the Lost City

The Lost City

One chief said, “Hud has been talking against our gods; they have jinxed him and that is why he is talking nonsense.”  “Your gods are nothing else but few names that you and your forefathers have given to some lifeless objects. Your gods have created nothing; on the contrary, they are made by human hands. They cannot save you from the doom which is coming to you as the consequence of your deeds.” “Which deeds are you referring to?” asked one leader. “Your grip is very strong. Whenever anyone comes in it, you pulverized them without mercy.”

“Why can’t the wise leaders understand a simple thing like that?” asked Amir. “To be cruel and hurt people is not good.” “The nation of Ad was proud and selfish; not willing to leave the benefits which they were extracting from the weak. Moreover, they had built many buildings with fluted columns in ancient times which were a great achievement. Iram, the capital city, had numerous gardens and was known as the city of columns,” mother said.

(46-22-26)(11-51-61)

Hud told the chieftains, “the belief in one God will not belittle you in the eyes of other nations. If you defy his laws, he will bring your nation down and replace it with another nation.” All Hud’s advice fell on the deaf ears of his countrymen. They said, “we are not going to change our views. We are going to worship our gods as we have seen our ancestors worshipping them. The threat of doom is an old threat. People in the past have been frightening us with it, but nothing has happened so far and nothing will happen in the future. If you are serious, bring the doom on us.”

“Listen to me,” said Hud “I am not asking for any reward for my services; my reward is on Allah who is powerful enough to compensate me for my work. I am only trying to remove the obstacles from your society which are hindering progress.” No one played any heed to what Hud was saying; chiefs and politicians because they did not like his massage; common people saw that Hud was alone and without any power, so he was unable to do any good for them. The chiefs, with resources, were more attractive to follow.