planted them and allowed them to grow for 40 years until they were ready to be felled.
Prophet Nuh Building the Ark in Islamic History
The heavens were prevented from sending rain and the earth was prevented from producing vegetation. So the heavens no longer sent down rain and the earth did not produce grass. Women and both tame and wild animals ceased to bear young. Even birds could not lay eggs. This occurred as a clear sign to the people of Nuh before the punishment befell them.
Then Allah commanded Prophet Nuh to go to Kufah and transport the teak wood. Prophet Nuh (peace be upon him) became puzzled about how to move the wood. It is narrated that Allah revealed to him that truly 'Auj ibn 'Anaq was the one who could help him.
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