Explore Surah Hud, the 11th chapter of the Quran. Read its text with an introduction and a comment, highlighting themes of faith, patience, and divine guidance.
Delve into Surah Hud, the 11th chapter of the Quran, elucidating themes of faith, patience, and divine guidance. Explore its verses attentively to comprehend the profound wisdom encapsulated within. The Surah’s teachings resonate with the essence of unwavering belief, fortitude in adversity, and the ever-present guidance from the divine.
Surah 11: Hud: Text With Introduction & Comment
Introduction
Surah Hud is the 11th chapter of the Holy Qur’an and contains 123 verses (āyāt). It was revealed in Makkah, during a time when the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his followers were facing growing opposition and ridicule from the Quraysh tribe. This surah is named after Prophet Hud (peace be upon him), one of the ancient prophets sent to the people of ‘Ād, whose story is narrated within the chapter.
The central theme of Surah Hud is steadfastness in faith, particularly in times of hardship and resistance. It reminds the Prophet (peace be upon him), and by extension the believers, to stay firm in the face of adversity, just as earlier prophets did. Through vivid and powerful accounts of previous nations—such as those of Nuh (Noah), Hud, Salih, Lot, Shu‘ayb, and Moses—the surah shows how those who rejected the truth were destroyed, while those who believed were saved by Allah’s mercy.
This surah also addresses:
- The nature of divine punishment and mercy
- The concept of accountability and the Day of Judgment
- The characteristics of true believers
- Warnings against arrogance, injustice, and corrupt leadership
- A strong emphasis on tawheed (the Oneness of Allah), sincere repentance, and righteous action
A striking feature of this surah is the emotional depth it carries, particularly in how it comforts the Prophet (peace be upon him). The weight and seriousness of its message were so intense that it is reported the Prophet once said, “Surah Hud and its sisters have made me grow old.” (Referring to Hud and other similar surahs that speak of divine judgment and responsibility.)
In essence, Surah Hud is a call to reflection, urging every soul to choose the path of obedience to Allah, uphold moral integrity, and remain patient and hopeful even when the truth is rejected by others.
Surah 11: Hud: Text
In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful.
1. Alif. Lām. Rā. (This is) a Book whose verses are perfectly clear and then fully explained—from the Wise, All-Aware.
2. (Saying) “Worship none but Allah. Surely, I am sent to you from Him as a warner and a bearer of good news.”
3. And (commanding you): “Seek your Lord’s forgiveness and turn to Him in repentance. He will grant you a good enjoyment for a specified time and give His grace to everyone deserving. But if you turn away, then I truly fear for you the torment of a Great Day.
4. To Allah is your return, and He is capable of everything.”
5. Surely they bend their chests to hide (their thoughts) from Him. Even when they cover themselves with their clothes, He knows what they conceal and what they reveal. Truly, He is All-Knowing of what is hidden in the hearts.
6. There is no creature on earth whose provision is not upon Allah. And He knows its dwelling and its resting place. All is in a clear Book.
7. And He is the One Who created the heavens and the earth in six Days—and His Throne was upon the water—so that He may test which of you is best in deed. And if you say, “Surely, you will be resurrected after death,” the disbelievers will definitely say, “This is nothing but pure magic.”
8. And if We delay the punishment from them for a limited time, they will surely say, “What is holding it back?” Truly, on the Day it comes to them, it will not be averted from them, and they will be surrounded by what they used to mock.
9. And if We let man taste mercy from Us and then take it away from him, he becomes truly desperate and ungrateful.
10. But if We let him taste a blessing after hardship has touched him, he surely says, “Evil has left me!”—surely, he is exultant and boastful.
11. Except those who are patient and do righteous deeds; it is they who will have forgiveness and a great reward.
12. So perhaps you may wish to abandon part of what is revealed to you, and your heart feels troubled by it—because they say, “Why has no treasure been sent down to him, or an angel come with him?” You are only a warner, and Allah is in charge of all things.
13. Or do they say, “He has fabricated it”? Say, “Then bring ten invented surahs like it, and call upon whoever you can besides Allah, if you are truthful.”
14. But if they do not respond to you, then know that it has been revealed with the knowledge of Allah and that there is no god except Him. Will you then submit?
