Noah: Building amid ridicule

It is revealed to Noah that no more people from his tribe will believe, except for those who have already believed. He is told not to exhaust himself over what has happened and is ordered to build the ark under divine supervision. While he works, the notables of his tribe pass by and mock him. Despite their contempt, Noah continues the assigned task.

When the command arrives, those to be taken into the ark are identified: pairs of living creatures, his family except for those against whom the decree has been issued, and those who have believed. Noah tells those boarding the ship that its movement and its anchorage are in the name of God. Here, the story describes not just the completion of a structure, but the beginning of a journey for people in danger.

As the ship moves amidst the waves, Noah calls out to his son, who is standing apart, and asks him to board. His son says he will take refuge on a mountain that he thinks will protect him from the water. Noah informs him that this will not provide salvation. A wave comes between them, cutting off the conversation, and his son becomes one of the drowned. This scene carries both a father's effort and the pain of the child he could not reach.

After the waters recede and the ship settles, Noah turns to his Lord regarding his son. He is taught how to understand the promise regarding his family and that he should not insist on matters of which he has no knowledge. Noah prays for forgiveness and mercy. Finally, he is told to descend from the ship with peace and blessings. The story does not recount the joy of salvation while hiding the loss experienced within the family.