Islamic view of the Flood

[gnostic]

What does the Qur'an say about Noah and the Flood?

Do Muslims believe that a literal global flood actually happened?

Or do you think it is merely a parable?

 

[Fatihah]

What does the Qur'an say about Noah and the Flood?

Do Muslims believe that a literal global flood actually happened?

Or do you think it is merely a parable?

Response: In islam, we do accept that the flood was a literal happening. However, the difference from other religious teachings and scripture is that the flood took place during the time of Noah(sas) and only affected the people of Noah(sas). Thus it was not a global flood.

 

[gnostic]

Thank you, Fatihah.

When you say "Islam", you mean every Muslims think the same way (same interpretation)? Or is it just you who have this interpretation?

 

[Fatihah]

Thank you, Fatihah.

When you say "Islam", you mean every Muslims think the same way (same interpretation)? Or is it just you who have this interpretation?

Response: I mean that it is according to the qur'an, which has the ultimate authority on the teachings of islam.

 

[gnostic]

Response: I mean that it is according to the qur'an, which has the ultimate authority on the teachings of islam.

Thanks, Fatihah.

 

[Fatihah]

Thanks, Fatihah.

Response: You're welcome.

 

[gnostic]

I had to ask you the question.

Because quite recently, in a recent topic, you spoke of "speaking for all Muslims", and I wasn't sure if you were speaking only for yourself here, or for some Muslims (who may or may not share your interpretation), or for the teaching of the Qur'an itself. So naturally, I had to ask.

Since, you say it is in the Qur'an, can you provide me with the relevant verses that demonstrate this teaching about the Flood being localised than global, and Noah's situation?

That would be helpful, fatihah.

 

[Fatihah]

I had to ask you the question.

Because quite recently, in a recent topic, you spoke of "speaking for all Muslims", and I wasn't sure if you were speaking only for yourself here, or for some Muslims (who may or may not share your interpretation), or for the teaching of the Qur'an itself. So naturally, I had to ask.

Since, you say it is in the Qur'an, can you provide me with the relevant verses that demonstrate this teaching about the Flood being localised than global, and Noah's situation?

That would be helpful, fatihah.

Response: Sure. In Surah 11: 25-50, the story of Moses and the flood is told. You will notice in verse 25 that it says that Noah was sent to his people as a Warner. Thus the punishment of the flood only affected the people if Noah. Allah(swt) does not punish all of mankind or other people for the wrong doings of someone else's actions.

 

[gnostic]

You will notice in verse 25 that it says that Noah was sent to his people as a Warner. Thus the punishment of the flood only affected the people if Noah. Allah(swt) does not punish all of mankind or other people for the wrong doings of someone else's actions.

Ok, that make a lot of sense.

So only those who were within Noah's reach (Noah's locality) that hear his warning were punished, and not people living further away that were most likely not hear it. If you could ride horse back then, you could only cover so many distance. Beside, he could not travel that far, especially if you are building a large vessel like the Ark.

Because I do find Judaeo-Christian Genesis and teaching of wiping out the whole world, entirely senseless and brutal. Seriously I doubt very much, that the entire world except for Noah's immediate family, were wicked.

According to the calculation of Genesis, esp of the Masoretic Texts, Methuselah, Noah's grandfather died on the same year of the Flood. Noah's father, Lamech, died 5 years earlier. God must have waited for his death before sending the Flood. According to the Jewish (oral?) tradition, Methuselah died one whole week before the Flood.

Thank you for your source.

 

[gnostic]

Hopefully you could answer this too.

It say in the Genesis 6 that there were Nephilim, children of angels, angels known later (during the Hellenistic period) as the Watchers, the Griogri (I think this is Greek for Watchers, unless it is Aramaic or Hebrew, but I doubt it).

Anyway, the Nephilim were the reason why God sent the Flood. The Nephilim were said to be giants. Later tradition and legend, also around the Hellenistic period (or if you like, the Second Temple Period), these Nephilim were warlike, murderous and barbaric. They were said to practice sorcery and astrology. They were even said to be cannibals, herding them like frightened sheep and eating ordinary men.

