Sura hii inaanza kwa kauli inayofafanua chanzo cha ujumbe huu wa imani ya kimungu: "Tulimtuma Nuhu kwa watu wake." (Aya ya 1) Huu ndio chanzo kinachowapa wajumbe wa Mungu kazi zao na ambacho wao hujifunza ukweli wa imani. Ni chanzo cha kila kilichopo na cha uhai wote. Yeye ndiye aliyemuumba mwanadamu, akiipa tabia yao uwezo wa kumjua na kumwabudu Yeye. Walipoondoka katika njia hii iliyonyooka, aliwatumia wajumbe ili kuwarudisha kwake. Nuhu alikuwa wa kwanza wa wajumbe hawa baada ya Adamu. Qur'ani haitaji ujumbe wowote aliopewa Adamu baada ya kushushwa duniani na kuanza maisha humo. Huenda alikuwa mwalimu aliyewafundisha watoto wake na wajukuu wake. Kadiri muda ulivyopita, walipotea njia na kuchukua sanamu kama miungu. Mwanzoni sanamu hizi zilikuwa alama za nguvu fulani walizozichukulia kuwa takatifu. Kisha wakasahau yale ambayo alama hizo zilimaanisha, wakaabudu sanamu zenyewe. Sanamu muhimu zaidi kati ya hizo zilikuwa tano zilizotajwa katika sura hii. Mungu alimtuma Nuhu kwao ili awarudishe kuamini umoja wake na kuwapa fahamu sahihi kuhusu Mungu, maisha na kuwepo. Maandiko ya kale yanamtaja Idris kuwa mjumbe wa Mungu kabla ya Nuhu. Hata hivyo, yale yanayotajwa katika maandiko hayo si sehemu ya imani ya Kiislamu, kwa kuwa yalikabiliwa na upotoshaji, nyongeza na upungufu.

The surah begins with a statement defining the source of this message of divine faith: “We sent Noah to his people." (Verse 1) This is the source that assigns tasks to Gods messengers and from whom they learn the truth of faith. It is the source of all existence and all life. It is He who created mankind, giving their nature the ability to know and worship Him. When they deviated from this straight path, He sent them messengers to bring them back to Him. Noah was the first of these messengers after Adam. The Qur’an does not mention a message given to Adam after his fall to earth and life thereon. Perhaps he was a teacher who taught his children and grandchildren. With the passage of time, they went astray and adopted idols as deities. These were at first symbols of certain forces they considered holy. Then, they forgot what the symbols signified and worshipped the idols themselves. The most important of those idols were the five mentioned in this surah, God sent them Noah to bring them back to believing in His oneness and give them the right concept of God, life and existence. Earlier scriptures mention Idris as a messenger of God prior to Noah. However, what such scriptures mention is not part of the Islamic faith, because they were subject to distortion, addition and omission.

Tunaposoma hadithi za manabii waliotangulia zilizotajwa katika Qur'ani, huwa tunaamini kwamba Nuhu aliishi wakati ubinadamu bado ulikuwa katika kipindi chake cha mwanzo. Alitumia miaka 950 ya maisha yake akilingania ujumbe wa Mungu kwa watu wake, ambao lazima nao walikuwa na umri mrefu kama huo. Hii inaashiria kwamba binadamu walikuwa bado wachache kwa idadi. Tunapotoa kauli hii tunatumia uchunguzi kwamba viumbe vilivyo vichache kwa idadi huishi kwa muda mrefu, na kinyume chake ni kweli. Huenda hii ni kanuni ya mizani. Hili ni mtazamo wangu binafsi tu, lakini Mungu ndiye ajuaye zaidi.

