158 Page Notes

07 Surah Al-Araf (continued)

Page 158 - Related Hadith/Sunnah

7:58

7:59

7:60

7:61

7:62

7:63

7:64

7:65

7:66

7:67

Translation of the meaning by Sahih International.

Page 158 - Related Hadiths and Sunnah

Page 158 of the Quran covers Surah Al-A'raf (The Heights), verses 58 through 67.

This page serves as a major narrative transition. It opens with an ecological parable regarding good and bad soil, and then launches directly into the historical accounts of the Prophets sent to early civilizations. We are introduced to the struggle of Prophet Nuh (Noah) against the elite of his people, the dynamic of the Great Flood, and the introduction of Prophet Hud to the people of 'Aad.

The Sunnah and authentic Hadiths provide rich theological explanations for the parables on this page, as well as the deep history behind Prophet Nuh's mission.

1. The Parable of the Soil: Receptivity to Revelation

“And the good land - its vegetation comes forth by permission of its Lord; but that which is bad - it does not come forth except sparsely, with hardship. Thus do We diversify the signs for a people who are grateful.”

— Surah Al-A'raf (7:58)

Allah uses the physical quality of soil to describe the spiritual quality of human hearts when exposed to divine guidance. The Sunnah features a beautiful, direct commentary on this exact imagery, matching it perfectly.

The Three Types of Hearts

The Prophet Muhammad expanded on this verse by dividing people's reaction to knowledge into three distinct categories of land.

• Hadith: Abu Musa al-Ash'ari narrated that the Prophet said:
  "The example of guidance and knowledge with which Allah has sent me is like abundant rain falling on the earth.

  1. There is fertile soil that absorbs the water and brings forth vegetation and grass in abundance (the "good land" of Verse 58).

  2. And there are hard cliffs that retain the water, and Allah benefits mankind with it so they drink, water their livestock, and farm.

  3. And a portion of it falls on barren land which neither retains water nor produces vegetation (the "bad land" of Verse 58).
     That is the likeness of the one who understands the religion of Allah... and the likeness of the one who does not raise his head to look at it."
     (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 79 / Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2282)

2. Prophet Nuh and the Core Origin of Idolatry

“We had certainly sent Noah to his people, and he said, 'O my people, worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him. Indeed, I fear for you the punishment of a tremendous Day.'”

— Surah Al-A'raf (7:59)

This page initiates the story of Nuh, who is historically recognized as the first Messenger (Rasul) sent to correct systemic theological deviance.

A. Ten Generations of Pure Monotheism

The Sunnah provides crucial chronological context to Verse 59, clarifying that before Nuh was sent, humanity lived in complete spiritual alignment, and that idolatry was a historical corruption rather than man's natural starting point.

• Hadith / Athar: Ibn Abbas narrated regarding the historical timeline:
  "Between Adam and Nuh were ten generations, all of them following the true law (Monotheism). Then, they deviated, so Allah sent the Prophets as bringers of glad tidings and warners."
  (Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Tafsir; also recorded in Mustadrak al-Hakim, Hadith 3208; graded Sahih)

B. The Intercession of Nuh on the Day of Judgment

Because Nuh was the first to endure centuries of public mockery and rejection (as highlighted in Verses 60-64), the Sunnah grants him an elevated status on the Day of Judgment, where humanity will desperately run to him for assistance.

• Hadith: In the long, famous Hadith of Intercession (Shafa'ah), the Prophet Muhammad explained that when the crowds are overwhelmed on the Day of Resurrection, they will run to the pristine prophets:
  "They will go to Nuh and say: 'O Nuh, you are the first of the Messengers sent to the earth, and Allah called you a grateful servant. Intercede for us with your Lord!'..."
  (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 4712 / Sahih Muslim, Hadith 194)

3. The Arrogance of the Spiritual Elite (Al-Mala')

“The eminent among his people said, 'Indeed, we see you in clear error.' [Noah] said, 'O my people, there is not error in me, but I am a messenger from the Lord of the worlds.'”

— Surah Al-A'raf (7:60-61)

The text introduces the word Al-Mala', which refers to the wealthy, powerful political elite who look down upon the masses. The Sunnah points out that this specific dynamic—where the rich reject the message while the humble embrace it—is a repeating cosmic pattern across history.

The Message Followed by the Humble

• Hadith: In the historic dialogue between Heraclius (the Roman Emperor) and Abu Sufyan regarding the characteristics of the Prophet Muhammad, Heraclius asked a series of diagnostic questions used to identify a true prophet:
  Heraclius asked: "Do the nobles and elites follow him, or do the poor and weak follow him?" Abu Sufyan replied: "The weak and poor follow him." Heraclius later concluded: "And such are always the followers of the Messengers."
  (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 7)