He [Prophet Nuh's son] said: “I will seek refuge on a mountain that shall protect me from the water.” Nuh said: “ There is no protector today from Allah's punishment but He Who has mercy …” (Surah Hud, 11:43)
People, all of whom are inherently feeble, can encounter all sorts of difficulties at any time, such as an earthquake, flood, hurricane, or volcanic eruption. In addition, people are vulnerable to mental distress. In the face of these unfavorable events, they must consider the following: Regardless of their effort or strength, they can never avoid a threat unless Allah wills this. Allah, the most Compassionate, is the only Protector, as the Qur'an relates in the following verses:
Say: “Who rescues you from the darkness of the land and sea? You call upon Him humbly and secretly: ‘If you rescue us from this, we will truly be among the thankful.'” Say: “Allah rescues you from it, and from every plight. Then you associate others with Him.'” ( Surat al-An‘am, 6:63-64)
People remember Allah when they are left alone, when they realize that neither material wealth nor powerful people can help them, or when they fall sick. Yet after these situations pass, they forget what happened to them and become ungrateful toward Allah. Such people, who insist upon ungratefulness despite Allah's protection, will see the truth when they face infinite punishment in Hell. Their situation is related, as follows:
As for those who show disdain and grow arrogant, He will punish them with a painful punishment. They will not find any protector or helper for themselves besides Allah. ( Surat an-Nisa', 4:173)
