Page 63 - The Courage of the Faithful
P. 63
Examples of Courage Among the Prophets and Sincere Believers
time, through countless methods and tactics, to bring the tribe to the
t rue path. But, not only could his people not understand what he
was trying to explain, they could not even stand listening to him. As
experienced by every prophet, they used every manner of harass-
ment against him, not hesitating to assail so righteous a person.
Though, he persisted in telling them of the existence of Allah and the
H e re a f t e r, with tremendous patience and determination, Pro p h e t
Nuh's (as) followers amongst his tribe were very few in number. The
verses of the Qur'an inform us of Prophet Nuh's (as) struggle in the
following manner:
He said, "My Lord, I have called my people night and day but
my calling has only made them more evasive. Indeed, every
time I called them to Your forgiveness, they put their fingers
in their ears, wrapped themselves up in their clothes and
were overweeningly arrogant. Then I called them openly.
Then I addressed them publicly and addressed them pri-
v a t e l y." (Surah Nuh, 5-9)
As with other prophets, Prophet Nuh (as) was subjected to the in-
sults, threats and assaults of the furious unbelievers.
They said, "Why should we believe you when the vilest peo-
ple follow you?" (Surat ash-Shu‘ara', 11 1 )
They said, "Nuh, if you do not desist you will be stoned."
(Surat ash-Shu‘ara', 1 1 6 )
H o w e v e r, he did not relent or abandon his task of preaching the
message, but continued to tell his people about Allah's command-
ments with courage and determination. Throughout the long period
he remained with his people, he persisted in this noble and superior
moral conduct.
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