قَالَ رَبِّ ٱنصُرْنِى عَلَى ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلْمُفْسِدِينَ 30
Translations
He said, "My Lord, support me against the corrupting people."
Transliteration
Qala Rabbi ansurni 'alal-qawmil-mufsideen
Tafsir (Explanation)
Prophet Nuh (Noah) appeals to Allah for divine support against his people who were engaged in corruption and rejection of the message. This du'a (supplication) reflects the prophet's reliance upon Allah after exhausting all means of gentle persuasion, demonstrating that invoking Allah's aid against those who persistently spread corruption is a legitimate and noble act. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir emphasize that this represents the turning point where Nuh ceased his patient preaching and called upon Allah for intervention, which led to the flood.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the narrative of Prophet Nuh in Surah Al-'Ankabut (29:14-20), which recounts his 950-year mission to guide his people. The context shows Nuh's struggle against a population steeped in idolatry and moral corruption, making his plea for divine support a natural progression in his prophetic journey.
Related Hadiths
The Quranic account of Nuh's du'a is referenced in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:26-28) where the same supplication appears. Hadith collections often reference Nuh as the first messenger sent to mankind (Jami' at-Tirmidhi), contextualizing his unique struggle.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that after exhausting peaceful means of reform, believers may rightfully seek Allah's intervention against persistent corruption and injustice, while maintaining unwavering trust in divine wisdom and timing. It reminds us that patience in da'wah (preaching) must be balanced with reliance on Allah's ultimate authority and justice.