فَدَعَا رَبَّهُۥٓ أَنِّى مَغْلُوبٌ فَٱنتَصِرْ 10
Translations
So he invoked his Lord, "Indeed, I am overpowered, so help."
Transliteration
Fada'a rabbahu annee maghlubunFantasir
Tafsir (Explanation)
Prophet Nuh (Noah) called upon his Lord saying, 'Indeed, I am overcome [by my enemies], so help me [overcome them].' According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this represents Nuh's sincere supplication to Allah after 950 years of preaching to his people with minimal response, showing his reliance on divine aid when human efforts alone prove insufficient. Al-Qurtubi notes this demonstrates the permissibility of seeking Allah's help against oppressors and the virtue of patience combined with earnest dua.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within the narrative of Surah Al-Qamar, which recounts stories of prophets and their peoples' rejections. The context describes Nuh's struggle with his nation's disbelief and mockery despite his tireless message, establishing the backdrop for his desperate call to Allah for divine intervention.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, 'The supplication most likely to be answered is the one made in the middle of the night and at the end of the obligatory prayers' (Tirmidhi). Additionally, 'When one of you is tested and calls upon Allah, do not say 'O Allah, forgive me if You wish,' but be firm in your request' (Sahih Muslim) - exemplifying sincere, resolute dua as demonstrated by Nuh.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that acknowledging our weakness before Allah and calling upon Him with sincerity is a source of strength, not shame, and that after exhausting permissible means, turning to Allah with firm conviction in His aid is both spiritually necessary and practically wise.