Day 4: The Story of Prophet Hud (AS) and the People of 'Ad

Assalamu alaikum! Today, let's reflect on Prophet Hud (AS), the fourth prophet after Nuh (AS), sent by Allah SWT to guide the people of 'Ad. He was actually from among them. The 'Ad were famous for their amazing building skills and strong bodies-they built huge structures on mountain tops and were really powerful. They started off as believers, but Shaitan misled them into worshipping idols they made themselves. They got so proud, thinking no one was better than them, building high up to show off and acting like they'd live forever in their palaces, forgetting that everything has an end. They took all the blessings from Allah-wealth, strength, land-as their own achievement and didn't thank Him at all. Instead, they ignored Allah's signs and called Prophet Hud (AS) a liar when he preached, even insulting him. Surah Fussilat (41:15) reminds us: They boasted, "Who is stronger than us?" but didn't realize Allah who created them is far greater. Hud (AS) kept telling them that all their success came from Allah, but they just mocked him as foolish and said their idols had cursed him. When warned about punishment, they dared him to bring it if he was truthful. Hud replied that only Allah knows when that decree will come. After stubbornly rejecting the message, they faced a tough drought and needed water. Prophet Hud (AS) advised them: "Seek forgiveness from your Lord and turn to Him; He will send abundant rain and increase your strength" (Qur’an 11:52). They refused, and when punishment arrived, they thought a cloud meant rain, but it was actually a violent storm with fierce winds that blew non-stop for seven nights and eight days. It wiped out everything they treasured-their buildings, idols, and their own lives they hadn't been grateful for. Their whole civilization, which they thought was unbeatable, was erased. The Qur’an describes it: "You'd see the people fallen like hollow palm trunks" (69:7). By Allah's mercy, only Prophet Hud (AS) and his few followers were saved. After the decree, he lived safely with the believers, as mentioned in Qur’an 11:58. May we learn humility and gratitude from their story. Alhamdulillah for our faith!