Surah Nuh — Verse 24

Word Meanings:

• Aḍallū (أَضَلُّوا): They led astray / caused to go astray.
• Kathīran (كَثِيرًا): Many (people).
• Lā tazid (لَا تَزِدْ): Do not increase.
• Ẓālimīn (الظَّالِمِينَ): The wrongdoers — those who persist in injustice against themselves through disbelief and stubbornness.
• Ḍalālan (ضَلَالًا): Going astray / deviation from the truth.

Explanation of the Verse:

Prophet Nūḥ (peace be upon him) continues his heartfelt supplication to his Lord, saying: "These idols — which my people have set up as false gods — have already led countless souls away from the straight path. People have been deceived into worshipping stones and statues that can neither hear, nor see, nor benefit, nor harm. And now, my Lord, I ask You: do not increase these wrongdoers — those who have chosen disbelief and tyranny over faith and justice — except in further deviation from the truth."

This is not a prayer of hatred or personal vengeance. Rather, it is a declaration of complete disassociation from falsehood, and a recognition that when a people have been given every chance to believe — when the truth has been made crystal clear to them, and they still reject it with arrogance and hostility — then the most fitting outcome is for them to be left to their own devices, sinking deeper into their error until they face the consequences of their choices.

The verse also carries a profound lesson: idols and false objects of worship do not call people to themselves. It is human beings — through their own desires, innovations, and following of corrupt leaders — who lead others astray. The leaders of misguidance among Nūḥ's people had devised great plots, telling their followers: "Do not abandon your gods — do not give up Wadd, Suwā', Yaghūth, Ya'ūq, and Nasr." These were originally the names of righteous men who had passed away. Satan whispered to their people to erect statues in their memory, claiming it would inspire them to worship. But as generations passed and time moved on, these statues became objects of worship themselves — a stark warning against every innovation that slowly creeps into religion until it replaces the pure worship of Allah alone.

A Call to Reflection and Action:

Dear reader, pause and reflect on this powerful moment in the life of a great prophet. Nūḥ (peace be upon him) spent 950 years calling his people to the worship of Allah alone — with patience, wisdom, and love. Yet when they persisted in their arrogance and corruption, he turned to Allah with this supplication, fully submitting to His divine will.

This teaches us two essential truths:

First: No matter how long the road of da'wah (calling to Allah) may be, we must never lose hope or patience. The success of our efforts is in Allah's hands alone. Our duty is simply to convey the message with sincerity and wisdom.

Second: When a person or a society reaches a point of no return — when they have been shown the truth and still choose falsehood — then Allah's justice takes its course. The same supplication of Nūḥ was answered, and the flood came as a cleansing punishment, wiping away the corruption so that a new generation of believers could flourish upon the earth.

So ask yourself today: Which path am I walking? Am I among those who respond to the call of truth with humility and submission? Or am I among those who turn away, clinging to falsehood and the whispers of Shayṭān?

The door of repentance is open — right now, at this very moment. Do not let your heart become hardened like the hearts of those who were drowned. Turn to Allah before it is too late, and let the story of Nūḥ be a reminder that Allah's mercy is vast for those who seek it, but His punishment is severe for those who persist in wrongdoing.

May Allah guide us all to the straight path, and protect us from being among the misguided. Āmīn.