Prophet Hud (AS)

The Story of Prophet Hud (AS) and His Miracles

Allah appointed Prophet Hud (AS) to lead the proud and affluent inhabitants of ‘Ad after Nuh (AS) by divine order. Despite their riches and military advantages the people of 'Ad grew insolent by practicing idolatry while turning away from the holy truth. Allah's messenger Hud (AS) warned his unfaithful nation which refused to listen to divine guidance. According to the Quran, he is repeatedly mentioned while scholars including Mufti Taqi Usmani deliver an in-depth perspective on his missionary work and struggles and his divine miracles.

The People of ‘Ad and Their Arrogance

People from the 'Ad community settled in Al-Ahqaf which now corresponds to southern Arabia. These people built enormous massive buildings with technical expertise while demonstrating incredible bodily toughness. Material prosperity decadently diverted them from Allah so they started venerating idols instead of the only existing Creator.

Hud (AS) received a divine mission to educate the people of Allah's favor while steering them toward monotheism. Through his messages and teachings, Hud warned his people about impending divine retribution promising judgment unless they threw away their self-importance and arrogance while returning to their faith.

Hud (AS) in the Quran

Prophet Hud (AS) is mentioned in several places in the Quran, particularly in Surah Hud (11:50-60) and Surah Al-Ahqaf (46:21-26). One key passage states:

We sent to the Ad their prophet Hud. The Quran records that he taught: "O my people serve God alone because no other deity exists." He spoke to his people saying 'My nation should worship Allah because He alone is your true god.' You are not but inventors [of falsehood].'" (Surah Hud, 11:50)

Against Hud's (AS) direct proclamation the people of Ad mocked him as a fraudster who seemed mentally unstable. They rejected messages about divine judgment so they persisted with their rebellious actions.

The Warnings and Miracles of Hud (AS)

1. The Withholding of Rain

Through a divine miracle, Prophet Hud (AS) brought terrible drought to the region of 'Ad. Allah warned the people by stopping rain for an abnormal amount of time which caused their fertile regions to become dry. As Hud stopped giving his warning about repentance and return to Allah they rejected his message.

2. The Destruction by a Furious Wind

When Hud (AS) kept preaching the people of ‘Ad persisted in their strictness. The people of 'Ad earned Allah's violent and roaring wind punishment. The destructive storm ran for seven nights followed by eight days which eliminated their entire culture. The Quran describes this event:

We unleashed a howling wind across their days of hardship to let them feel disgrace through worldly punishment but their upcoming eternal disgrace will surpass anything suffered on Earth and they will not find any assistance to save themselves. (Surah Fussilat, 41:16)

All of the power of the 'Ad people could not stop Allah's divine judgment from falling upon them. Buildings that once towered from 'Ad collapsed while dead bodies remained to teach future generations a valuable lesson.

The Virtues and Lessons from Prophet Hud (AS)

Hud (AS) maintained his mission throughout all obstacles that came his way. His unwavering faith and resilience provide important lessons for all believers:

1. The Consequence of Arrogance: "Allah’s will remains unchallengeable because His destruction of thousands in the 'Ad civilization demonstrates that power is not an immunity against divine commands."

2. Importance of Tawheed (Monotheism): Prophet Hud (AS) delivered the eternal Islamic message about Allah's oneness which continues to be fundamental to Islamic doctrine.

3. Seeking Forgiveness: According to Hud (AS) people who repent through sincere humility to Allah can receive mercy and blessings.

4. Patience in Da’wah: As he worked to lead people toward righteousness Hud (AS) showed remarkable patience and determined behavior.

Conclusion

As a religious saint Prophet Hud (AS) fought against the sins of his disobedient people who refused to honor his divine missions. The events in his life show how strong faith together with humility result in the serious consequences of refuting divine instructions. Through Mufti Taqi Usmani's explanation, we learn that the Hud (AS) story functions as both a caution story and a motivational lesson for believers who should stay true to Allah while demonstrating obedience.

Through his unyielding devotion, we should emulate those who surrender their will to Allah. Ameen.