Before the Waters Rise
A transformative journey through the story of Prophet Nūḥ (Noah) ﷺ—exploring timeless wisdom for navigating moral decline in our modern age. Drawing from classical Islamic scholarship spanning seven centuries, this course illuminates ancient truths that speak powerfully to contemporary challenges.
Course Overview
Discover Timeless Guidance in a Drowning World
In an era marked by moral confusion and societal turbulence, the story of Prophet Nūḥ offers profound guidance and unwavering hope. This comprehensive course, based on Umar Quinn's acclaimed book Before the Waters Rise, weaves together insights from eight luminaries of Islamic scholarship—from Ibn Taymiyyah to Al-Sa'dī—creating a rich tapestry of wisdom that addresses our contemporary spiritual crisis.
Through careful study of Nūḥ's 950-year mission, we uncover practical strategies for maintaining faith amidst widespread corruption, cultivating noble character in challenging times, and building communities anchored in divine guidance. This isn't merely historical study—it's a roadmap for spiritual survival and moral excellence in our own age.
What You'll Gain
- Deep understanding of moral decline's patterns
- Character-building principles from Prophet Nūḥ
- Classical scholarly wisdom applied today
- Practical guidance for spiritual resilience
Classical Scholarship
Standing on the Shoulders of Giants
This course draws from the profound insights of eight towering scholars whose works have illuminated Islamic thought across seven centuries. Each brought unique perspectives and deep understanding to the Qur'anic narrative of Prophet Nūḥ.
Ibn Taymiyyah (d. 728 AH)
Renowned for his analytical depth and uncompromising commitment to authentic sources
Ibn al-Qayyim (d. 751 AH)
Master of spiritual refinement and profound psychological insights
Ibn Kathīr (d. 774 AH)
Celebrated exegete whose tafsīr remains an essential reference worldwide
Al-Sa'dī (d. 1376 AH)
Known for clarity and accessibility, making complex concepts beautifully simple
Together with Al-Biqā'ī, Muḥammad ibn 'Abd al-Wahhāb, Al-Shawkānī, and Ṣiddīq Ḥasan Khān, these scholars provide a comprehensive foundation for understanding Nūḥ's story and its relevance to our lives today.
Part I
Understanding Humanity's Moral Decline
Before we can appreciate the mission of Prophet Nūḥ, we must understand the world he confronted—a society drowning in shamelessness long before the physical waters rose. This section examines the patterns of moral decay that preceded the flood and continue to manifest in every age.
01
Man's Decline Into Shamelessness
Exploring how societies gradually normalize immoral behavior, losing their moral compass through incremental compromise and collective forgetfulness of divine guidance.
02
The Earliest Prophets' Warnings
Examining how prophets from the beginning of human history cautioned against shamelessness, establishing timeless principles of moral accountability.
03
Ancient Roots: Murder, Immorality & Polytheism
Uncovering the interconnected nature of moral corruption—how rejection of divine unity leads inevitably to societal breakdown.
04
Shamelessness as a Road to Destruction
Understanding the inevitable consequences of moral decay and why societies that abandon ethical principles ultimately collapse.
Part II
The Sacred Mission of Prophet Nūḥ
For 950 years, Prophet Nūḥ ﷺ called his people to return to the worship of Allah alone. His mission represents the longest prophetic struggle recorded in scripture—a testament to both divine patience and prophetic perseverance.
This section provides both a comprehensive overview of his story from beginning to end, and a detailed examination of his calling, the destructive traits of his people, and the wisdom behind his eventual supplication against them when hope of their repentance was finally lost.
Complete Narrative
A chronological journey through Nūḥ's prophetic mission from divine appointment to final deliverance
His Call to Truth
Analyzing his methods, arguments, and unwavering commitment to monotheism and moral reform
Their Destructive Traits
Understanding the characteristics that led a people to reject 950 years of prophetic wisdom
His Final Supplication
Examining the profound wisdom in Nūḥ's eventual prayer against his people and his farewell counsel
Part III
The Exemplary Character of Prophet Nūḥ
Beyond his mission lies the profound example of his character—a model of virtue that sustained him through nearly a millennium of opposition. This section forms the heart of the course, exploring eleven essential qualities that defined Prophet Nūḥ and offer transformative guidance for our own character development.
