وَنَجَّيْنَـٰهُ وَأَهْلَهُۥ مِنَ ٱلْكَرْبِ ٱلْعَظِيمِ 76
Translations
And We saved him and his family from the great affliction.
Transliteration
Wa najjaynahoo wa ahlahu mina al-karbi al-adheem
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to Allah's salvation of Nuh (Noah) and his family from the great distress and tribulation they faced, specifically the mockery, rejection, and persecution from his people over 950 years of preaching. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret 'al-karb al-adheem' (the great distress) as the overwhelming psychological and spiritual burden Noah endured while witnessing the disbelief of his people, and his deliverance through the Flood that destroyed the disbelievers while saving the believers. This ayah exemplifies Allah's promise to protect His messengers and the faithful from ultimate harm, despite worldly trials.
Revelation Context
Surah As-Saffat is a Meccan chapter revealed during a period when the Prophet Muhammad faced intense opposition from the Quraysh. The surah recounts stories of previous prophets and their steadfastness, providing comfort and reassurance to the Prophet and believers. This particular ayah is part of the narrative of Nuh, serving as a timeless reminder that Allah delivers His faithful from their trials.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad said: 'The greatest trial will be for the believers on the Day of Judgment, but Allah will save them from it' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi). Additionally, the Quran itself states in 21:71 regarding Abraham: 'And We delivered him and Lot to the land which We had blessed for the worlds' - a parallel theme of divine deliverance.
Themes
Key Lesson
When facing persecution, hardship, or overwhelming challenges in upholding one's faith, believers should trust in Allah's promise of protection and ultimate vindication, just as He saved Noah and his family. This ayah teaches that endurance through trials is temporary, and Allah's rescue comes to those who remain steadfast in their submission to Him.