Prophet Hud and the Strong People

The people of 'Ad were strong. Very strong.

They built great buildings. They had animals, families, and many good things. Allah Subhana Wattaala had given them so much to be thankful for.

But they began to think that their strength made them better than everyone else.

They worshipped idols instead of Allah Subhana Wattaala. An idol is something people make and then worship, even though it cannot hear their prayers or answer them.

Allah Subhana Wattaala sent Prophet Hud, Alayhi as-Salam, to help his people.

He called them to worship Allah Subhana Wattaala alone. He reminded them that their strength was a gift from Him. Their buildings, their animals, and everything they enjoyed were reasons to be thankful.

Think about being able to lift something heavy. That can be useful! You could help carry a bag or move a box. But being strong does not mean you can do anything you like. It certainly does not mean you can be unkind.

The people of 'Ad did not want to listen.

Some called Prophet Hud, Alayhi as-Salam, foolish. Others said he was not telling the truth. They wanted to keep worshipping the things their families had worshipped before them.

But something being old does not make it right. A wrong choice is still wrong, even if people have been making it for a long time.

Prophet Hud, Alayhi as-Salam, explained that he was a messenger from their Lord. He was giving them good advice. He was not asking them to pay him for it.

He wanted them to turn back to Allah Subhana Wattaala and ask for forgiveness.

Imagine someone warning you that a cup is close to the edge of a table. You might not like being told what to do. But the warning could save the cup from falling!

A helpful warning is a kindness. Prophet Hud, Alayhi as-Salam, was warning his people about something much more important than a cup. He was asking them to change the way they lived before punishment came.

Still, many refused.

They felt sure that their strength would protect them. Who could possibly be stronger than they were?

They had forgotten something very important. Allah Subhana Wattaala, who made them and gave them their strength, was greater than all of them.

Prophet Hud, Alayhi as-Salam, put his trust in his Lord. Even when people spoke harshly to him, he continued to tell them the truth.

Then the punishment came.

A fierce wind blew over the people of 'Ad. It lasted for seven nights and eight days. Their great strength could not stop it. Their proud buildings could not keep them safe.

The people who had kept rejecting the warning died. This is a sad part of the story, and we do not need to picture the frightening details.

Allah Subhana Wattaala saved Prophet Hud, Alayhi as-Salam, and those who believed with him, through His mercy.

Their safety was not because they had the biggest buildings or the strongest arms. Allah Subhana Wattaala protected them.

What can we remember from this story?

We can enjoy the things we do well without looking down on other people. Perhaps you run fast. Perhaps you draw lovely pictures. Perhaps you are learning to read.

You can feel happy about learning. You can say, "Thank You, Allah," and keep practising. You can use your skills to help someone else.

And when someone gives you kind, helpful advice, take a moment to listen. You do not have to know everything already. Learning is part of growing.

You might help a younger child reach a toy. You might carry something light for someone who needs help. A gift does not have to make you the most important person in the room. It can help you notice what someone else needs.

Being strong is good. Being strong and kind is even better.

Use the gifts Allah Subhana Wattaala has given you to do something good today.