The Story of Hud, Peace be upon Him, and the Lineage of the People of `Ad
Allah says, just as We sent Nuh to his people, similarly, to the `Ad people, We sent Hud one of their own brethren. Muhammad bin Ishaq said that the tribe of `Ad were the descendants of `Ad, son of Iram, son of `Aws, son of Sam, son of Nuh. I say, these are indeed the ancient people of `Ad whom Allah mentioned, the children of `Ad, son of Iram who were living in the deserts with lofty pillars or statues.
The Land of `Ad
The people of `Ad lived in Yemen, in the area of Ahqaf, which means sand mounds. Muhammad bin Ishaq narrated that Abu At-Tufayl `Amir bin Wathilah said that he heard `Ali (bin Abi Talib) saying to a man from Hadramawt (in Yemen), "Have you seen a red sand mound, where there are a lot of Arak and Lote trees in the area of so-and-so in Hadramawt Have you seen it'' He said, "Yes, O Commander of the faithful! By Allah, you described it as if you have seen it before.'' `Ali said, `I have not seen it, but it was described to me.'' The man asked, "What about it, O Commander of the faithful'' `Ali said, "There is the grave of Hud, peace be upon him, in its vicinity.'' Ibn Jarir recorded this statement, which gives the benefit of indicating that `Ad used to live in Yemen, since Prophet Hud was buried there. Prophet Hud was among the noble men and chiefs of `Ad, for Allah chose the Messengers from among the best, most honorable families and tribes. Hud's people were mighty and strong, but their hearts were mighty and hard, for they were among the most denying of Truth among the nations. Prophet Hud called `Ad to worship Allah alone without partners, and to obey and fear Him.
(The leaders of those who disbelieved among his people said...) meaning, the general public, chiefs, masters and commanders of his people said,
("Verily, we see you in foolishness, and verily, we think you are one of the liars'') meaning, you are misguided because you call us to abandon worshipping the idols in order to worship Allah Alone.
(Hud) said: "O my people! There is no foolishness in me, but (I am) a Messenger from the Lord of all that exists!'') Hud said, I am not as you claim. Rather, I brought you the Truth from Allah, Who created everything, and He is the Lord and King of all things.
("I convey unto you the Messages of my Lord, and I am a trustworthy adviser for you. '') These, indeed, are the qualities of the Prophets: conveying, sincerity and honesty.
("Do you wonder that there has come to you a Reminder from your Lord through a man from among you to warn you'') Prophet Hud said, do not wonder because Allah sent a Messenger to you from among yourselves to warn you about Allah's Days (His torment) and meeting with Him. Rather than wondering, you should thank Allah for this bounty.
("And remember that He made you successors (generations after generations) after the people of Nuh...'') meaning, remember Allah's favor on you in that He made you among the offspring of Nuh, because of whose supplication Allah destroyed the people of the earth after they defied and opposed him.
("and increased you amply in stature.'') making you taller than other people.
("So remember the graces (bestowed upon you) from Allah. '') in reference to Allah's favors and blessings
("so that you may be successful.'')
Allah mentions the rebellion, defiance and stubbornness of Hud's people, and their opposition to him
("Dispute you with me over names which you have named -- you and your fathers'') ﴿7:71﴾. Hud said, do you dispute with me over these idols that you and your fathers made gods, even though they do not bring harm or benefit; did Allah give you authority or proof allowing you to worship them Hud further said,
("with no authority from Allah Then wait, I am with you among those who wait.'') this is a threat and warning from the Messenger to his people.
The End of `Ad
(So We saved him and those who were with him out of mercy from Us, and We severed the roots of those who belied Our Ayat; and they were not believers.) Allah mentioned several times in the Qur'an, the way the people of `Ad were destroyed stating that He sent a barren wind that destroyed everything it passed by.
Allah said in another Ayah, And as for `Ad, they were destroyed by a furious violent wind! They were subjected to it for seven nights and eight days in succession, so that you could see men lying overthrown (destroyed), as if they were hollow trunks of date palms! Do you see any remnants of them) ﴿69:6-8﴾ When `Ad rebelled and transgressed, Allah destroyed them with a strong wind that carried them, one by one, up in the air and brought each one of them down on his head, thus smashing his head and severing it from its body.
`Ad used to live in Yemen between Oman and Hadramawt. They also spread throughout the land and defeated various peoples, because of the strength that Allah gave them. They used to worship idols instead of Allah, and Allah sent to them Prophet Hud, peace be upon him. He was from their most common lineage and was the best among them in status. Hud commanded them to worship Allah Alone and associate none with him. He also ordered them to stop committing injustice against the people. But they rejected him and ignored his call. They said, `Who is stronger than us' Some of them, however, followed Hud, although they were few and had to conceal their faith. When `Ad defied the command of Allah, rejected His Prophet, committed mischief in the earth, became arrogant and built high palaces on every high place -- without real benefit to them --
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