Natural disasters, including floods, are frequently mentioned in the Quran as reminders from Allah ﷻ to humanity. One of the most famous accounts is the great flood during the time of Prophet Noah ('alaihissalam). It is not only portrayed as a punishment for the disbelievers but also as a demonstration of Allah's mercy toward the believers. This story teaches us about faith, obedience, and the importance of maintaining the balance of nature.

The Story of the Flood of Prophet Noah

Prophet Noah ('alaihissalam) was sent to his people who had deviated from monotheism. They worshipped idols and rejected his message for centuries, despite his persistent efforts to guide them back to the worship of Allah. Allah ﷻ commanded Prophet Noah to build a great ark in preparation for a massive flood that would serve as a punishment for those who denied His message.

Allah ﷻ says:

وَاصْنَعِ ٱلْفُلْكَ بِأَعْيُنِنَا وَوَحْيِنَا وَلَا تُخَٰطِبْنِى فِى ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوٓا۟ ۖ إِنَّهُم مُّغْرَقُونَ

"And construct the ship under Our observation and Our inspiration, and do not address Me concerning those who have wronged; indeed, they are to be drowned." (Surah Hud: 37)

When the flood began, torrential rain poured from the skies, and water gushed forth from the earth, submerging everything in its path. All who rejected Allah were drowned, while Prophet Noah, his followers, and pairs of each species of animals were saved in the ark.

Allah ﷻ describes this in Surah Hud:

وَقِيلَيَـٰٓأَرْضُ ٱبْلَعِى مَآءَكِ وَيَـٰسَمَآءُ أَقْلِعِى وَغِيضَ ٱلْمَآءُ وَقُضِىَ ٱلْأَمْرُ وَٱسْتَوَتْ عَلَى ٱلْجُودِىِّ ۖ وَقِيلَ بُعْدًۭالِّلْقَوْمِ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ

"And it was said, 'O earth, swallow your water, and O sky, withhold [your rain].' And the water subsided, the matter was accomplished, and the ship came to rest on the [mountain of] Judi. And it was said, 'Away with the wrongdoing people.'" (Surah Hud: 44)

Lessons from the Story of Prophet Noah

1- Patience in Propagation of the Message

Prophet Noah displayed extraordinary patience in calling his people to the truth despite their rejection and mockery.

2- Obedience to Allah’s Commands

Despite the ridicule from his people, Prophet Noah unwaveringly followed Allah’s command to build the ark, demonstrating his absolute trust in Allah.

3- Punishment for Disobedience and Salvation for the Faithful

The story shows that faith and obedience to Allah lead to salvation, while rebellion and denial result in destruction.

Floods in the Quran

Beyond the story of Prophet Noah, the Quran also recounts the flood that afflicted the people of Saba' as a result of their disobedience. In Surah Saba', Allah ﷻ says:

فَأَرْسَلْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ سَيْلَ ٱلْعَرِمِ وَبَدَّلْنَـٰهُم بِجَنَّتَيْهِمْ جَنَّتَيْنِ ذَوَاتَىْ أُكُلٍ خَمْطٍۢ وَأَثْلٍۢ وَشَىْءٍۢ مِّن سِدْرٍۢ قَلِيلٍۢ

"But they turned away, so We sent upon them the flood of the dam, and We replaced their two [fields of] gardens with gardens of bitter fruit, tamarisks, and something of sparse lote trees." (Surah Saba': 16)

The Quran emphasizes that such disasters often result from human actions that disrupt the natural balance. Allah ﷻ says:

ظَهَرَ ٱلْفَسَادُ فِى ٱلْبَرِّ وَٱلْبَحْرِ بِمَا كَسَبَتْ أَيْدِى ٱلنَّاسِ لِيُذِيقَهُم بَعْضَ ٱلَّذِى عَمِلُوا۟ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْجِعُونَ

"Corruption has appeared throughout the land and sea by [reason of] what the hands of people have earned so He may let them taste part of [the consequence of] what they have done that perhaps they will return [to righteousness]." (Surah Ar-Rum: 41)

The Sukabumi (Indonesia) Flood: Reflection and Action

Recently, a flash flood struck Sukabumi, causing significant destruction and displacing hundreds of families. Heavy rains caused rivers to overflow, triggering landslides in several areas. This disaster serves as a reminder for us to be more mindful of the environment and take steps to prevent further harm to nature. It also underscores the importance of solidarity and support for those affected by such calamities.

As Muslims, we are taught to help our brothers and sisters in times of hardship through prayer, charity, and collective action. Disasters like the Sukabumi flood highlight the need for us to care for the environment as a form of worship and to strengthen our connection with Allah.

A Prayer for the Victims of the Sukabumi Flood

Let us raise our hands in prayer for our brothers and sisters affected by the flood:

اللَّهُمَّ ارْحَمْهُمْ وَاغْفِرْ لَهُمْ وَاجْعَلْ مَا أَصَابَهُمْ كَفَّارَةً لِذُنُوبِهِمْ وَبَدِّلْهُمْ بِرَحْمَتِكَ خَيْرًا مِمَّا فَقَدُوا

"O Allah, have mercy on them, forgive their sins, and make this trial a means of expiation for their transgressions. Replace what they have lost with Your infinite mercy and blessings."

Conclusion

The flood stories in the Quran, particularly the one during the time of Prophet Noah, offer valuable lessons about faith, obedience, and the need to maintain harmony with the natural world. Events like the Sukabumi flood remind us to reflect on our actions, increase our devotion to Allah, and support one another in times of need. May Allah grant strength to those affected by calamities and make us more grateful and mindful servants. Amin.