Finding Zen during a flood: Lessons from our Prophet Nuh (AS)

As we approach the blessed month of Muharram, we need to rest in allowing it to be be a time for introspection and spiritual reflection. It is a time to remember the story of Prophet Nuh (AS), who was sent as a messenger of monotheism to a people who worshipped idols.

Prophet Nuh (AS) tried to teach his people about the oneness of Allah, but they refused to listen. Instead, he was mocked and persecuted. Despite all his challenges, Prophet Nuh (AS) persevered in preaching the unity of the One to his people for 950 years, but they still refused to listen.

Before sending the great flood that destroyed the entire world, Allah commanded Prophet Nuh (AS) to build an ark to save his believers. This was a symbol of hope and salvation, and it represented the power of Allah. Not knowing what was coming to them, his enemies continued to mock him whilst our beloved prophet was building the ark.

The flood hit the earth and lasted for 40 days and 40 nights. When it was over, Prophet Nuh (AS) and the other survivors disembarked from the ark. They were the only people who had been saved, and they began to rebuild the world.

In many ways, the ark can be seen as a symbol of our spirit, and the flood can be seen as a symbol of the challenges that we face in life. The enemies of the Prophet Nuh (AS) can be seen as our ego, telling us to go against our intuition to surrender to Allah. The story teaches us that we should never give up on our faith, even when things seem hopeless. We should always persevere, and we should always trust in the power of Allah.

The story of Prophet Nuh (AS) is a reminder that we are all on a journey, and that we will all face challenges along the way. Only with unshakable faith in Allah, we will be able to overcome any obstacle. We should never lose hope, and we should always remember that Allah is with us, no matter what.

Only by detachment and focusing on his Taqwa (God-consciousness), was Prophet Nuh (AS) was able to detach himself from the world and its problems, and he was able to focus on his Divinely appointed instructions to build the arc.

From here, we learn that detachment isn’t bypassing your emotions, or distracting yourself from worldly matters, it’s honouring them by remembering your ultimate mission in life, which is connection to the Divine.

The story of Prophet Nuh (AS) is a reminder of the power of Allah and the importance of following His guidance, along with the consequences of letting the ego supersede the heart and not following God-given guidance.

Honour this story by resting in surrender to the Divine will by fostering neutrality to all that is outside. Live for your mission in life and see every passing moment as part of this crazy, but beautiful journey.

On the 10th day of Muharram, which is known as the Day of Ashura and the day that the ark came to rest on Mount Judi, honour the journey of Prophet Nuh (AS), by offering fasts, prayer and charity for the sake of Allah.