Who Were the Lost People of Ad in the Quran? Full Story 2025
Over two thousand years before the Common Era, after the catastrophic flood of Prophet Nuh (Noah, peace be upon him), a new nation emerged in the Arabian Peninsula,
the People of Ad in the Quran , one of the most powerful and physically impressive civilizations ever known. According to the Qur’an, this tribe was unmatched in strength, wealth, and beauty.
They had tall, radiant bodies, lived in vast lands, and developed a luxurious lifestyle. Allah describes them:
“The like of which was never created in the lands.”
(Surah al-Fajr, 89:8)
In another verse:
“And remember when He made you successors after the people of Noah and increased you in stature.”
(Surah al-A’raf, 7:69)
Classical Qur’anic commentators like Ibn ‘Abbas and Maqatil ibn Sulayman stated that the average height of the People of Ad was approximately 18 feet.
Their story is primarily preserved in the Qur’an, as no other religious or ancient historical text records their legacy.
This makes the Qur’an the most authentic source of their history.
However, some archaeological insights also exist, gathered by experts in Near Eastern studies.
Still, these findings are considered speculative, while the Qur’anic narrative holds absolute truth.
Reference: Qasas al-Qur’an p. 83.
Table of Contents
Where Are the People of Ad Mentioned in the Qur’an? Full List of Surahs
The People of Ad in the Quran are mentioned across nine different chapters (Surahs).
These references provide a powerful narrative of their rise, arrogance, and ultimate destruction. Below is a list of the Surahs where their story appears:
- Surah al-A’raf (7th chapter)
- Surah Hud (11th chapter)
- Surah al-Mu’minun (23rd chapter)
- Surah ash-Shu‘ara (26th chapter)
- Surah Fussilat also known as Surah as-Sajdah (41st chapter)
- Surah al-Ahqaf (46th chapter)
- Surah adh-Dhariyat (51st chapter)
- Surah al-Qamar (54th chapter)
- Surah al-Haqqah (69th chapter)
Each mention emphasizes a different moral or lesson, centered on themes such as arrogance, rejection of truth, and divine punishment.
The Prophet Hud (peace be upon him) was sent as their warner, yet they ignored his message, leading to their destruction.
Lineage of the People of ‘Ad in Islamic history
The People of Ad in the Quran are traced back to a man named ʿĀd, who was a descendant of Shem (Sām), the son of Prophet Nuh (Noah, peace be upon him).
Historians state that ʿĀd was from the fourth generation after Nuh, and his full lineage is often cited as:
ʿĀd ibn ʿAws ibn Iram ibn Sām ibn Nūḥ (عليه السلام).
This powerful Arab tribe became known by his name — the People of ‘Ad.
They lived in magnificent palaces built upon towering columns in a region known as Iram, referenced in the Qur’an as:
“Iram – who had lofty pillars”
(Surah al-Fajr, 89:7)
The city of Iram, once thought to be mythical, was reportedly identified in 1984 through satellite imagery captured by NASA’s Space Shuttle Challenger.
Archaeological research suggests that this location lies in modern-day Oman, near the Empty Quarter (Rub’ al Khali).
Reference: Qasas al-Qur’an, p. 84.
The Land of Warning: Where the People of ‘Ad Once Lived
The People of Ad in the Quran once thrived in what is now one of Earth’s most desolate deserts Al-Ahqaf, a vast stretch of sand between the Arabian Sea and the Red Sea, covering parts of modern-day Oman, Hadhramaut (Yemen), Bahrain, and western Yemen.
This region is now known as the Empty Quarter (Rub’ al-Khali). Al-Ahqaf spans over 650,000 square kilometers, making it one of the world’s largest sand deserts.
It features blinding white dunes, towering like mountains, where anything dropped is swallowed within moments.
Once a green and fertile land, this is where the mighty ʿĀd tribe lived — a nation so arrogant and materially advanced that they denied their prophet.
