Ark, and We drowned those who denied Our signs. Indeed, they were a blind people.” That is, disbelievers. Ibn Abbas said: “Their hearts were blind to the knowledge of Allah.” Al-Zajjaj said: “They were blind to the truth and faith. The term ʿamin is used of a man blind to the truth, whereas aʿmā denotes blindness of sight.” It was also said that ʿamin and aʿmā are like khaḍir and akhḍar, two equivalent forms. Muqatil said: “They were blind to the punishment descending upon them—namely, drowning.”

Allah Most High says: “And to Aad We sent their brother Hud”: that is, We sent to Aad—Aad son of Aws son of Iram son of Shem son of Noah, peace be upon him; they were the first Aad—“their brother,” in lineage, not in religion, “Hud.” He was Hud son of Abdullah son of Rabah son of al-Jalud son of Aad son of Aws. Ibn Ishaq said: He was the son of Shalikh son of Arphaxad son of Shem son of Noah. “He said, ‘My people, worship Allah; you have no god other than Him. Will you not then be mindful of Him?’” That is, will you not fear His retribution?

“The eminent ones among his people who disbelieved said, ‘Indeed, we see you,’ O Hud, ‘to be in folly’”—that is, in stupidity and ignorance. Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “You are calling us to a religion we do not know.” “And indeed, we think you are among the liars”: that is, in claiming that you are Allah’s messenger to us.

Hud said, “My people, there is no folly in me; rather, I am a messenger from the Lord of all worlds.” ⦗131/b⦘