Many centuries ago, between the regions we now call Yemen and Oman, lived a mighty tribe called ‘Ad. Their city was called Iram – the city of lofty pillars, mentioned in the Qur’an:
“Have you not seen how your Lord dealt with ‘Ad — Iram of the pillars?”
— Surah Al-Fajr (89:6–7)
These people were known for their physical strength. They were so tall and powerful that later generations called them giants. Their homes were architectural marvels—huge castles built with stone, supported by towering columns, surrounded by gardens and rivers. The people of ‘Ad were rich, proud, and fearless.
But with great power came arrogance. Instead of thanking Allah, they said:
“We are the strongest! No one can defeat us.”
They started carving idols out of wood and stone and began worshipping them—giving them names like Samd, Haba, and Sada. They forgot their Creator and followed their desires.
In this society, Allah sent a messenger—Hud (عليه السلام). He wasn’t an outsider; he was from among them. He spoke their language, shared their culture, and understood their values. He was wise, calm, and known for his honesty.
Hud (عليه السلام) climbed a platform one morning and called out:
“O my people! Worship Allah alone! You have no god but Him. Will you not fear Him?”
The people were shocked. One elder stood and said:
“Hud, what are you saying? Do you want us to leave the gods our fathers worshipped?”
Hud replied:
“Yes, because they can neither benefit you nor harm you. Allah gave you everything—your bodies, your homes, your lands. Don’t you see?”
The leaders of ‘Ad didn’t like Hud’s message. They were afraid he would challenge their power. So they mocked him:
“You’re just a foolish man! Maybe the gods are punishing you with madness!”
But Hud stayed calm and replied:
“I am not mad. I am a messenger from the Lord of the worlds. I only want good for you. I am your brother.”
Despite his gentle words and wisdom, they turned away. The more he warned them, the more they laughed.
One day, a man said:
“If what you say is true, bring us the punishment! We are not afraid.”
Soon, the signs began. Rain stopped falling. The skies were blue, but no clouds. The rivers dried, crops failed, and hunger crept in.
People began to murmur, “Maybe Hud is telling the truth…”
But the leaders shut down the whispers.
“It’s just a dry season. Our gods will fix it.”
Hud used this moment:
“O my people, seek forgiveness from your Lord, and He will send rain and increase your strength.”
But again, they turned their backs.
One day, the people saw a massive black cloud approaching from the horizon. It looked like hope.
They cheered, “Rain is coming!”
But Hud’s face turned pale.
“This is what I warned you about. It is a wind carrying a painful punishment!”
Suddenly, the winds struck. It was no ordinary storm. It howled like a lion. It uprooted trees, crushed buildings, and lifted men into the sky.
For seven nights and eight days, the wind didn’t stop. The Qur’an describes it:
“It left nothing it came upon but that it made it like decayed ruins.”
— Surah Al-Dhariyat (51:42)
By the end, not a single soul of the disbelievers remained. Their grand city was buried under the sand. Their strength was nothing before the power of Allah.
Only Hud (عليه السلام) and those who believed in him were saved. They had been taken away to safety by Allah’s mercy.
Hud continued living among his people for some time, worshipping Allah and teaching those who survived.
A rich man once said, “I don’t need anyone—I built this business with my own hands.” But a small virus made him bedridden for months.
Lesson: No matter how strong we are, we are always in need of Allah.
A nation with powerful armies and tall buildings is struck by an earthquake, and everything crumbles in seconds.
Lesson: Power doesn’t protect us from Allah’s punishment.
- True strength is in obedience, not muscles or buildings.
- Rejecting the truth out of pride leads to destruction.
- Belief protects—those who followed Hud were saved.
- We must question traditions—just because our ancestors did something doesn’t mean it’s right.
- Prophets speak with wisdom and sincerity, even when people insult or ignore them.
- Surah Hud (11:50–60)
- Surah Al-A‘raf (7:65–72)
- Surah Al-Fajr (89:6–14)
- Surah Fussilat (41:15–16)
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