Today, the same region stands barren and cursed a living reminder of divine wrath and a warning sign for all who follow.
“And remember the brother of ‘Ad, when he warned his people in Al-Ahqaf…”
(Qur’an – Surah al-Ahqaf, 46:21)
Shaddad’s Earthly Paradise
The People of Ad in the Quran are portrayed as a mighty civilization with unmatched architectural prowess. The Qur’an refers to them as “Iram of the lofty pillars” in Surah Al-Fajr (89:7–8), emphasizing their grandeur:
“Iram – who had lofty pillars, the like of which was never created in the lands.”
Some scholars, like mention that Iram may have been a royal title or the name of their ancestor, Iram bin Sam.
Others, including commentators of Tafsir al-Bayan (Vol. 8, p. 466), explain that this title was linked to the architectural identity of the ‘Ad nation, especially their unique obsession with pillar-based construction—a concept largely unknown before them.
Among their rulers was Shaddad ibn ‘Ad, a legendary king who established a fortified city of gold and marble, adorned with thirty massive towers, discovered in underground ruins in recent times.
This city became renowned as Shaddad’s Jannat al-Ard (Earthly Paradise)—a utopia symbolizing human arrogance and divine rejection.
Despite their physical power and opulent structures, their arrogance sealed their doom.
Quranic tale of Shaddad and the destroyed paradise
Among the astonishing accounts in the Qur’an is that of the People of ‘Ad, an ancient nation renowned for its strength and architectural marvels.
One of their rulers, Shaddad ibn ‘Ad, is said to have constructed an earthly “Paradise” known as Iram, intending to rival the true Paradise promised in the afterlife.
According to classical scholars, including those cited in Ma’ariful Qur’an (Vol. 8, p. 741), Shaddad built a city adorned with gold, silver, and gemstones, upheld by towering columns—earning the Qur’anic title “Dhāt al-ʿImād” (possessors of lofty pillars).
It was an attempt to divert people from the Hereafter by offering a tangible, worldly utopia.
After 300 years of labor, Shaddad prepared to enter the city with his elite, but before they could, divine punishment struck.
The entire nation perished, and their majestic city was wiped from existence—a powerful reminder that no empire, no matter how dazzling, can withstand the will of God.
This story is not just historical—it is a divine warning against pride, material obsession, and forgetting the eternal life.
Shaddad, ruler of the mighty People of ‘Ad, was said to have lived for over 900 years.
Having completed his extravagant paradise, the legendary city of Iram, he invited his people to witness it—believing it to be a rival to the eternal Garden of the Hereafter.
As he approached the golden gates of his man-made “Jannah” with a massive procession, divine wrath struck.
Before he could set foot in Iram, Allah’s punishment engulfed them. Shaddad and his kingdom were buried alive beneath the desert sands, never to be seen again.
Though the authenticity of this event varies among Islamic scholars, it has been mentioned in several authoritative works, including:
Ma’ariful Qur’an, Vol. 8, p. 741
Bayan al-Qur’an, Vol. 8, p. 466
This awe-inspiring event serves as a timeless warning in the Qur’an about the illusion of power and the fate of those who defy divine truth.
The People of ‘Ad: First Idol Worshippers After the Flood of Nuh (AS)
The People of ‘Ad, known for their unmatched strength and bravery, were the first nation to reintroduce idol worship after the flood of Prophet Nuh (AS).
According to Imam Jalaluddin al-Suyuti in his tafsir al-Durr al-Manthur, this powerful Arabian tribe worshipped idols such as Samud and Habar, while Ibn Kathir mentions another idol named Samad.
Other sources list names like Sadaa, Samood, and Wahra.
Historians note that the deities of the ‘Ad closely resembled those of Nuh’s people: Wadd, Suwa’, Yaghuth, Ya’uq, and Nasr, all carved from stone.