The Qur'an you've provided (Surah 11:25-50), doesn't say one way or another, if they were Nephilim (giants) or ordinary men.

Were these people Nephilim or ordinary humans?

 

[Fatihah]

Hopefully you could answer this too.

It say in the Genesis 6 that there were Nephilim, children of angels, angels known later (during the Hellenistic period) as the Watchers, the Griogri (I think this is Greek for Watchers, unless it is Aramaic or Hebrew, but I doubt it).

Anyway, the Nephilim were the reason why God sent the Flood. The Nephilim were said to be giants. Later tradition and legend, also around the Hellenistic period (or if you like, the Second Temple Period), these Nephilim were warlike, murderous and barbaric. They were said to practice sorcery and astrology. They were even said to be cannibals, herding them like frightened sheep and eating ordinary men.

The Qur'an you've provided (Surah 11:25-50), doesn't say one way or another, if they were Nephilim (giants) or ordinary men.

Were these people Nephilim or ordinary humans?

Response: They were ordinary people. The qur'an does not mention Nephilim, nor have I ever read that angels are even capable of having children to begin with in islam.

 

[Snowber]

gnostic,

If I may add to this, I still believe many traditional Muslims believe that the Flood may have been global (I've received this impression once or twice but I could be wrong) and that the Ark was really something massive.

The Quran does not mention how big the Ark was or which animals boarded it exactly. I believe, considering the time of the flood, we can assume that the "Ark" was a primitive form of sea travel (logs tied together perhaps) with animals only in Noah's immediate vicinity being brought upon the Ark so they have provisions after the flood is over.

This is no way is discrediting GOD's ability to do whatever He wills.

 

[gnostic]

I believe, considering the time of the flood, we can assume that the "Ark" was a primitive form of sea travel (logs tied together perhaps) with animals only in Noah's immediate vicinity being brought upon the Ark so they have provisions after the flood is over.

Sure, we can consider it to be primitive vessel and just possibly the only mean of travel of that time.

However, realistic, "tying logs together" wouldn't work at all, if you are to believe the size of the ark and how long they spent on the ark.

An ark that was supposed to carry so many animals.

According to the Genesis it rained for 40 days and 40 nights, but Noah spent a whole year in the ark with his family and animals. The size would indeed be enormous, and because of its SIZE and WEIGHT, no ropes could ever whole ark together for one year, let alone the numbers of animals.

But you can't just think of the weights of ark and the passengers/cargo. Water pressure. The ark of that size and weight, would required enormous pressure from the WATER to keep it afloat. But if the ark is not built strong enough to withstand the pressure, then the ark would collapse on itself, and killing Noah, his family and all the animals. So rope could not possibly be of much use to you, unless you are building a temporary vessel, like a raft.

Any rope made at that time, would have to get wet, and you know what happen with a rope that constantly wet - it loses strength and integrity before disintegrating or snapping.

 

[Snowber]

Sure, we can consider it to be primitive vessel and just possibly the only mean of travel of that time.

However, realistic, "tying logs together" wouldn't work at all, if you are to believe the size of the ark and how long they spent on the ark.

An ark that was supposed to carry so many animals.

According to the Genesis it rained for 40 days and 40 nights, but Noah spent a whole year in the ark with his family and animals. The size would indeed be enormous, and because of its SIZE and WEIGHT, no ropes could ever whole ark together for one year, let alone the numbers of animals.

I am answering from an Islamic view of the flood. In the Koran there is no mention that a great number of people and/or animals were on the ark.

But you can't just think of the weights of ark and the passengers/cargo. Water pressure. The ark of that size and weight, would required enormous pressure from the WATER to keep it afloat. But if the ark is not built strong enough to withstand the pressure, then the ark would collapse on itself, and killing Noah, his family and all the animals. So rope could not possibly be of much use to you, unless you are building a temporary vessel, like a raft.

