Al-Muminoon (The Believers)

27. “Then We revealed unto him: ’Build the Ark before Our eyes and (according to) Our revelation. Then, when Our command comes and the oven gushes (water), take into it a pair of every kind (of animal) and (also) your family, except those of them against whom the word has already gone forth. And plead not with Me on behalf of those who are unjust, for verily they shall be drowned.”

Imam Baqir (as) said:

“Noah (as) called people to monotheism both secretly and openly for 950 years, until Allah told him:

‘...None of your People will believe except those who have believed already...’¹

Then Noah said:

’... they will mislead Your servants and will beget none save lewd ungrateful (children)’2 .”3

Then Allah issued the command for him to make the Ark and preparations were made to save Noah and his few companions and to destroy the obstinate polytheists. So He says:

“Then We revealed unto him: ‘Build the Ark before Our eyes and (according to) Our revelation...”

The Qur’anic phrase /bi ’a‘yunina/ (before Our eyes) refers to the fact that Noah’s effort and endeavor for this end was in the presence of Allah (s.w.t.) and He supported him, so Noah continued his task with a tranquil soul arid without being afraid of or concerned about anything.

The Arabic word /wahyina/ (Our revelation) shows that Noah learned the technique of making the Ark through the Divine revelation. Such a thing (as history shows) was unprecedented at that time. Consequently, Noah made the ship according to Allah’s direction, so it did not fall short of perfection for his aim.

The verse continues saying:

“...Then, when Our command comes and the oven gushes (water), take into it a pair of every kind (of animal) and (also) your family, except those of them against whom the word has already gone forth...”

(This last sentence refers to Noah’s wife and one of his children)

Then the Qur’an adds:

“...And plead not with Me on behalf of those who are unjust, for verily they shall be drowned.”

Of course, this warning was because Noah could have been moved by human sentiments or fatherly affection that might lead him (as) to intercede on behalf of them while they no longer deserved intercession.