Nuhu alianza juhudi zake tukufu za kuwafikishia watu wake mwongozo. Hakuwa na maslahi binafsi katika jambo hilo, wala hakupata faida yoyote ya kumfidia kwa kiburi na dhihaka zote alizolazimika kuvumilia. Aliendelea kufanya hivyo kwa miaka elfu moja ila hamsini, huku idadi ya wale waliokubali kwa moyo mkunjufu ikiongezeka kidogo sana. Kwa upande mwingine, kiwango cha kukataa na msisitizo wa kufuata njia za zamani zilizopotoka kiliongezeka. Mwishowe, Nuhu aliwasilisha taarifa yake kwa Mwenyezi Mungu, aliyemkabidhi kazi hii ngumu. Alieleza juhudi zake ingawa alijua kwamba Mwenyezi Mungu anajua kikamilifu yote aliyofanya. Kwa hiyo, yeye anatoa tu malalamiko yake ya moyoni kwa Mwenyezi Mungu, Yule pekee ambaye manabii, Mitume na waumini wa kweli huwahi kulalamika kwake:

Noah began his noble efforts to present guidance to his people. He had no personal interest in the matter, and stood to make no gain to compensate for all the arrogance and ridicule he had to put up with. He continued to do this for a thousand years minus fifty, with the number of those who responded positively hardly increasing. On the other hand, however, the level of rejection and insistence on following old erring ways did increase. At the end, Noah presented his account to God, who had assigned him this arduous task. He described his efforts even though he knew that God was fully aware of all that he had done. He is, therefore, simply making his heart-felt complaint to God, the only One to whom prophets, messengers and true believers ever complain:

Ee Mola wangu! Nimewaita watu wangu usiku na mchana, lakini kadiri ninavyowaita, ndivyo wanavyozidi kukimbia mbali. Kila ninapowaita, ili Wewe uwasamehe, huweka vidole vyao masikioni, hujifunika nguo juu ya vichwa vyao, hukaidi na kuwa wenye kiburi zaidi na jeuri. Nimewaita hadharani; nimewahubiria kwa sauti, na nimezungumza nao kwa siri, faraghani. Nikasema: Mwombeni msamaha Mola wenu Mlezi, kwani Yeye ni Mwingi wa kusamehe. Atawaachilia mvua nyingi kutoka mbinguni, atawapa mali na watoto, na atawapatia bustani na mito. Mna nini kwamba hamumwogopi Mwenyezi Mungu kwa heshima? Naye amekuumbeni katika hatua mbalimbali. Hamwoni jinsi Mwenyezi Mungu alivyoumba mbingu saba zilizopangwa tabaka juu ya tabaka, akaweka mwezi humo uwe nuru, na jua liwe taa? Mwenyezi Mungu amewaumba kutoka ardhini kama mimea, kisha atawarudisha ndani yake na kisha atawatoa tena. Mwenyezi Mungu ameifanya ardhi kuwa tambarare kwa ajili yenu, ili mtembee humo katika njia zake pana? (Aya 5-20)

My Lord! I have been pleading with my people night and day, but the more I call them, the further they run away. Whenever I call on them, so that You may forgive them, they thrust their fingers into their ears, draw their garments over their heads, grow obstinate and become even more arrogant and insolent. I have called them openly; I have preached to them in public, and I spoke to them secretly, in private. I said: Ask your Lord for forgiveness: He is ever forgiving. He will let loose the sky over you with abundance, and will give you wealth and children; and will provide you with gardens and rivers. What is the matter with you? Why do you behave with such insolence towards your Lord, when it is He who has created you in successive stages? Do you not see how God has created seven heavens in layers, placing in them the moon for a light and the sun for a lantern? God has made you spring from the earth like a plant, and He will return you into it and then bring you out again. God has made the earth a vast expanse for you, so that you may walk along its spacious paths? (Verses 5-20)

Katika juhudi zake kubwa za kutekeleza utume wake, Nuhu alitumia kila njia. Wakati mwingine aliwahutubia hadharani, na nyakati nyingine alizungumza nao kwa faragha: "Nimewaita kwa sauti kuu; nimewahubiria hadharani, na nimezungumza nao kwa siri, kwa faragha?" (Aya 8-9) Katika yote haya, aliwawekea mbele yao faida zisizo na kipimo, za maisha haya na za maisha ya Akhera. Faida ya kwanza aliyowawekea mbele ilikuwa msamaha wa dhambi zao: "Nikasema:

