Surah Hud (Hud) 11 : 42

Overview (Verses 42 - 44)

A Rebellious Son

We then have the very awesome scene of the flood. “And it sailed with them amid waves towering like mountains. Noah cried out to a son of his who stood apart [from the rest]: ‘Embark with us, my child, and do not stay with the unbelievers.’ He answered: I shall seek refuge in a mountain, which will afford me protection from the water’ Said (Noah): ‘Today there is no protection for anyone from God’s judgement, except those who shall enjoy His mercy.’ Thereupon waves rose up between them and he was among those who were drowned.” (Verses 42-43)

Two elements of fear are at work here: one emanates from nature, stormy but silent as it is; and the other is felt in one’s innermost soul. Both converge as the ark moves on amidst waves as high as mountains. At this terrible, decisive moment, Noah looks in a certain direction and sees one of his sons who has not joined them in the ark. Paternal emotion is roused in Noah and he calls out to his stray child: “Embark with us, my child, and do not stay with the unbelievers.” (Verse 42)

Disobedient as he is, the son does not respond to his loving father. A conceited youth, he does not realize the extent of the terrible event which is taking place. He says: “I shall seek refuge in a mountain, which will afford me protection from the water.” (Verse 43) Aware of the terrible reality, the father pleads with him for the last time: “Today there is no protection for anyone from God’s judgement, except those who shall enjoy His mercy.” (Verse 43) In an instant, the scene changes and the towering waves swallow everything up: “Thereupon waves rose up between them and he was among those who were drowned.” (Verse 43)

Today as we read this account it is as if we see these events happening now before our very own eyes. The ark is sailing amid huge waves, Noah, the worried father makes one plea after another; his conceited young son insolently turns his back, and then suddenly a towering wave settles the issue. Everything is over as if the dialogue did not take place.

The element of fear and worry in this scene is measured by its depth in the human soul, in the exchange between father and son. It is also measured by its extent in nature, as the waves rise high to submerge the tops of the mountains. Both elements are equal. This is a distinctive feature of artistic imagery in the Qur’ān.

The storm subsides, an air of calmness spreads, the matter is settled and God’s will is done. The words used here give the impression of something coming to a complete standstill. “And the word was spoken: ‘Earth, swallow up your waters. Heaven, cease (your rain).’ Thus the waters sank into the earth, and God’s will was done, and the ark came to rest on Mount Jūdī. The word was spoken: Away with these evil-doing folk.’” (Verse 44) The earth and the heavens are addressed as if they were human beings. Both comply with the commandment. The earth swallows up its water and the heaven stops raining. Furthermore, the earth’s surface was soon dry, as excess waters penetrated deep underground.

“God’s will was done and the ark came to rest on Mount Jūdī.” (Verse 44) That was its final stop. “The word was spoken: ‘Away with these evil-doing folk.’” (Verse 44) We are not told who said this, but it generates the impression that the whole affair need not be considered again. Let the evil-doers disappear beyond God’s mercy for they deserve to be expelled; let them be banished from memory, for they do not deserve to be remembered.