For students of history and theology, the story of the flood is one of the most captivating narratives in human history. One of the most common questions that arises during the study of the Prophets is: How long did it take Noah to build the ark? While the scriptures focus heavily on the message of the flood, understanding the timeline of How long did it take Noah to build the ark helps us appreciate the immense patience and dedication of this great Messenger.
How Long Did It Take Noah to Build the Ark?
The Qur’an does not explicitly state how long Prophet Nuh (Noah, peace be upon him) took to build the Ark. However, several classical Islamic tafsir sources and historical narrations mention an estimated period.
According to reports cited in Tafsir Ibn Kathir, as well as narrations attributed to early scholars such as Qatadah, Al-Dahhak, and Wahb ibn Munabbih, the construction of the Ark is said to have taken between 40 and 100 years. These narrations explain that Prophet Nuh first planted trees, waited for them to grow, and then used the timber to build the Ark, making the process long and demanding.
It is important to note that these accounts are interpretive and historical narrations, not definitive Qur’anic statements. Therefore, the exact duration remains known only to Allah, while these reports serve to illustrate the patience and perseverance of Prophet Nuh during this great trial.
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1- The Divine Command and Materials
The Construction of Noah's Ark began after a Divine revelation to build the ark was sent to Nuh (AS) once his people had definitively rejected his message. Regarding the wood used for Noah's Ark, Islamic tradition suggests it was teak or cedar. Unlike modern ships, the Noah's Ark dimensions and materials were dictated by Allah, described in the Quran as being made of "planks and nails" (Surah Al-Qamar).
2- The Mockery and Patience
During the decades spent answering the question of How long did it take Noah to build the ark through physical labor, Nuh (AS) faced constant Mockery of Noah's people. They laughed at him for building a massive vessel in the middle of a desert, far from any sea. However, his Nooh's 950 years of Da'wah had already prepared him for such ridicule.
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The Great Flood in Quranic Verses
The Great Flood in Quranic verses is described with vivid and powerful imagery. When the time for the punishment arrived, a unique sign was given: the Meaning of "The Oven Boiled Over" (Tannur). This referred to water gushing forth from a literal bread oven, signaling the start of the cataclysm.
Miracles and Life After the Flood
The Miraclesed of Prophet Noah extend to the gathering of the Animals on Noah's Ark, where pairs of every species were brought by divine instinct. Considering the Age of Prophet Noah (Peace be upon him) -who lived for over a millennium- the time spent on the ark was a pivotal moment in human history.
After the waters receded, the Life of Noah after the flood involved establishing a new civilization of believers. In recent years, many have searched for Historical evidence of Nooh's flood and the Preservation of the Ark's remains on Mount Judi, with some archaeological findings suggesting large wooden structures embedded in the mountain.
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10 Powerful Facts About Prophet Noah in the Qur’an
- Prophet Noah was the first messenger sent by Allah to humanity after the spread of polytheism.
- He called his people to worship Allah alone and abandon idols.
- He preached to his people for 950 years.
- His people mocked and ridiculed him for his message.
- Allah commanded him to build the Ark under divine guidance.
- The Flood was a punishment for those who denied his call.
- Noah and the believers were saved aboard the Ark.
- Only a small number of people believed in him.
- One of his sons disbelieved and drowned in the Flood.
- Allah made Prophet Noah a sign and a lesson for all mankind.
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FAQ about How long did it take Noah to build the ark
How many years did Noah build the ark?
While the Quran does not give a specific number, scholars estimate it took several decades. The question of How long did it take Noah to build the ark highlights his endurance against a disbelieving society.
How old was Nuh (AS) when the flood happened?
The Quran explicitly mentions Noah's 950 years of Da'wah before the flood. Most scholars believe he lived for some time after the flood as well, making his total age well over 1,000 years.
What was the miracle of the animals?
One of the great Miracles of Prophet Noah was his ability to house and manage the Animals on Noah's Ark without them attacking one another, sustained by Allah's protection during the violent storms.
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Explore Prophetic History with Iman School
The story of Nuh (AS) is just one of the many inspiring narratives in our Islamic History and Seerah courses. If you are fascinated by the Story of Prophet Nuh and the Flood or want to learn more about the Great Flood in Quranic verses, you need an authentic source of knowledge.
Iman School is the leading online platform for Islamic Studies and Quranic Arabic. Our expert tutors provide deep insights into the lives of the Prophets, helping you understand the wisdom behind the Construction of Noah's Ark and the legacy of Prophet Nuh (Noah) in Islam.