In his strenuous efforts to fulfil his mission, Noah used every method, addressing them openly at times, and speaking to them in private on others: "I have called them openly; I have preached to them in public, and I spoke to them secretly, in private? (Verses 8-9) In all this, he put before them immeasurable gains both in this life and in the life to come. The first prospect he put before them was forgiveness of their sins: “I said:

Muombe Mola wako msamaha: Hakika Yeye ni Mwingi wa kusamehe? (Aya ya 10) Pia aliwawekea mbele yao matarajio ya riziki tele itakayoletwa kupitia mvua inayonyesha kwa wingi, ili mimea ikue na mito itiririke. Aliongeza pia aina nyingine za neema za Mungu, zile ambazo walizipenda sana:

Ask your Lord for forgiveness: He is ever forgiving? (Verse 10) He also put before them the prospect of abundant provisions to be granted through rain pouring down in plenty, so that plants can grow and rivers run. He also added other types of Gods grace, ones they loved dearly:

watoto na mali: “Atawateremshia mvua kwa wingi kutoka mbinguni, na atakuongezeeni mali na watoto; na atakupeni mabustani na mito”

children and wealth: “He will let loose the sky over you with abundance, and will give you wealth and children; and will provide you with gardens and rivers” verses 11-12)

Nuhu alihusisha kupewa riziki kama hizo na kutafuta msamaha wa Mungu kwa dhambi na makosa. Uhusiano huu kati ya kufuata mwongozo wa Mungu na kupata usafi wa moyo kwa upande mmoja, na maisha ya wingi na ustawi kwa upande mwingine, umetajwa katika sehemu kadhaa za Qur'ani: "Lau watu wa miji hiyo wangeamini na kumcha Mungu, bila shaka Tungeliwafungulia baraka kutoka mbinguni na ardhini. Lakini waliikanusha, basi Tukawaadhibu kwa sababu ya yale waliyokuwa wakiyafanya." (7: 96) "Lau watu wa wahyi wa kale wangeamini na kumcha Mungu, bila shaka Tungeyafuta maovu yao [ya zamani], na kuwaingiza katika bustani za furaha. Lau wangeshika Torati na Injili na yote yaliyoteremshiwa kutoka kwa Mola wao, bila shaka wangepewa wingi kutoka juu na chini yao." (5: 65–66) "Msiabudu yeyote isipokuwa Mungu. Mimi nimekujieni kutoka kwake kama mwonyaji na mletaji wa habari njema. Mtafuteni msamaha Mola wenu, kisha mrejee kwake kwa toba, naye atakustarehesha starehe nzuri hadi muda uliowekwa. Atampa kila mwenye fadhila malipo yake kamili ya fadhila zake." ()

Nuhu anaelekeza umakini wa watu wake kwenye kitabu kilicho wazi cha ulimwengu:

Noah directs his peoples attention to the open book of the universe:

Je, hamwoni jinsi Mungu alivyoumba mbingu saba zilizo katika tabaka, akaweka mwezi ndani yake uwe nuru, na jua liwe taa?” (Aya 15-16) Hatuwezi kubainisha maana ya ‘mbingu saba’ kwa kutegemea nadharia za kisayansi kuhusu ulimwengu, kwa kuwa hizi ni nadharia tu. Nuhu anawaelekeza tu kwenye anga. Anawaambia, kama Mungu alivyomfundisha, kwamba kuna mbingu saba zilizo katika tabaka, na kwamba zinajumuisha jua na mwezi, ambavyo wangeweza kuviona wazi, kama vile walivyoona kile walichokiita anga, yaani ile nafasi ya rangi ya buluu inayofahamika. Kujua hasa ni nini hakuhitajiki. Wala hakijathibitishwa vizuri hata leo. Lakini mwaliko wa kutazama unatosha kutafakari uwezo mkuu uliopelekea kuwepo kwa viumbe vikubwa kama hivyo. Hili ndilo Nuhu alilolitaka watu wake walifanye. Kisha anawaalika watazame uumbaji wao wenyewe, wakianzia kwenye udongo na kurudi kwake baada ya kufa, akisisitiza ukweli wa kufufuliwa: “Mungu amewaumba kutokana na ardhi kama mmea, kisha atakurudisheni ndani yake na kisha atakutoeni tena?” (Aya 17-18)

