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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?
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 said:Response: I mean that it is according to the qur'an, which has the ultimate authority on the teachings of islam.
Thanks, 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.
fatihah said: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.
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?
Sure, we can consider it to be primitive vessel and just possibly the only mean of travel of that time.Snowber said: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 said: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.
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 ?????
[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."
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?