15. Whoever desires the life of this world and its adornments—We will fully repay them for their deeds therein, and they will not be deprived.
16. It is they who will have nothing in the Hereafter but the Fire. Their deeds will be in vain, and all they used to do will be worthless.
17. Can the one who stands on clear proof from his Lord, supported by a witness from Him, and before him is the Book of Moses as a guide and a mercy, (be equal to the disbeliever)? They believe in it. But whoever among the parties disbelieves in it—then the Fire is his promised place. So do not be in doubt about it. Indeed, it is the truth from your Lord, but most people do not believe.
18. And who does more wrong than one who invents a lie against Allah? They will be brought before their Lord, and the witnesses will say, “These are the ones who lied against their Lord.” Surely the curse of Allah is upon the wrongdoers.
19. Those who turn others away from the path of Allah and seek to make it crooked, and who themselves disbelieve in the Hereafter.
20. They will not escape on earth, and they have no protectors besides Allah. Their punishment will be multiplied. They could not bear to hear the truth, nor did they see it.
21. It is they who have ruined their souls, and whatever they used to fabricate has failed them.
22. Without a doubt, they will be the greatest losers in the Hereafter.
23. Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds and humble themselves before their Lord—they will be the people of Paradise, living in it forever.
24. The example of the two groups is like the blind and deaf compared to the seeing and hearing. Are they equal in comparison? Will you not then reflect?
25. And We certainly sent Noah to his people. He said, “Indeed, I am truly a clear warner to you—
26. that you worship none but Allah. I truly fear for you the punishment of a painful Day.”
27. But the chiefs of his people who disbelieved said, “We see you only as a human like us. And we see none who follow you except the lowest among us, acting on mere instinct. We see no superiority in you over us. In fact, we think you are liars.”
28. He said, “O my people! Tell me: if I stand on clear proof from my Lord and He has given me mercy from Himself, but it has been made hidden from you—shall we force it upon you while you are unwilling?
29. O my people! I do not ask you for any wealth in return. My reward is only with Allah. And I will not drive away those who believe. Indeed, they will meet their Lord. But I see that you are a people acting ignorantly.
30. And O my people! Who would protect me from Allah if I were to drive them away? Will you not reflect?”
31. “I do not say to you that I possess the treasures of Allah, nor that I know the unseen, nor do I say that I am an angel. Nor do I say about those whom your eyes look down upon that Allah will never grant them any good—Allah knows best what is in their hearts. If I were to say otherwise, I would indeed be among the wrongdoers.”
32. They said, “O Noah! You have argued with us and argued too much. So bring upon us what you threaten us with, if you are truthful.”
33. He said, “Only Allah can bring it upon you if He wills, and you can never escape it.
34. And my advice will not benefit you—even if I sincerely want to advise you—if Allah wants to lead you astray. He is your Lord, and to Him you will be returned.”
35. Or do they say, “He has made it up”? Say, “If I have fabricated it, then the sin is on me. But I am free of what crimes you commit.”
36. And it was revealed to Noah: “None of your people will believe except those who have already believed, so do not grieve over what they have been doing.”
37. “Build the Ark under Our eyes and Our instruction. And do not speak to Me concerning those who have done wrong—they will surely be drowned.”
38. As he was building the Ark, whenever the chiefs of his people passed by him, they mocked him. He said, “If you mock us, we will surely mock you just as you mock—
39. and you will soon know who will be seized by a punishment that will disgrace him, and upon whom a lasting punishment will fall.”
40. Then, when Our command came and the oven overflowed, We said, “Load into the Ark a pair of each kind, along with your family—except those against whom the Word has already gone—and those who believe.” But none believed with him, except a few.
41. And he said, “Board it! In the Name of Allah it will sail and anchor. Surely, my Lord is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
42. And the Ark sailed with them through waves like mountains. And Noah called out to his son, who had kept himself apart, “O my son! Come aboard with us and do not be with the disbelievers!”
43. He replied, “I will take refuge on a mountain to protect me from the water.” Noah said, “There is no protection today from Allah’s command except for the one on whom He shows mercy.” And the waves came between them, and he was among the drowned.