you not see how God has created seven heavens in layers, placing in them the moon for a light and the sun for a lantern?” (Verses 15-16) We cannot specify a meaning for the 'seven heavens on the basis of scientific theories about the universe, for these are only theories. Noah simply draws their attention to the skies. He tells them, as God taught him, that there are seven heavens in layers, and that they include the sun and the moon, which they could obviously see, just as they saw what they called the sky, which is that familiar blue coloured space. To know what it is exactly is not necessary. Nor has it been properly proven even today. The invitation to look though is enough to reflect on the supreme power that has brought such great creatures into existence. This is what Noah wanted his people to do. He then invites them to look at their own creation, starting from dust and returning to it after death, and emphasizing the truth of resurrection: "God has made you spring from the earth like a plant, and He will return you into it and then bring you out again? (Verses 17-18)

Kuhusu kutajwa kwa binadamu kuumbwa kutokana na ardhi kama mmea, jambo hilo ni la kustaajabisha na kutia moyo. Linarudiwa katika Qur'ani kwa namna mbalimbali:

The reference to man originating from the earth like a plant is both amazing and inspiring. It is repeated in the Qur’an in various forms:

"Ardhi nzuri huotesha mimea yake kwa wingi, kwa idhini ya Mola wake, lakini kutoka ardhi mbaya hutoka mimea midogo na adimu tu" (7: 58). Aya hii inarejelea ufanano wa asili ya mwanadamu na ya mimea.

Tunaona jinsi Nuhu alivyojaribu kuwahutubia watu wake kwa njia mbalimbali, akitumia mbinu nyingi tofauti. Pia tunaona subira yake, uvumilivu wake na bidii yake. Aliendelea kufanya juhudi hizi kwa miaka 950 kabla ya kumpelekea Mola wake taarifa hii, akilalamika kuhusu jibu alilokumbana nalo. Kutokana na maelezo yake mafupi na sahihi, tunaona picha nzuri ya juhudi kubwa alizozifanya. Hata hivyo, yote haya ni kiungo kimoja tu katika mnyororo wa ujumbe wa Mwenyezi Mungu kwa wanadamu. Basi, nini kinafuata?

We see how Noah tried to address his people in various ways, employing a wide range of methods. We also see his patience, perseverance and conscientiousness. He continued to exert these efforts over 950 years before giving this report to his Lord, complaining of the response he had had to contend with. From his succinct and accurate account we see a splendid image of the great efforts he made. Yet all this is merely one ring in the chain of divine messages to mankind. So, what happens next?

Nuhu alisema: 'Ee Mola wangu! Wamenikaidi na wamefuata wale ambao mali zao na watoto wao huwazidishia hasara tu. Wamepanga njama kubwa, na wakaambiana: "Msiwaache kamwe miungu yenu! Msimwache Wadd, wala Suwaa', wala Yaghuthi, wala Ya'uqa, wala Nasra." Wamewapoteza wengi. Ee Mola, usiwazidishie madhalimu chochote isipokuwa upotevu.' (Aya 21-24)

Noah said: 'My Lord! They have disobeyed me and followed those whose wealth and children lead them increasingly into ruin. They have devised a mighty plot, and said to each other: “Do not ever renounce your gods! Do not abandon Wadd, Suwd(, Yaghuth, Ya'uq or Nasr.” They have led many astray. Lord, grant the wrongdoers increase in nothing but error.1 (Verses 21-24)

Ni malalamiko yanayotoka moyoni. Baada ya juhudi zote za Nuhu, mwongozo wake na ushauri wake mzuri, na ahadi ya maisha rahisi na yenye wingi, watu hao walichagua kutotii na kufuata uongozi wa wale waliopotea kabisa, kwa sababu tu hao walifurahia mali, watoto na madaraka. Hata hivyo, viongozi kama hao hawapati faida yoyote kutokana na baraka hizi zote. Kwa hakika, "mali yao na watoto wao huwazidishia kuangamia." (Aya ya 21) Yale waliyokuwa nayo ya mali na watoto yaliwajaribu kupotea zaidi, hali ambayo haingeweza kumalizika ila kwa dhiki na maangamizi. Lakini viongozi hawa hawakuishia tu kupotea. Badala yake: "Wamepanga hila kubwa." (Aya ya 22)

