Ashabul Kahfi: Prophet Hud (Peace Be Upon Him): The Forgotten Messenger to the Mighty People of ‘Ad

Introduction

Prophet Hud (peace be upon him) is one of the lesser-known yet significant prophets in Islam. He was sent to guide the ancient and powerful people of ‘Ad — a civilization known for its unmatched strength and arrogance. Hud’s story is preserved in the Qur’an as a timeless lesson about the dangers of pride, the rejection of truth, and the mercy of Allah toward those who turn back to Him.

Who Were the People of ‘Ad?

The people of ‘Ad were descendants of Prophet Noah’s son Sam (Shem). They settled in the vast region of Al-Ahqaf (the Sand Dunes), believed to be somewhere in the southern Arabian Peninsula — between Yemen and Oman.

The Qur’an describes them as physically strong, skilled builders who constructed lofty pillars and grand monuments:

“Did you not see how your Lord dealt with ‘Ad — Iram of the pillars, the like of whom was never created in the land?”
(Qur’an, 89:6–8)

Blessed with fertile lands, power, and wealth, the people of ‘Ad became arrogant, oppressive, and ungrateful to Allah. They turned to idol worship and began to see themselves as invincible rulers of the desert.

The Rise of Prophet Hud

Amid this corruption, Allah chose Hud — a man of noble character and clear speech — to call his people back to the worship of One God (Tawheed).

Hud, like the prophets before and after him, reminded his people that prosperity and strength come only from Allah, not from idols or human pride.

“And to ‘Ad [We sent] their brother Hud. He said, ‘O my people! Worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him. Will you not then fear [Him]?’”
(Qur’an, 7:65)

Hud’s Message: A Rational Appeal

Hud’s mission was clear: to remind his people that their idols had no power — that rain, crops, and strength came only from Allah. He reasoned with them logically, appealing to their intellect:

“Do you build a sign on every high place, amusing yourselves, and take for yourselves palaces and fortresses that you might abide eternally?”
(Qur’an, 26:128–129)

He asked them to see how futile it was to spend their wealth on monuments while ignoring their moral decay.

The People’s Arrogant Response

Despite Hud’s rational arguments, the people of ‘Ad mocked him. They accused him of foolishness and insanity:

“The chiefs of his people who disbelieved said, ‘Indeed, we see you in foolishness, and indeed, we think you are among the liars.’”
(Qur’an, 7:66)

They boasted about their physical strength and dismissed the idea of punishment:

“Who is mightier than us in strength?”
(Qur’an, 41:15)

Hud reminded them:

“Do you not see that Allah, Who created you, is mightier than you in strength?”
(Qur’an, 41:15)

Hud’s Patience and Perseverance

Hud remained patient and fearless. He declared that he relied only on Allah, not on the approval of arrogant leaders:

“I call Allah to witness, and you bear witness too, that I am free from what you associate with Him besides Him.”
(Qur’an, 11:54)

He promised that he would keep warning them as long as he lived:

“I convey to you the messages of my Lord and I am to you a trustworthy advisor.”
(Qur’an, 7:68)

The Destruction of ‘Ad

Hud warned his people that if they persisted in their disbelief, a terrible punishment would befall them. When they ignored every sign, Allah sent a severe drought. Still, they mocked Hud when he urged them to repent.

Finally, Allah sent a mighty, violent windstorm that lasted for seven nights and eight days — destroying the mighty people who once boasted of their strength.

“So We unleashed a furious wind against them for seven nights and eight days in a row, so you could see its people lying dead like trunks of hollow palm trees.”
(Qur’an, 69:7)

Their cities were buried under sand, becoming a lesson for all who came after them.

Hud and the Believers Were Saved

Allah, in His mercy, saved Hud and the few who believed with him:

“So We saved him and those with him by mercy from Us; and We eliminated those who denied Our signs, and they were not [at all] believers.”
(Qur’an, 7:72)

Hud lived the rest of his life among the believers and passed away peacefully.

Key Lessons from Prophet Hud

1. Pride Leads to Ruin
Power and wealth can make people arrogant, but no might can match Allah’s.

2. True Strength is Humility
Hud showed that courage lies in standing for truth, even if it means facing ridicule alone.

3. Rational Argument is Part of Prophethood
Hud used logic and evidence to remind people of the Creator’s signs.

4. Allah’s Mercy Exceeds His Wrath
Despite their arrogance, the people of ‘Ad were given many chances to repent.

Hud in History and Legacy

The grave of Prophet Hud is traditionally believed to be in Hadramaut, Yemen, though its exact location is unknown. Each year, pilgrims visit the area to honor his legacy.

Hud’s story is mentioned in multiple Surahs: Al-A’raf, Hud (named after him), Ash-Shu’ara, Al-Haqqah, and Fussilat — a testament to the enduring importance of his message.

Conclusion

Prophet Hud (peace be upon him) reminds us that civilizations rise and fall not by strength alone but by their faith, morality, and justice. His story urges every generation to remain humble, grateful, and aware that all blessings come from the One Creator.

In today’s world — filled with technological power and pride in human achievement — Hud’s message is as relevant as ever: strength without faith and humility leads only to ruin.

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