So Allah “said” to him: “He is not of your family” whom I promised you I would save. “Indeed, it is an unrighteous deed”—that is, this supplication that you offered (1), seeking the salvation of a disbeliever who believes neither in Allah nor in His Messenger.
“So do not ask Me about that of which you have no knowledge”—that is, when you do not know its outcome and ultimate consequence, or whether it will prove good or otherwise.
“I admonish you lest you be among the ignorant.” That is, I admonish you in a manner by which you may become one of those who are complete in character and be delivered from the attributes of the ignorant.
Noah—peace be upon him—then felt profound remorse for what had issued from him and “said, ‘My Lord, I seek refuge in You from asking You about that of which I have no knowledge. Unless You forgive me and have mercy upon me, I shall be among the losers.’”
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It is through forgiveness and mercy that a servant is saved from being among the losers. This indicates that Noah—peace be upon him—did not know that his plea to his Lord for his son’s salvation was forbidden and fell under His words: “Do not plead with Me concerning those who have done wrong; they will surely be drowned.” Rather, the two commands appeared to conflict in his mind, and he thought that his son was included in His words, “and your family.”
Afterward, it became clear to him that his son was among those concerning whom he had been forbidden to supplicate or plead.
“It was said, ‘O Noah, disembark with peace from Us and blessings upon you and upon communities from those with you’”—including the human beings and the other pairs he had taken aboard. Allah blessed them all until they populated every region and corner of the earth.
“But there will be other communities whom We shall grant enjoyment” in this world, “then a painful punishment from Us will touch them.” That is, this deliverance does not prevent Us from inflicting punishment upon anyone who subsequently disbelieves. Though they may enjoy themselves for a little while, they will thereafter be seized.
After recounting this detailed story—known only to one whom He has favored with His message—Allah said to His Prophet Muhammad—may Allah bless him and grant him peace:
“These are accounts of the unseen that We reveal to you. Neither you nor your people knew them before this,” so they cannot say that he already knew them.
Therefore, praise Allah and thank Him, and remain steadfast upon the upright religion, the straight path, and the call to Allah. “Surely the ultimate outcome belongs to the God-fearing”—those who guard themselves against associating partners with Allah and all other sins. Thus the final triumph over your people will be yours, just as it was Noah’s over his people.