It is a heart-felt complaint. After all Noah’s endeavours, guidance and sound advice and the promise of an easy, plentiful life, they chose to disobey and follow the lead of those who had gone far astray, only because the latter enjoyed wealth, children and power. Yet such leaders benefit nothing by all these blessings. Indeed, their “ wealth and children lead them increasingly into ruin.” (Verse 21) What they possessed of wealth and children tempted them to go further astray, a scenario that could only end in misery and ruin. Yet these leaders did not stop at just going astray. Instead: “ They have devised a mighty plot.” (Verse 22)

Kisha Nuhu anatoa dua ya dhati dhidi ya madhalimu, wale wakosefu wanaowapoteza watu kwa njama na hila walizozibuni wenyewe: “Ee Mola wangu, usiwazidishie madhalimu chochote isipokuwa upotevu.” (Aya 24) Ni dua ya mtu aliyejitahidi kwa muda mrefu, akifanya kila juhudi na kutumia kila mbinu. Hata hivyo, hatimaye alifikia hitimisho kwamba nyoyo hizo potovu na dhalimu zilikosa kabisa wema, hazistahili kuongozwa na Mwenyezi Mungu.

A passionate prayer is then voiced by Noah against the oppressors, the wrongdoers who lead people astray through plots and schemes of their own devising: “Lord, grant the wrongdoers increase in nothing but error.” (Verse 24) It is the prayer of one who has tried for a long time, making every effort and using every method. Eventually, however, he came to the conclusion that those erring, wrongdoing hearts were altogether devoid of goodness, undeserving of divine guidance.

Kabla ya kukamilisha sala ya Nuhu, sura inatupa picha ya mwisho walioteseka wale wadhalimu katika maisha haya na katika maisha yajayo.

Before completing Noahs prayer, the surah gives us an image of the end suffered by those wrongdoers in this life and in the life to come.

Hali zote mbili ziko katika elimu ya Mungu. Ni matukio ambayo hayakubali mabadiliko.

Both situations are present in Gods knowledge. They are events that admit no change:

Kwa sababu ya dhambi zao, walizama, na wakaingizwa motoni. Hawakupata yeyote badala ya Mungu wa kuwasaidia. (Aya ya 25)

Because of their sins, they were drowned, and were made to enter the fire. They found none besides God to support them, (Verse 25)

Ni kwa sababu ya dhambi zao na uasi wao ndiyo maana walizamishwa majini na kuingizwa motoni. Matukio haya mawili yameunganishwa kwa makusudi kwa mfuatano, kwa sababu kuingia kwao motoni kunahusiana na kuzamishwa kwao. Muda kati ya matukio hayo mawili ni mfupi sana hadi karibu haupo; kwa vipimo vya Mwenyezi Mungu ni muda usiohesabika. Mfuatano upo hapo: walizamishwa katika maisha haya, na wanaingizwa motoni katika maisha ya Akhera. Kilichopo kati yao labda ni adhabu ya kaburini katika kipindi kifupi kati ya maisha hayo mawili. "Wala hawakupata wa kuwanusuru badala ya Mwenyezi Mungu." (Aya ya 25) Hakuna hata mmoja! Hakuna watoto, hakuna mali, hakuna nguvu, na hakuna mlinzi miongoni mwa miungu yao waliyodai.

It is because of their sins and disobedience that they were made to drown and enter the fire. The two events are intentionally joined in succession, because their entry into the fire is connected to their drowning. The time gap between the two is so short that it is almost non-existent; according to Gods measures it is negligible.The sequence is there: they were drowned in this life and they are made to enter the fire in the life to come. What is in between is perhaps the torment in the grave during the short gap between the two lives. “ They found none besides God to support them.” (Verse 25) None whatsoever! No children, no wealth, no power and no patron from among their alleged deities.