Prophet Hud and the People of 'Ad

Prophet Hud (peace be upon him) was sent to the people of 'Ad, a powerful ancient Arabian tribe known for their impressive physical stature, advanced construction, and military might. Allah describes them: "Have you not considered how your Lord dealt with 'Ad, Iram, who had lofty pillars, the likes of whom had never been created in the land?" (Quran 89:6-8). Despite their power, the people of 'Ad fell into polytheism and arrogance, and Hud was sent to call them back to the worship of Allah alone.

The Call of Hud

Hud's message was the same as every prophet's: "O my people, worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him. Will you not fear Him?" (Quran 7:65). He reminded them that their strength and prosperity were gifts from Allah, not achievements to boast about. The people of 'Ad rejected him: "The eminent ones who disbelieved among his people said, 'Indeed, we see you in foolishness, and indeed, we think you are of the liars'" (Quran 7:66). They were proud of their physical power and said: "Who is greater than us in strength?" Allah responded: "Did they not consider that Allah who created them was greater than them in strength?" (Quran 41:15).

The Punishment

When the people of 'Ad persisted in their disbelief, Allah sent against them a barren, furious wind (rih sarsar) that lasted seven nights and eight days: "And as for 'Ad, they were destroyed by a screaming, violent wind which Allah imposed upon them for seven nights and eight days in succession, so you would see the people therein fallen as if they were hollow trunks of palm trees" (Quran 69:6-7). The wind was so severe that it lifted people into the air and smashed them against the ground. The very structures they had built as monuments to their power were destroyed. Only Hud and the believers who followed him were saved.

Lessons

The story of 'Ad carries timeless lessons. Physical power, advanced technology, and material wealth are no protection against Allah's punishment. Arrogance and the refusal to acknowledge the Source of one's blessings lead to downfall. The 'Ad considered themselves invincible, yet they were destroyed by something as simple as wind, one of Allah's countless soldiers: "And none knows the soldiers of your Lord except Him" (Quran 74:31). The story is referenced repeatedly in the Quran as a warning to every subsequent civilization that builds monuments to its own greatness while forgetting its Creator.