44. Then it was said, “O earth, swallow your water,” and “O sky, withhold (your rain).” So the water subsided, the command was fulfilled, and the Ark came to rest on Mount Judi. And it was said, “Away with the wrongdoing people!”
45. And Noah called to his Lord and said, “My Lord, indeed my son is of my family, and Your promise is true, and You are the most just of judges!”
46. He said, “O Noah, indeed he is not of your family. His conduct was not righteous. So do not ask Me about things of which you have no knowledge. I warn you, lest you be among the ignorant.”
47. Noah said, “My Lord, I seek refuge in You from asking You about things of which I have no knowledge. And unless You forgive me and have mercy on me, I will be among the losers.”
48. It was said, “O Noah, disembark in peace from Us and blessings upon you and upon nations descending from those with you. But other nations We will grant enjoyment for a while, then a painful punishment from Us will reach them.”
49. These are from the stories of the unseen which We reveal to you, (O Prophet). Neither you nor your people knew them before this. So be patient. Surely, the outcome is for the righteous.
50. And to the people of ‘Ād We sent their brother Hūd. He said, “O my people! Worship Allah. You have no god but Him. You are only fabricating lies (by worshiping others).”
51. “O my people! I do not ask you for any reward. My reward is only with the One Who created me. Will you not understand?”
52. “And O my people! Seek your Lord’s forgiveness and turn to Him in repentance. He will send down abundant rain for you from the sky and add strength to your strength. And do not turn away as sinners.”
53. They said, “O Hūd! You have not brought us any clear proof, and we are not going to abandon our gods just because of what you say. Nor are we believers in you.
54. We only say that some of our gods have afflicted you with evil.” He said, “I call Allah to witness—and you bear witness as well—that I am free from whatever you associate (with Him)
55. besides Him. So plot against me all together, then do not give me any respite.
56. I put my trust in Allah—my Lord and your Lord. There is no creature but that He holds it by its forelock. Surely, my Lord is on a straight path.
57. But if you turn away, then I have already conveyed to you what I was sent with. And my Lord will replace you with another people, and you will not harm Him at all. Surely, my Lord is Guardian over all things.”
58. And when Our command came, We saved Hūd and those who believed with him by a mercy from Us. And We saved them from a harsh punishment.
59. That was ‘Ād—they rejected the signs of their Lord, disobeyed His messengers, and followed the command of every stubborn tyrant.
60. And they were followed in this world by a curse, and on the Day of Resurrection (it will be said), “Surely ‘Ād denied their Lord. Away with ‘Ād, the people of Hūd.”
61. And to Thamūd, We sent their brother Ṣāliḥ. He said, “O my people! Worship Allah—you have no god but Him. He is the One Who produced you from the earth and settled you in it. So seek His forgiveness and turn to Him in repentance. Surely, my Lord is Ever Near, All-Responsive.”
62. They said, “O Ṣāliḥ! You were certainly someone we had great hopes in before this. Do you now forbid us to worship what our forefathers worshipped? We are truly in doubt about what you are calling us to—a troubling doubt!”
63. He said, “O my people! Tell me—if I stand on a clear proof from my Lord, and He has granted me mercy from Himself—who could protect me from Allah if I were to disobey Him? You would only add to my loss.
64. And O my people! This she-camel of Allah is a sign for you. So leave her to graze on Allah’s land and do not harm her, or else a swift punishment will seize you.”
65. But they hamstrung her. So he said, “Enjoy yourselves in your homes for three days. That is a warning that will not be denied.”
66. Then when Our command came, We saved Ṣāliḥ and those who believed with him by a mercy from Us, and saved them from the disgrace of that Day. Surely, your Lord is the All-Strong, All-Mighty.
67. And the blast overtook those who had wronged, and they fell lifeless in their homes,
68. as if they had never lived there. Indeed, Thamūd denied their Lord. So away with Thamūd!
69. And surely Our messengers came to Abraham with good news. They said, “Peace!” He answered, “Peace!” and without delay brought them a roasted calf.
70. But when he saw their hands did not reach for it, he became suspicious and felt fearful of them. They said, “Do not be afraid. We have been sent to the people of Lot.”
71. And his wife was standing nearby, and she laughed. Then We gave her the good news of Isaac, and after Isaac, Jacob.
72. She said, “Oh, my! How can I have a child when I am an old woman, and my husband is also very old? This is truly something amazing!”
