had withheld rain from them for three years and had made the wombs of their women barren, so that they bore no children. Hud, peace be upon him, said to them: “If you believe, Allah will send rain upon you, and you will increase in wealth. He will restore the wombs of the mothers to their former state, so that they will bear children, and you will increase in strength through wealth and children.” It was also said: You will increase in strength in religion in addition to physical strength.

“And do not turn away as criminals”: that is, do not turn your backs as idolaters.

“They said, ‘O Hud, you have brought us no clear proof, and we will not abandon our gods at your word, nor will we believe in you.’ (53)”