Thus, the first is like the believer who, when he hears the Quran, retains it, understands it, and benefits from it; while the second is like the disbeliever who hears the Quran but is not affected by it, like barren land upon which no trace of the rain can be seen. “Thus do We set forth the signs in various ways”—that is, We make them clear—“for a people who give thanks.”
Abd al-Wahid ibn Ahmad al-Mulayhi informed us; Ahmad ibn Abd Allah al-Nu‘aymi informed us; Muhammad ibn Yusuf informed us; Muhammad ibn Isma‘il reported to us; Muhammad ibn al-‘Ala’ reported to us; Hammad ibn Usamah reported to us from Yazid ibn Abd Allah, from Abu Burdah, from Abu Musa, may Allah be pleased with him, from the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, who said:
“The likeness of the guidance and knowledge with which Allah has sent me is that of abundant rainfall that falls upon land. One part of it is good soil: it receives the water and produces plentiful pasture and herbage. Another part is hard, barren ground that holds the water, through which Allah benefits people: they drink, give water, and cultivate. Yet another part is flat, barren land that neither retains water nor produces pasture. Such is the likeness of one who gains understanding in the religion of Allah and benefits from that with which Allah sent me: he learns and teaches; and the likeness of one who pays it no heed and does not accept the guidance of Allah with which I have been sent.” (1)
“We certainly sent Noah to his people, and he said, ‘My people, worship Allah; you have no god other than Him. Indeed, I fear for you the punishment of a tremendous Day.’ (59) The eminent among his people said, ‘Indeed, we see you to be clearly in error.’ (60) He said, ‘My people, there is no error in me; rather, I am a messenger from the Lord of all worlds. (61) I convey to you the messages of my Lord, give you sincere counsel, and know from Allah what you do not know.’ (62)”
Allah’s words, Exalted is He: “We certainly sent Noah to his people.” He was Noah, son of Lamak, son of Methuselah, son of Enoch—who was Idris. He was the first prophet sent after Idris. He was a carpenter, and Allah sent him to his people when he was fifty years old. Ibn Abbas said: when he was forty years old. It was also said that he was sent when he was two hundred and fifty years old. (2) Muqatil said: when he was one hundred years old. Ibn Abbas said: He was named Noah because of how much he lamented over himself.
They differed regarding the reason for his lamentation. Some said: it was because he invoked destruction upon his people. It was also said: because he appealed to his Lord concerning his son Canaan. And it was said: because he once passed by a leprous dog and said, “Begone, you ugly creature!” Thereupon Allah, Exalted is He, revealed to him: “Have you found fault with Me, or have you found fault with the dog?”
“And he said”—that is, to his people—“My people, worship Allah; you have no god other than Him.” Abu Ja‘far and al-Kisa’i recited, “You have no god other than Him,” with ghayrihi in the genitive.