Prophet Noah’s Role in Divine Civilization and His Efforts to Form a Nation

Prophet Noah (known in Arabic as Nuh) was the first Arch-Prophet (Ulu al-Azm). He is distinguished from other Arch-Prophets by the fact that no specific divine law (Sharia) existed before him; humanity had not yet received a comprehensive set of instructions, laws, and decrees. He was appointed to prophethood once human intellect had evolved sufficiently, creating a palpable need for divine law and a prophetic mission.

Idolatry was widespread during Noah’s time. Corruption was rampant, and class divisions had led to severe injustice. Under these circumstances, Prophet Noah was tasked with saving his people by calling them to monotheism, armed with a specific divine law and a special book. Although his divine law lacks a specific name, his scripture is known as the Book of Noah.

Prophet Noah’s people were steeped in misguidance, stubbornly clinging to their superstitious and false beliefs. Their obstinate deviance was so intense that they would point him out to their children, warning them not to associate with him. They called him a madman, thrusting their fingers into their ears to block out his voice of truth and covering their faces with their garments to avoid looking at him. They also subjected him to physical torture. He was repeatedly beaten to the point of unconsciousness, yet despite the severity of his injuries, he never ceased guiding and advising them [1].

Although he could not establish a divine civilization, Prophet Noah laid the primary foundations and prerequisites for building divine nations and civilizations. Prophet Noah’s role in divine civilization was fundamental because divine law and guidance were introduced to a people who fiercely resisted guidance and were plagued by collective fisq. To better understand the civilizational impact of Prophet Noah and to grasp the instructive, civilization-building lessons of his life—lessons essential for participating in the construction of the modern global divine civilization—read on.

A Review of the Important Events in the Era of Prophet Noah

To better comprehend Prophet Noah’s civilizational legacy, we must first familiarize ourselves with the events of his lifetime. Prophet Noah spent approximately 950 years guiding his people with immense patience and struggle [2], yet only about 80 individuals accepted his invitation. He wept and lamented extensively for his people’s guidance. Roughly one person joined him for every twelve years of his arduous mission, a reality reflected in his name, Nuh, which in Arabic signifies one who laments frequently. The wealthy constantly humiliated him, claiming he was merely a human like them, followed only by naive outcasts. They perpetually branded him a liar and conspired against him.

Prophet Noah’s people formed one of the earliest primitive human societies living collectively on earth. Unfortunately, they were the pioneers of collective disbelief and social corruption. They went so far in their enmity and obstinacy that, out of sheer disbelief and rejection of their prophet, they actively challenged him to bring about divine punishment [3]. The retribution God sent upon Noah’s people remains one of the most famous divine chastisements in history. Its severity was so immense that God highlights its astonishing nature in the Quran. While opinions differ regarding the exact details of this punishment, it is referenced across various sources, nations, and cultures.

After centuries of Prophet Noah’s patient struggle to guide his people, God revealed to him that his nation would never believe [4]. Consequently, Noah invoked a curse upon his people, asking God to leave not a single disbeliever alive on earth [5]. As a result of his curse, no child was born for forty years, and famine spread everywhere [6]. He urged the people to repentance and faith in God, but they maintained their obstinacy [7], leading God to send a terrifying, massive flood. Following his curse, God commanded Prophet Noah to build an ark [8]. For several years, adhering to God’s command, he constructed a three-story ark at the current location of the Kufa Mosque [9]. The people constantly insulted and mocked him for building a ship in a waterless desert. They would even dismantle his hard work at night, but with God’s guidance, the construction was ultimately completed [10]. Noah then boarded the ark with 80 believers, taking along a pair of every animal species, as well as plant seeds and saplings [11]. Finally, the time of punishment arrived: water boiled forth from the oven, a massive global flood commenced, and the earth was submerged. All disbelievers, including Noah’s son Canaan, drowned, and the ark eventually anchored on Mount Judi [12].

Prophet Noah’s Role in Divine Civilization-Building

Unfortunately, many who study history or Quranic stories become entirely engrossed in the events themselves, neglecting the deeper lessons and messages of the narrative. Historical events and Quranic stories are intended to awaken consciences and clarify every individual’s role and mission in shaping their own destiny and that of humanity, rather than merely serving as bedtime stories to induce carefree sleep.

Before discussing Prophet Noah’s contribution to divine civilization, we must recall the role of divine law in forming a nation. A society lacking a set of divine rulings, laws, and commands in the form of a Sharia cannot sustain a divine life or true human existence. Prophet Noah’s nation was an incredibly primitive society, and he bore the critical responsibility of making them understand and accept divine law. Prophet Noah’s role in divine civilization was to lay the foundation for a monotheistic culture and the acceptance of divine law within one of history’s most obstinate nations. His actions, representing the very first steps toward building a divine civilization, were exceedingly difficult and highly commendable. Importantly, his divine law corresponded to the primitive mental and social structures of his time; it lacked the comprehensive criteria necessary to establish the ultimate divine civilization intended by God. This simple, early divine law required many years of maturation and completion by subsequent prophets. Nevertheless, his movement marked the starting point of the trajectory toward the promised divine civilization—a genesis that must be fully grasped by anyone eager to understand divine civilization-building.