73. They said, “Are you astonished at Allah’s command? May Allah’s mercy and blessings be upon you, people of the house! Indeed, He is Praiseworthy, Glorious.”
74. So when Abraham’s fear passed, and the good news came to him, he began to plead with Us for the people of Lot.
75. Indeed, Abraham was forbearing, tender-hearted, and ever-turning to Allah.
76. (The angels said,) “O Abraham! Stop pleading. Your Lord’s command has already come, and a punishment will certainly fall upon them—it cannot be turned back.”
77. When Our messengers came to Lot, he was distressed for them and felt troubled and uneasy for them. He said, “This is a terrible day!”
78. And his people came rushing toward him, as they were used to doing evil. He said, “O my people! Here are my daughters—they are purer for you. So fear Allah and do not disgrace me regarding my guests. Is there not a single right-minded man among you?”
79. They said, “You already know that we have no desire for your daughters. And you know well what we want.”
80. He said, “If only I had strength to resist you, or could rely on some strong support!”
81. The angels said, “O Lot! We are indeed the messengers of your Lord—they will never reach you. So leave with your family during the night and let none of you look back—except your wife; she will be struck by what strikes them. Surely, their appointed time is the morning. Is the morning not near?”
82. Then when Our command came, We turned their city upside down and rained upon it stones of baked clay, layer upon layer,
83. marked by your Lord. And they are never far from the wrongdoers (of today).
84. And to Midian, We sent their brother Shu‘ayb. He said, “O my people! Worship Allah—you have no god but Him. And do not give short measure or weight. I see you in prosperity now, but I truly fear for you the punishment of an overwhelming Day.
85. O my people! Give full measure and weight with justice. Do not cheat people of their goods, and do not spread corruption in the land.
86. What remains lawful from Allah is best for you, if you are believers. And I am not a keeper over you.”
87. They said, “O Shu‘ayb! Does your prayer command you that we should abandon what our forefathers worshipped or stop doing what we want with our wealth? Indeed, you are clearly the tolerant and sensible one!”
88. He said, “O my people! Can you not see? If I stand on a clear proof from my Lord and He has provided me with a good livelihood from Him—should I still corrupt the land? I do not want to do what I am forbidding you from. I only desire to reform things as much as I can. My success depends only on Allah. In Him I trust, and to Him I turn.
89. O my people! Let not your opposition to me cause you to suffer the same fate as the people of Noah or Hūd or Ṣāliḥ. And the people of Lot are not far from you.
90. So seek your Lord’s forgiveness and turn to Him in repentance. Surely, my Lord is Merciful and Most Loving.”
91. They said, “O Shu‘ayb! We do not understand much of what you say. And truly, we see you as weak among us. Were it not for your family, we would have stoned you. You are not dear to us at all!”
92. He said, “O my people! Is my family more important to you than Allah? And you have cast Him behind your backs. Surely, my Lord is fully aware of what you do.
93. O my people! Act according to your position—I too will act. You will soon know upon whom will descend a punishment that will disgrace him, and who is a liar. So wait—surely, I too am waiting with you.”
94. And when Our command came, We saved Shu‘ayb and those who believed with him by a mercy from Us. And the blast seized those who had wronged, and they fell lifeless in their homes,
95. as if they had never lived there. Away with the people of Midian, just as Thamūd was done away with!
96. And indeed, We sent Moses with Our signs and clear authority
97. to Pharaoh and his chiefs, but they followed Pharaoh’s command, and Pharaoh’s command was not right.
98. He will lead his people on the Day of Resurrection, and bring them into the Fire. What a miserable place they will arrive at!
99. They were followed by a curse in this world and on the Day of Resurrection. What a terrible gift to be given!
100. That is from the stories of the cities We relate to you. Some of them are still standing, while others have been wiped out.
101. We did not wrong them, but they wronged themselves. And when your Lord’s command came, their gods—whom they called upon besides Allah—were of no use to them whatsoever. They only added to their ruin.
102. Such is the punishment of your Lord when He seizes the towns while they are doing wrong. Indeed, His seizure is painful and severe.
