“And by Our revelation”: by Our command. “And do not plead with Me concerning those who have wronged; they will surely be drowned” in the Flood. It was said that this means: Do not plead with Me to grant the disbelievers respite, for I have decreed that they shall be drowned. It was also said: Do not plead with Me concerning your son Canaan and your wife Wa'ila, for they will both perish along with the people.

It is related (2) that Gabriel came to Noah, peace be upon him, and said, “Your Lord commands you to build the Ark.” He said, “How am I to build it when I am not a carpenter?” Gabriel replied, “Your Lord says: Build, for you are under My watchful eye.” So he took up the adze and began building, without making any mistake. It was also said that Allah revealed to him that he should build it in the form of a bird’s breast (3).