Important lessons can be found in the story of Noah and his role in divine civilization. These lessons guide those seeking to help build the promised global divine civilization and establish the Noble Rule of the Righteous of the End Times. Key points include:

-Understanding and Belief in the Future

Prophet Noah’s blueprint for divine civilization differed from that of other prophets. He knew perfectly well that, given the existing conditions, establishing a complete divine civilization was impossible at that time. However, the crucial factor that fueled the strength and motivation for his movement was his profound understanding of the future and his foresight.

For years, Prophet Noah endured the hardships of his mission—humiliation, mockery, intense loneliness, and the grueling construction of the ark—in the hope of helping create a brighter future for humanity. He knew that the battle between good and evil had been waged since the dawn of creation and would continue until the advent of the Promised Savior. He also understood that all those who fought disbelief on the monotheistic front were soldiers in the same army. With this knowledge, he tirelessly worked toward a distant future.

– The Necessity of Righteous, Obedient, and Faithful Followers for the Prophet, Imam, and Commander

In this profound story, Prophet Noah’s role as a divine prophet and leader is worthy of reflection, but so is the conduct of his small group of followers. Building a divine nation requires both an infallible leader and righteous, obedient followers who fully trust and follow their leader intellectually and practically. Building an ark in a dry desert seemed absurd, but it became a powerful test of their faith. Ultimately, the path of building a divine civilization is filled with trials, and those who seek to join the monotheistic front must prove their faith and commitment.

-The Non-Miraculous Path to Divine Civilization

The golden rule of divine civilization-building is that the journey does not revolve around miracles; rather, God intends for this sacred movement to be executed by human hands. Divine miracles only embrace righteous civilization-builders after the truth of their intentions, words, and deeds has been proven. This dynamic is perfectly illustrated by the moment Noah’s ark anchored safely on a mountain. Amidst a catastrophic flood that had swallowed the earth and its inhabitants, the monotheists were saved from God’s wrath and destruction, allowing human life to endure through them.

-The Alignment of Hearts Between Leaders and Followers

Spiritual affinity between a leader and his followers is essential on the path of divine civilization-building. Only those whose hearts and souls truly resonate with their Imam and leader can safely follow this path and become members of Allah’s Party and genuine builders of divine civilization. Otherwise, they risk falling behind and missing the divine rescue. This was evident in Prophet Noah’s story: Despite his father being a prophet, Noah’s son Canaan was not saved from the flood because he lacked a heartfelt bond with his leader.

References

[1]. Shaykh al-Saduq, Perfection of Faith and Completion of Divine Favor (Kamal al-Din), vol. 1, p. 137.

[2]. The Holy Quran, 29:14.

[3]. The Holy Quran, 11:32.

[4]. The Holy Quran, 11:36.

[5]. The Holy Quran, 71:26.

[6]. Shaykh al-Saduq, Uyun Akhbar ar-Ridha (translated by Dr. Ali Peiravi), Vol. 1, p. 98; Sayyid Abbas Sadr al-‘Ameli, An Enlightening Commentary into the Light of the Holy Quran, Vol. 18, p. 291.

[7]. The Holy Quran, 71:2–10; The Holy Quran, 54:11.

[8]. The Holy Quran, 11:37.

[9]. Shaykh al-Kulayni, Al-Kafi, Vol. 8, Part 3, p. 120; The History of al-Tabari (translated by Franz Rosenthal), Vol. 1, p. 357.

[10]. Muhammad Baqir al-Majlisi, Hayat Al-Qulub (translated by Sayyid Athar Husayn S.H. Rizvi), Vol. 1, p. 109; The Holy Quran, 11:38; Necmettin Kızılkaya (2021), “They Cannot Be Left to the Brutality of a Cruel Group: An Ottoman Scholar’s Treatise on Dogs”, Journal of Islamic Ethics, 6(1), pp. 122-140.

[11]. Ali Ibn Ibrahim al-Qummi, Tafsir al-Qummi (translated by Sayyid Athar Husain S.H. Rizvi), Vol. 2, p. 488; Iqbal Ahmad Azami, The Flood and the Ark: The Story of Prophet Noah (UK Islamic Academy, 2007), p. 48; The Holy Quran, 11:40.

[12]. The Holy Quran, 11:40–44; WikiShia, “Son of Prophet Noah (a)”.