How to Pronounce Nuh

Meaning and Context

In Islamic tradition, Nuh (نُوح) is the revered prophet, identified with the Biblical Noah, whose profound narrative is a cornerstone of the Quranic message. Sent by Allah to a people deeply entrenched in idolatry, Prophet Nuh's mission spanned 950 years of unwavering dedication, calling his community to abandon polytheism and worship the One God. His story, detailed across numerous surahs including a chapter named after him (Surah Nuh), culminates in the divine command to build the Ark (al-Fulk) in response to the disobedience of his people. This event, known as the Great Flood, serves as a powerful parable of faith, perseverance, and divine justice, with Nuh and his followers finding salvation. The legacy of Prophet Nuh is emphasized as a universal lesson for later generations, reinforcing core Islamic principles of tawhid (monotheism), prophetic continuity, and ultimate accountability. His narrative is a pivotal link in the chain of Abrahamic prophets, deeply embedded in Islamic eschatology, theology, and popular piety.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The primary transliteration from Arabic to English is "Nuh," which accurately reflects the singular vowel sound in the original (نُوح). A common alternative spelling is "Nooh," which attempts to clarify the pronunciation of the long 'u' sound, though "Nuh" remains the most widely accepted in academic and Islamic texts. Frequent misspellings or typos include "Nouh," "Nuhh," or "Noah" when specifically referring to the Quranic account; while "Noah" is correct in a Biblical or general context, using it for the Islamic narrative can blur distinct theological and textual nuances. Another error is the confusion with the similar-sounding name "Nuh" (نوح) in other languages, which may be a common given name in some cultures unrelated to the prophet. Care should be taken to distinguish the prophet's name from the Arabic word for "comfort" or "repose," which is spelled differently (نُوح vs. نُؤُوح).

Example Sentences

The story of Prophet Nuh is recounted in the Quran as a stern warning to those who reject divine guidance.

During his exceptionally long ministry, Nuh patiently invited his people to righteousness, but they persistently mocked him and his message.

According to Islamic tradition, the faithful who boarded the Ark with Nuh were saved not only from the deluge but also from spiritual ruin.

Many Islamic scholars draw parallels between the obstinance of Nuh's people and contemporary societies that ignore moral truths.

The invocation "Peace be upon Nuh among the worlds" is a common expression of respect used by Muslims when mentioning his name.

His narrative is often cited in sermons to illustrate the virtues of steadfastness (sabr) in the face of overwhelming opposition.

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