Any rope made at that time, would have to get wet, and you know what happen with a rope that constantly wet - it loses strength and integrity before disintegrating or snapping.

For all we know the flood didn't even last a day. There is no specific mention of duration in the Koran. A simple watercraft big enough to carry whomever joined Noah at the time along with a pair (male and female) of the local livestock was enough to keep them afloat while doing what it was intended to do. Cheers

 

[gnostic]

For all we know the flood didn't even last a day. There is no specific mention of duration in the Koran.

Then the Qur'an can't account for anything. Just speculation that it may or it may not be, with regards to the flood.

 

[Snowber]

Then the Qur'an can't account for anything. Just speculation that it may or it may not be, with regards to the flood.

The message we receive from the Koran is that Noah was delivered to his people, warned them, few believed with him, he was instructed to build the ark and the transgressors were drowned. Just like many of the other examples, they are lessons to be heeded, even though many people have made a mockery of the lessons.

 

[Phill]

The dimensions of the Ark are very discriptive in Genesis, and what it was made out of. Whether the flood was spread over the Earth I assume that it was. It also describes that Noah's family was saved and who they were.
The Koran also says Noah's family was saved, but then further on 1 of his sons drowned ?????

 

[Snowber]

The dimensions of the Ark are very discriptive in Genesis, and what it was made out of. Whether the flood was spread over the Earth I assume that it was. It also describes that Noah's family was saved and who they were.
The Koran also says Noah's family was saved, but then further on 1 of his sons drowned ?????

Hi Phill,

According to the Qu'ran Noah's son was one of those not saved.

[11:40] When our judgment came, and the atmosphere boiled over, we said, "Carry on it a pair of each kind,* together with your family, except those who are condemned. Carry with you those who have believed," and only a few have believed with him.

[11:41] He said, "Come on board. In the name of GOD shall be its sailing, and its mooring. My Lord is Forgiver, Most Merciful."

[11:42] As it sailed with them in waves like hills, Noah called his son, who was isolated: "O my son, come ride with us; do not be with the disbelievers."

[11:43] He said, "I will take refuge on top of a hill, to protect me from the water." He said, "Nothing can protect anyone today from GOD's judgment; only those worthy of His mercy (will be saved)." The waves separated them, and he was among those who drowned.

[11:44] It was proclaimed: "O earth, swallow your water," and "O sky, cease." The water then subsided; the judgment was fulfilled. The ark finally rested on the hills of Judea. It was then proclaimed: "The transgressors have perished."

[11:45] Noah implored his Lord: "My Lord, my son is a member of my family, and Your promise is the truth. You are the wisest of the wise."

[11:46] He said, "O Noah, he is not of your family. It is unrighteous to ask Me for something you do not know.* I enlighten you, lest you be like the ignorant."

[11:47] He said, "My Lord, I seek refuge in You, lest I implore You again for something I do not know. Unless You forgive me, and have mercy on me, I will be with the losers."

[11:48] It was proclaimed: "O Noah, disembark, with peace and blessings upon you, and upon nations who will descend from your companions. As for the other nations descending from you, we will bless them for awhile, then commit them to painful retribution."

Hope that helps, peace.

 

[301ouncer]

What does the Qur'an say about Noah and the Flood?

Do Muslims believe that a literal global flood actually happened?

Or do you think it is merely a parable?

Hi, I was asked this same question a few weeks back in another forum. Here was my detailed response:

NOAH (PBUH) AND THE FLOOD

The Biblical description of the flood in Genesis chapter 6, 7 and 8 indicates that the deluge was universal and it destroyed every living thing on earth, except those present with Noah (pbuh) in the ark. The description suggests that the event took place 1656 years after the creation of Adam (pbuh) or 292 years before the birth of Abraham, at a time when Noah (pbuh) was 600 years old. Thus the flood may have occurred in the 21st or 22nd Century B.C.

