Hūd (هود)
Etymology and Translation
- Arabic: هود (Hūd)
- Turkish: Hud
The name “Hūd” is derived from the Arabic root ه د ي (h-d-y), which carries connotations of guidance. Hūd is known as a prophet in Islamic tradition sent to the tribe of ʿĀd.
Lineage and Background
According to al-Baiḍāwī, Prophet Hūd was either:
- The son of ʿAbdullāh, son of Rabāḥ, son of Khālūd, son of ʿĀd, son of ʿAuṣ, son of Iram, son of Sām (Shem), son of Noah.
- Alternatively, Hūd was the son of Shālaḥ, son of Arfakshad, son of Sām (Shem), son of Noah.
Some Christian scholars, like D’Herbelot, speculate that Hūd might be the biblical Heber mentioned in Judges 4:1.
Qur’anic Account of Hūd
Hūd’s story and his mission to the tribe of ʿĀd are narrated in several chapters (Sūrahs) of the Qur’an. Here are the key passages:
Sūrah Al-A’rāf (7:65-72)
“And to ʿĀd we sent their brother Hūd. He said: ‘O my people, worship God; you have no other god but Him. Will you not then fear Him?’” (7:65)
Rejection by the Chiefs: The chiefs among his people accused him of madness and deception. Hūd clarified that he was a messenger from Allah, delivering His messages and counseling them to remember God’s blessings.
Divine Warning: The tribe’s disbelief continued, prompting Hūd to warn them of divine vengeance and wrath. Despite the warnings, the tribe continued their idolatry.
Divine Mercy and Punishment: Eventually, Allah’s mercy saved Hūd and the believers, while those who rejected faith faced total annihilation.
Sūrah Hūd (11:50-60)
“And unto ʿĀd (We sent) their brother Hūd. He said: ‘O my people, worship God. You have no other god but Him. Lo! You do but invent.’” (11:50)
Appeal for Repentance: Hūd urged his people to seek God’s forgiveness and promised that divine providence would bestow them with copious rains and strength if they repented.
Obstinacy of the Tribe: The people dismissed Hūd’s mission and attributed his warnings to malevolent influences from their gods.
Hūd’s Declaration: Taking God as his witness, Hūd declared his innocence from their idolatry and stood firm in his faith, predicting their downfall and his deliverance by God’s mercy.
Sūrah Ash-Shu’arā’ (26:123-139)
“The people of ʿĀd rejected the apostle. When their brother Hūd said to them, ‘Will you not be righteous?’” (26:123-124)
Warning and Reminder: Hūd reminded his people of God’s lavish provisions – flocks, children, gardens, and fountains – urging them to fear God and turn from oppression and pride.
Tribe’s Rejection and Fate: The tribe mocked Hūd’s warnings as old tales. Consequently, they faced divine retribution, serving as a sign for future generations.
Lessons and Takeaways
- Monotheism Over Idolatry: Hūd’s mission emphasizes the core Islamic teaching of monotheism and the rejection of idolatry.
- Warning Against Arrogance: The story underscores the detriment of pride and arrogance, leading to the tribe’s downfall.
- Divine Justice and Compassion: God’s mercy rescued the righteous, while divine justice punished the unrepentant.
Suggested Books for Further Study
- “The Prophets: Their Lives and Their Stories According to Islamic Tradition” by Gibril Fouad Haddad
- “Stories of the Prophets” by Ibn Kathir
- “The History of al-Tabari” (Vol. 2 & 3) translated by William M. Brinner
Conclusion
Prophet Hūd stands as a pivotal figure in Islamic tradition, embodying the eternal struggle between monotheism and idolatry, humility and arrogance. His story serves as a timeless lesson on faith, obedience, and the consequences of ignoring divine guidance.
