Translation
It (Ark) floated with them amid waves that were like mountains. Noah called out to his son who was not with him on the Ark: “O my son, come aboard and be not in the company of those who are in denial.” He replied: “I will climb on top of the mountain and thus be saved from the water.” He (Noah) replied: “None is safe today from God’s plan except those who are enveloped in His Mercy.” Suddenly a wave intervened between them and he (son) was lost among those who drowned.
It was announced (command of God): “O Earth, swallow back your waters and O Sky, cease (your downpour).” The water receded, the affair was settled, and the Ark came to rest on Mt. Judi, and it was declared: “Do away with those who are guilty and unjust.”
Noah lamented to God: “O my Sustainer, my son is of my family. Your promise (to save my family) is true, and You are the Best among those who judge.” He [God] replied: “He (your son) is not of your family (in a spiritual sense). His conducts and activities are anything but good. Therefore, do not ask of Me regarding matters that you are unaware of and I caution you that you do not behave in manners like those who are misguided.”
He (Noah) implored: “I seek Your protection from asking of You to intervene in matters that I am not fully aware. Unless You forgive me and shower your grace on me, I will become of those who are lost.” It was said, “O Noah, dis-embark in peace from Us [God] and with blessing on you and on communities (future generations) that will evolve from those who are with you.” (Be cognizant) that We [God] provide for nations to prosper and (for some) We bring out consequences that is called for (due to their own conducts).
These are narratives (stories and lessons) of the past and unknown that We [God] make known to you—neither you nor your people knew these people before this (revelation). Therefore, be patient and know that the future belongs to those who are responsible and mindful.497
Interpretation
497 The conversation between God and Prophet Noah is that of a true Patron who inspires, guides and protects those who rely on God, serve God, and wish only good for others. The vivid descriptions of the waves of water like mountains, pouring forth incessantly from the earth below and the sky above, and the small ark clinging to life with its riders, while all others are getting drowned even at the height of the mountains, are not too far from some of the flooding we see in our own generations around the globe, especially from global warming, which is a sin of our own doing. Family tie of his son to Noah was not adequate to save his son, given his son’s lack of faith and ties to evil misconduct, like his community. God’s refusal to acknowledge him as Noah’s son is something we all should reflect on as we raise our own children and endeavor to be aligned with God, all together. In God’s eye, the permanency of our relationships is more based on faith, truth, and goodness than on marital or blood relations, something that we should be mindful of in this life, as it will shape our relationships in the life to come after death as well.
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REFLECTION
The consequences of irresponsible and evil acts are always evil, and some of that manifests in widespread evil in the community and the world at large. The evils of our day are our collective doubts about faith; lack of adherence to truth and justice by those who claim faith; denial of human rights and freedom to a large part of our humanity; widespread political, social, and financial corruption, which is widening the gap between the rich and poor, between powerful politicians and ordinary citizens; abuse of the natural resources without accountability; and destruction of the quality of air we need to breathe and the quality of water we need to drink, the quality of food we need to eat—not to mention the quality of human and spiritual conversations and environment we need to maintain for our own physical and spiritual growth, for us and for our future generations.
ACTION
Just like in Noah’s time, for each one of us, God allows certain latitude, freedoms, and resources to see how we behave until we come to a point of no return. For each one of us, only if we are mindful, responsible, and wary of our own conducts and those around us can we act in time and in a responsible way to avert calamities and harms, which are the natural consequences of our behaviors and actions. As God says above (11:49): The end belongs to those who are responsible (Muttaquin).