Story of Prophet Hūd and the People of ‘Ād

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Contents

How did he deal with such arrogance?None can avoid the wrath of Allah Action points

Picture the expansive, arid plains of ancient Arabia. Here, amidst the people of ‘Ād, lived Prophet Hūd (ʿalayhi al-Salām), a man of obviously unwavering faith, extraordinary resilience, and strength.

Now, the ‘Ād were known for their impressive buildings that scraped the sky; they were also known for their wealth, both of which led them to become arrogant and forgetful of Allah.

They refused to believe in Allah’s Oneness and worshipped idols, setting the stage for a period of immense hardship — both spiritual and physical — that would test Prophet Hūd (ʿalayhi al-Salām) and his followers to their core.

How did he deal with such arrogance?

It was not an easy task.

Not only did he face the monumental challenge of guiding a people steeped in pride and disbelief, he also had to endure their scorn and rejection.

Their response to his message was filled with ridicule, mockery, and stubbornness; their arrogance blinded them from the truth he imparted. And to make matters worse, they threatened and ostracised him as he tried to lead them back to the straight path and warn them of the consequences their actions could have.

Allah says in the Qur’ān,

“Indeed, Allah does not wrong people in the least, but it is people who wrong themselves.” [1]

None can avoid the wrath of Allah

After years of unwavering patience and constant rejection, divine will finally manifested.

A devastating drought ravaged the land, succeeded by a fierce storm that wiped out the people of ‘Ād, leaving only Prophet Hūd (ʿalayhi al-Salām) and those who had followed his guidance.

Allah (subḥānahu wa ta’āla) says,

“So We sent against them a furious wind, for several miserable days, to make them taste a humiliating punishment in this worldly life. But far more humiliating will be the punishment of the Hereafter. And they will not be helped.” [2]

This has to be a clear reminder to us of the fleeting nature of worldly power, of having an arrogant mindset, doubting in Allah, and the ultimate triumph of faith over materialism and disbelief.

Action points

Hold onto faith as, in the end, in reality, it is the only thing that really matters; material wealth and status mean nothing.
When faced with resistance or hostility, try and respond with patience and steadfastness.
Even when people reject your message of Islam, continue to offer guidance and compassion.