This story of the flood, as given in the Bible, contradicts scientific evidence from archaelogical sources which indicate that the eleventh dynasty in Egypt and the third dynasty in Babylonia were in existence without any break in civilisation and in a manner totally unaffected by any major calamity which may have occurred in the 21st century B.C. This contradicts the Biblical story that the whole world had been immersed in the flood water. In contrast to this, the Qur’anic presentation of the story of Noah and the flood does not conflict with scientific evidence or archaeological data; firstly, the Qur’an does not indicate any specific date or year of the occurance of that event, and secondly, according to the Qur’an the flood was not a universal phenomenon which destroyed complete life on earth. In fact the Qur’an specifically mentions that the flood was a localised event only involving the people of Noah.

This is for you anodos just incase you assumed it earlier: It is illogical to assume that Prophet Muhammad () had borrowed the story of the flood from the Bible and corrected the mistakes before mentioning it in the Qur’an.

 

[301ouncer]

This all I could find in my bookmarks library for now, ted:

By. Dr. Ibrahim Khalil

Noah and His Son in the Quran:

Yes, Noah had a big problem with His son.

Noah was one of the great Messengers.
His son was unbeliever.
This is the problem that ended up with dramatic death of His son.

Herein, the story of Noah and His son according to the Quran:

Noah was sent to his nation.
Noah told them to worship Allah.
Most of the people refused to accept Noah on the assumption that Noah is just a human being like them and his followers are inferior to them.
They denied Noah and thought that He is a liar.
Noah lived about 1000 years.
He had disputed the unbelievers for many hundreds of years.
Allah said to Noah that none of his nation will believe except whosoever has already believed.
Allah commanded Noah to build the ark and do not speak to Allah concerning the evil doers; they all shall be drowned.
Allah commanded Noah to take on board (the ark) a pair from every species and his family (except he of whom the word has already been spoken) and those who believe.
His son refused to get in the ark, Noah cried out to his son, who was standing apart, 'embark with us, my son, and do not be with the unbelievers! '
His son said: 'I shall seek refuge on a mountain, which will protect me from the water.
The waves came between them, and his son was drowned.
Noah called out to Allah, saying: 'o lord, my son was of my family, and your promise is surely the truth.
Allah said: 'Noah, he is not of your family, he is not a good deed. Do not ask me about things of which you have no knowledge.
Noah said immediately Noah apologized to Allah asking Him to forgive him and have mercy on him,

This is the story of Noah and his son in the Quran.

Surah 11:25-49

25 we sent Noah to his nation. (Noah said

'I am a Warner for you, and a bearer of glad tidings.

26 worship none except Allah. I fear for you the punishment of a painful day. '

27 the unbelieving council of his nation said: 'we do not see you other than a human like ourselves. we see your followers are none but the lowliest amongst us, and their opinion is not to be considered. we do not see you superior to us, rather, we consider you liars. '

28 he said: 'what do you think my nation? If I have a clear proof from my lord and he has given me mercy from him, though it is hidden from you, can we compel you to accept it when you hate it?

29 my nation, for this I do not ask you for your wealth for my wage is only with Allah. Nor will I drive away the believers, for they will surely meet their lord. But, I can see that you are ignorant.

30 and, o my people! Who will help me against Allah if I drive them away? Will you not then mind?

31 I do not say to you that I possess the treasuries of Allah, and I do not know the unseen. I do not say I am an angel, nor do I say to those whom you despise; Allah will not give them any good. Allah knows best what is in their hearts. Indeed, if this were so then I would be amongst the harm and evil doers.

32 they said: 'o Noah, you have disputed, and disputed too much, with us. bring (down) upon us that which you promised us, if what you say is true! '

33 he replied: 'Allah will bring it (down) upon you if he will; you will never frustrate him.

34 nor will my sincere counsel benefit you if I sincerely desire to counsel you if Allah desires to lead you astray. He is your lord, and to him you shall return. '

35 or do they say: 'he has fabricated it (himself)? ' say: 'if i had fabricated it, then the sin rests upon me. i reject the sins you do. '

36 and it was revealed to Noah: 'none of your nation will believe except whosoever has already believed. Do not distress yourself with what they may do.