103. Surely in this is a sign for those who fear the punishment of the Hereafter. That is a Day on which all people will be gathered, and that is a Day that will be witnessed.
104. And We do not delay it except for a fixed term.
105. On the Day it comes, no soul will speak except by His permission. Some will be miserable, and others joyful.
106. As for those who are miserable, they will be in the Fire. For them is sighing and gasping within it,
107. staying in it as long as the heavens and the earth endure—except as your Lord wills. Surely your Lord does whatever He wills.
108. But as for those who are blessed, they will be in Paradise, staying there as long as the heavens and the earth endure—except as your Lord wills—a gift without end.
109. So do not be in doubt, (O Prophet), about what these (people) worship. They worship nothing but what their forefathers worshipped before. And We will surely give them their share in full, without any reduction.
110. And indeed, We gave Moses the Scripture, but differences arose over it. Had it not been for a prior word from your Lord, the matter would have been settled between them. And surely, they are in grave doubt about it.
111. And surely, to each of them your Lord will repay their deeds in full. Indeed, He is All-Aware of what they do.
112. So remain steadfast as you have been commanded, along with those who have turned in repentance with you, and do not transgress. Surely, He is All-Seeing of what you do.
113. And do not incline toward those who do wrong, or the Fire may touch you. Then you will have no protectors besides Allah, nor will you be helped.
114. Establish prayer at both ends of the day and in the early part of the night. Indeed, good deeds wipe away bad deeds. That is a reminder for those who remember.
115. And be patient, for indeed Allah does not allow the reward of the righteous to be lost.
116. If only there had been among the generations before you people with clear thinking, who forbade corruption in the land—other than the few We saved from among them. But those who did wrong pursued the luxuries they were given, and they became evildoers.
117. Your Lord would never destroy a society unjustly while its people were trying to reform.
118. Had your Lord willed, He could have made humanity one community, but they will continue to differ—
119. except those upon whom your Lord has mercy. And for that He created them. And the Word of your Lord will be fulfilled: “I will surely fill Hell with jinn and humans all together.”
120. And all that We relate to you from the stories of the messengers is to make your heart firm. And through these, the truth has come to you, as well as a lesson and reminder for the believers.
121. And say to those who disbelieve, “Act according to your position; we are also acting.”
122. “And wait, for indeed we are waiting too.”
123. And to Allah belongs the unseen of the heavens and the earth. And to Him all matters are returned. So worship Him and put your trust in Him. And your Lord is not unaware of what you do. 0 0 0
Comment
Surah Hud is one of the most profound and emotionally weighty chapters of the Qur’an. It does not simply narrate the stories of the past prophets; it brings their experiences to life in a deeply instructive and moving way. What makes this surah so powerful is its tone—one of seriousness, warning, and urgent counsel. It places the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in a spiritual lineage of those who carried the divine message with sincerity, resilience, and unwavering trust in Allah—even when they were rejected or ridiculed by their own people.
Each prophetic story in Surah Hud serves a moral purpose. The repeated pattern—prophets calling their people to truth, the arrogant rejecting them, the believers being few and often oppressed, and divine justice eventually prevailing—highlights a central message: truth may not always be popular, but it is always protected and honored by Allah.
One of the most striking aspects of this surah is the emphasis on personal responsibility and moral clarity. The prophets never seek worldly reward. They speak directly, honestly, and out of concern for their people’s salvation. At the same time, the people’s responses reflect the same resistance and pride found in many societies today—making the surah timeless in its relevance.
Another remarkable point is how the surah balances warning with hope. While it describes the destruction that befell past nations, it also repeatedly speaks of Allah’s mercy, His love for those who repent, and the reward of the righteous. It invites the reader to self-reflect: Am I following the path of those who were saved—or those who were destroyed?
In conclusion, Surah Hud is more than just a historical account—it is a mirror, a warning, and a guide. It calls each believer to stand firm, remain sincere, and trust in the ultimate justice of Allah. Its spiritual weight is such that it moved even the Prophet’s heart to deep contemplation, and for the sincere reader, it continues to do the same. 0 0 0
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Surah Hud: Additional Study
Frequently Asked Questions on Surah Hud
Q. What is Surah Hud?
Ans: Surah Hud is the 11th chapter of the Holy Quran. It contains 123 verses and was revealed in Makkah, focusing on stories of past prophets and the consequences of rejecting divine guidance.
