the fortresses that stood in the Hijaz. Likewise, He said to Noah, peace be upon him:

“When you and those with you have settled aboard the Ark, say, ‘Praise be to Allah, who has saved us from the wrongdoing people.’ (28) And say, ‘My Lord, grant me a blessed landing, for You are the best to bring us to land.’ (29)” [al-Mu’minūn 28–29]

This refers specifically to his descent from the ship to the ground. This is confirmed by Allah Most High’s words to Noah:

“O Noah, disembark with peace from Us and blessings upon you and upon nations from among those with you”—to the end of the verse. [Hūd 48]

This follows His words:

“The water subsided, the matter was concluded, and the Ark came to rest on al-Jūdī.” [Hūd 44]

This, then, is a descent from the ship. He also said to Adam and those with him:

“And We said, ‘Descend, as enemies to one another.’” [al-Baqarah 36]

This is a descent from heaven. Likewise, He said to Iblīs:

“Descend from it! It is not for you to be arrogant there. So leave; you are among the abased.” (13) [al-A‘rāf 13]

Thus, the word hubūt (descent) is of the same kind as nuzūl (coming down). Some instances are descents from heaven or Paradise, while others are from an earthly location—an elevated place on earth, such as the ship—just as the ascent and rising that are its opposites