Nabi Hud

The 'Ad lived in Ahqaf, the sand dunes in Yemen, after the people of Noah. They were strong and built a magnificent city - "Iram which had tall buildings, the like of which had never been built in other countries." That power made them arrogant: "Who is stronger than us?" Allah sent Hud, their own brother, to call for monotheism.

Hud reminds of Allah's blessings: a mighty body, vast land, and position as a successor to Noah's people. He didn't ask for any wages. But the officials accused him of being unreasonable and a liar. They said, "It is the same for us whether you advise us or not." Hud broke free from their worship and put his trust in Allah, "There is not a single creeping creature except Allah who holds its crown."

When the doom came, they saw clouds approaching the valley and thought it was raining. In fact, the wind was very cold and strong, blowing it for seven nights and eight days continuously, until the people lay like rotten date palms. Hud and the believers were saved by the grace of Allah.

Physical strength, building technology, and the glory of civilization mean nothing before God if accompanied by arrogance. The wind — an invisible creature — is enough to bring down a people who ask "who is stronger than us." The story of Hud also shows the example of a preacher who was strong enough to face all the leaders of his people alone.