"And We made them leaders guiding by Our command when they were patient and had certainty in Our signs." — Sūrah al-Sajdah, 32:24
These qualities aren't merely historical observations—they're practical pathways for cultivating spiritual excellence in our own lives, regardless of the challenges we face.
Towering Pillars of Prophetic Character
Renowned Integrity (al-Amānah)
Trustworthiness that made even his enemies acknowledge his truthfulness, establishing credibility as the foundation of all effective calling to truth.
Remarkable Sincerity (al-Ikhlās)
Pure devotion to Allah, seeking no worldly gain or recognition—only divine pleasure through 950 years of service.
Goodwill & Sincere Advising (al-Nasīhah)
Genuine concern for his people's welfare despite their rejection, embodying the prophetic spirit of compassionate guidance.
Excellence in Worship (al-Ihsān)
Worshipping Allah as though seeing Him, and treating all creation with the highest standard of moral beauty.
Patience & Resolve (al-Sabr & al-'Azīmah)
Steadfastness through centuries of mockery and opposition, never wavering in his mission despite overwhelming adversity.
Reliance on Allah (al-Tawakkul)
Complete trust in divine wisdom and timing, understanding that results belong to Allah while effort belongs to His servants.
Profound Gratitude (al-Shukr)
Recognition of divine blessings even amidst trials, being described in the Qur'an as "a grateful servant"—one of the highest commendations.
Seeking Forgiveness (al-Istighfār)
Constant returning to Allah, acknowledging human limitation while seeking divine mercy and cleansing from spiritual ailments.
Forbearing Nature (al-Hilm & al-'Afuw)
The capacity to forgive personal wrongs while maintaining moral standards, balancing justice with mercy in perfect prophetic wisdom.
Humility & Love for Believers
Despite his prophetic station, showing special care for the poor and oppressed believers who followed him, embodying divine values over worldly status.
Integration of All Virtues
Understanding how these qualities work together as an integrated whole, creating a character capable of withstanding any storm.
Each quality receives detailed treatment with evidence from Qur'an, hadith, and classical commentary—providing both inspiration and practical application.
Practical Application
Your Journey Forward: Building an Ark of Character
Just as Prophet Nūḥ built a physical ark to preserve believers from the flood, we must construct an ark of character to navigate the moral turbulence of our age. This course concludes with practical synthesis—helping you integrate these timeless lessons into your daily life.
What You'll Take Away
- A framework for understanding moral decline's patterns in any society
- Practical strategies for maintaining faith amidst widespread corruption
- Character-building principles drawn from prophetic example
- Tools for patient perseverance in calling to truth
- Methods for cultivating spiritual resilience and community
- Deep connection to classical Islamic scholarship's treasures
The Main Lessons
The course culminates with a comprehensive summary that distills the essential teachings into actionable wisdom—your roadmap for spiritual survival and excellence in challenging times.
Begin Your Journey Today
Get the Book
Before the Waters Rise: Navigating a Drowning World Through the Story of Nūḥ by Umar Quinn represents years of careful compilation and arrangement of classical Islamic scholarship. This profound work makes centuries of wisdom accessible to contemporary English-speaking audiences.
Whether you're seeking to deepen your understanding of prophetic guidance, strengthen your character, or find direction in turbulent times, this course—grounded in the book's rich content—offers transformative insights that speak directly to our modern challenges.
Compiled and arranged by Abu Suhailah 'Umar Quinn عفا الله عنه—bringing together the timeless wisdom of Ibn Taymiyyah, Ibn al-Qayyim, Ibn Kathīr, Al-Biqā'ī, Muḥammad ibn 'Abd al-Wahhāb, Al-Shawkānī, Ṣiddīq Ḥasan Khān, Al-Sa'dī, and many other luminaries of Islamic scholarship.