37 build the ark with our seeing (and protection), and as we reveal. Do not speak to me concerning the evildoers; they shall be drowned. '

38 whenever an assembly of his nation passed by him as he was building the ark, they mocked him. Whereupon he said: 'if you mock us, we shall indeed mock you, just as you mock.

39 you shall know to whom a degrading punishment will come, and upon whom an everlasting punishment will fall. '

40 and when our command came and the oven gushed (forth with water), we said (to Noah): 'take on board (the ark) a pair from every species and your family, except he of whom the word has already been spoken, and those who believe. And none except a few believed with him.

41 he (Noah) said: 'embark. In the name of Allah will be its course and berthing. Indeed, my lord is forgiving, the most merciful. '

42 and so it (the ark) ran with them amidst the mountainous waves, and Noah cried out to his son, who was standing apart, 'embark with us, my son, and do not be with the unbelievers! '

43 but he replied: 'I shall seek refuge on a mountain, which will protect me from the water. 'He (Noah) said: 'today, there is no defender from the command of Allah, except those to whom he has mercy. 'And the waves came between them, and he was drowned.

44 and it was said: 'earth, swallow up your waters. Heaven, cease! 'The water subsided and the matter was accomplished. And the ark came to rest upon (the mountain of) "aljudi", and it was said: 'be gone, evildoing nation! '

45 Noah called out to his lord, saying: 'o lord, my son was of my family, and your promise is surely the truth. You are the most just of judges. '

46 he said: 'Noah, he is not of your family, he is not a good deed. Do not ask me about things of which you have no knowledge. I reproach you lest you become among the ignorant. '

47 he said: 'my lord, i seek refuge with you from asking you of that which I have no knowledge. if you do not forgive me and have mercy on me, I shall be among the losers. '

48 it was said: 'o Noah, descend with peace from us and blessings on you and on the nations of those with you; and nations we shall give them enjoyment, and then from us they shall be visited with a painful punishment. '

49 that is from the news of the unseen which we reveal to you; neither you nor your nation knew this before now. have patience; the outcome is for the cautious.


There are many big differences between the story of Noah and his son in the Bible versus the Quran.


The Bible does not say that Noah disputed his nation for many hundreds of years.
It seems likely that Noah would not live silent for many hundreds of years and never warned them.
The Bible does not say that Noah told his nation to worship the Great Almighty Lord.
The Bible never says that some of the believers were not belonged to Noah family. The Bible claims that the believers were Noah and his family. The Quran says that the believers were Noah and his family and some others who are not belonged to Noah's family.
The Bible says that the problem between Noah and his son was because he gets drunk, and lies around naked in his tent. His son, Ham saw him in this condition. This was the problem of Noah with his son as the Bible claims.
This Biblical story put the "Perfect, just and righteous" Noah down and dishonors him as a man who gets drunk and did foolish acts.
The problem of Noah with his son according to the Quran was because his son was unbeliever and he died. The merciful Noah felt sorry for his son but Allah told him not to feel sorry about him because he is an evil doer.
It is very interesting that the Quran never mentions the names of Noah's sons.
On the other hand, the Bible named them and categorized them to good and bad and to black and white and cursed one of them because of the "drunken" Noah as the Bible claims. Unfortunately, many millions of innocent people had been killed, slaved and abused because of this Biblical claim. It is suspicious that this Biblical story puts the roots of racism, color discrimination and the slavery.

In conclusion, Moslems believe that Noah was one of the great Messengers. Moslems do not believe that Noah was "drunk" and cursed his grandson. Moslems believe that Noah's son was unbeliever and he died.

This article aimed to compare the cause of the problem of Noah and his son in the Bible versus the Quran.
However, the complete story of Noah needs another article.


Back to the main topic of my series of articles (1- 56); this is my question to you smart readers: "Is the Quran quoted from the Bible "?