Q. Why is Surah Hud named after Prophet Hud?
Ans: Surah Hud is named after Prophet Hud, who was sent to the people of ‘Ad. His story is highlighted in the surah as a lesson about faith, patience, and the outcome of denying the truth.
Q. What are the main themes of Surah Hud?
Ans: The main themes of Surah Hud include the oneness of Allah, the certainty of the Day of Judgment, stories of prophets such as Nuh, Hud, Salih, Ibrahim, Lut, Shu‘ayb, and Musa, and the importance of patience and steadfastness in faith.
Q. Is Surah Hud a Meccan or Medinan surah?
Ans: Surah Hud is a Meccan surah, revealed before the migration to Madinah. Its message emphasizes belief in Allah, accountability, and perseverance during trials.
Q. How many verses are in Surah Hud?
Ans: Surah Hud has 123 verses, making it one of the longer surahs of the Quran.
Q. What lessons can we learn from Surah Hud?
Ans: Surah Hud teaches that truth always prevails, disobedience leads to destruction, and sincere repentance brings mercy. It encourages patience, trust in Allah, and commitment to righteousness.
Q. Which prophets are mentioned in Surah Hud?
Ans: Surah Hud mentions several prophets, including Nuh (Noah), Hud, Salih, Ibrahim (Abraham), Lut (Lot), Shu‘ayb, and Musa (Moses). Their stories highlight the struggle between truth and falsehood.
Q. Why is Surah Hud considered powerful in its message?
Ans: Surah Hud is considered powerful because it conveys stern warnings about the fate of past nations while offering hope through repentance, showing both Allah’s justice and His mercy.
Q. What is the historical context of Surah Hud?
Ans: Surah Hud was revealed during a time when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) faced intense opposition in Makkah. It provided reassurance to him and the believers by reminding them of earlier prophets who endured similar challenges.
Q. Why should we read Surah Hud?
Ans: Reading Surah Hud strengthens faith, teaches perseverance during hardships, and inspires believers to hold firmly to truth despite difficulties. It is a source of both warning and encouragement. 0 0 0
Surah Hud: A Poetic Reflection on Faith and Endurance
Surah Hud begins with a message clear,
To worship Allah and hold Him near.
The Book of wisdom, perfect and true,
A guide for the hearts in all that we do.
The story of Nuh is told once again,
Of patience, rejection, and endless pain.
Surah Hud shows how the flood did rise,
When truth was denied, and pride closed their eyes.
The people of ‘Ad lived mighty and tall,
But ignored the prophet who warned them all.
Surah Hud recounts their terrible fate,
A storm was their end for hearts filled with hate.
Salih was sent with a camel as sign,
A miracle shown, a mercy divine.
Surah Hud reveals how they turned away,
And ruin befell them for their dismay.
Ibrahim prayed with a heart sincere,
Glad tidings of mercy were given here.
Surah Hud tells of Lut’s fearful night,
When truth was rejected, destroyed was their might.
Shu‘ayb stood firm against greed and lies,
His people refused and met their demise.
Surah Hud shows how justice must stand,
For corruption and pride bring ruin to land.
Musa was sent to Pharaoh with might,
To call him to truth and show him the light.
Surah Hud warns that power and throne,
Will never prevail when Allah is known.
Each prophet endured with patience and trust,
Teaching their people that faith is a must.
Surah Hud gathers their stories to say,
That truth will endure and falsehood decay.
It tells the Prophet: “Be steadfast, be strong,
Through trials and hardships, Allah is along.”
Surah Hud comforts the heart in despair,
With lessons of patience, hope, and prayer.
The Day of Judgment is certain to come,
When every soul will answer as one.
Surah Hud paints that scene so near,
A day of justice, a day of fear.
For those who repent, Allah’s mercy is wide,
A refuge of safety, a shelter, a guide.
Surah Hud calls us to turn while we can,
And follow the truth that perfects man.
So read its verses with heart and mind,
A treasure of wisdom for all mankind.
Surah Hud shines like a radiant flame,
A timeless reminder in Allah’s name. 0 0 0
