Earlier Prophets and History in the Quran

Adam, Noah, Hud, Salih & Shuayb

Adam

• Why create man? Learning names…: – “Did I not tell you that I know the secrets of the heaven and the earth, what you reveal and what you conceal?” (2:33) – “I have fashioned him and breathed into him of My spirit, fall ye down in obeisance to him” (38:72) • Prostration of Angels… except Iblis • Expulsion from Eden: – Iblis and Pride – Nakedness and Immortality (not Knowledge) – But God forgave them, “turned to him and gave him guidance” (20:122)

Noah

• “Do you marvel that a tiding come to you from your Lord though a man from amongst yourselves…” (7:63) • The Ark and the Flood: – Mocked by the haughty – Two of each kind – Who is your family?

– Think global, drown local?

• Good health care?

Hud

• ‘Jacobson’? • Sent to ‘Ad ( داع ), probably in east Yemen • He is rejected as “foolish, stupid” for rejecting tradition…for a fable! Bring your punishment!

• He asks no reward… • “khulafa’” after Noah’s people • “Do you argue with me about names you have invented, you and your forefathers?” • False Pride: “Do you build a landmark on every hill…”? (26:128) • Hud and his followers spared…

Salih (

حلاص

)

• Sent to Thamud ( دومث ): subjected by Assyrians in 715 BCE • Khulafa’ of Ad • She-camel of God • He asks no reward!

• The proud and arrogant mock Salih and kill the she-camel • … destroyed by earthquake • … “And We saved those who believed and practiced righteousness.” (27:53)

Lot

• His people “commit unprecedented abominations”… “you go unto [i.e., have sex with] men out of desire instead of women, indeed you are a people transgressing” (7:81) • City destroyed by devastation showered from above… but Lot warned by angels.

• Sign for those who heed: the ruins are “right on the highroad. Behold! In this is a sign for those who believe.” (15:76-77)

Shuayb

• Reported to be Jethro, father in law of Moses • Sent to Madyan near Aqaba • Weigh fairly with your balances, “do not spread corruption in the world, which has been made righteous” • Remember when you were few and God made you many… they threaten to expel him and his followers and are destroyed

Purpose

• Nature of Stories: exempla, not narratives • “Travel on the earth

…”

• Repent and Reform!: – “God would never change the blessings He has granted a people until they themselves change it, and God is all-hearing, knowing.” (8:53) • Prophets as alter-egos of Muhammad: – Ask no reward – Bring clear indications – A normal person, a member of the tribe