When the ‘Ad drowned in shirk (polytheism) and moral corruption, Allah sent to them a righteous and pure-hearted prophet from among their own people to call them back to monotheism and upright living.
The Message of Prophet Hūd (AS) to the People of ‘Ād
Prophet Hūd (AS) was divinely sent to guide the People of ‘Ād, a powerful Arab tribe descended from Arabs of pure lineage.
According to a hadith recorded in Ṣaḥīḥ Ibn Ḥibbān, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “Four Prophets were Arab: Hūd, Ṣāliḥ, Shuʿayb, and your Prophet, O Abū Dharr.”
Hūd (AS) was a noble, handsome man from the respected branch of Khilūd within the tribe. He called his people to monotheism, saying:
“O my people! Worship Allah alone, you have no deity besides Him.”
(Qur’an, Sūrah al-Aʿrāf, 7:65)
But the arrogant chiefs of ʿĀd rejected his call. They mocked him, accusing him of madness and falsehood. They questioned his message, unwilling to abandon the idols their ancestors had worshipped.
“You have brought us no clear proof. We will not leave our gods for what you say. If you are truthful, bring upon us what you threaten us with.”
(Qur’an, Sūrah al-Aʿrāf, 7:70)
Prophet Hūd’s message reflected the timeless call of all Prophets: pure tawḥīd (monotheism), moral uprightness, and obedience to divine truth.
Prophet Hūd (AS) preached to his people tirelessly for over fifty years, reminding them of Allah’s blessings and warning them of the fate of past nations like the people of Nūḥ (Noah) (AS).
Despite his relentless efforts, the People of ‘Ād remained stubborn, drowned in their arrogance and pride.
They boasted of their unmatched strength and mocked the concept of divine punishment.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
“As for ‘Ād, they acted arrogantly in the land without right and said, ‘Who is mightier than us in strength?’”
(Qur’an, Sūrah Fussilat, 41:15)
The ‘Ād civilization stretched from Oman to Yemen, encompassing 13 powerful tribes.
Their land was lush and fertile, filled with gardens, flowing rivers, waterfalls, and fields rich with crops. They were physically tall, strong, and impressively built—blessings that only increased their delusion of superiority.
Yet, instead of gratitude, their prosperity led them to rebellion and disbelief. Their downfall began the moment they placed their trust in worldly might rather than the Creator.
The Supplication of Prophet Hūd (AS) and the Beginning of Divine Punishment
Despite decades of preaching, Prophet Hūd (AS) was rejected by the People of ‘Ād, who accused him of being bewitched or insane, claiming that their stone idols had cursed him.
They ridiculed his warnings and called him a sorcerer. But when arrogance and denial crossed every boundary, the Prophet turned to his Lord in heartfelt prayer:
“My Lord, indeed they have denied me, so judge between us, and grant me victory.”
— Surah al-Mu’minūn, 23:39-40
Allah responded with assurance:
“They will soon come to regret their denial.”
This marked the beginning of the punishment.
The angel of the clouds was commanded not to release any rain. The angel in charge of springs was ordered to dry up their rivers, waterfalls, and wells.
What was once a lush, green land rapidly turned into a dry wasteland. Livestock began to perish, and fruits and crops vanished. The People of ‘Ād fell into a severe famine that lasted for three continuous years.
Witnessing their despair, Prophet Hūd (AS) continued to call them to repentance:
“O my people! Seek forgiveness from your Lord and turn to Him in repentance. He will send rain from the sky in abundance and will add strength to your strength. But do not turn away as sinners.”
— Surah Hūd, 11:52
Yet the people arrogantly responded:
“O Hūd, you have not brought us any clear proof. We will not abandon our gods just because you say so. We believe that one of our gods has afflicted you with madness.”
— Surah Hūd, 11:53-54
Their disbelief, mockery, and pride sealed their fate.
The Chiefs of ʿĀd Visit the Sacred Land Seeking Rain
In those ancient times, even pagan tribes recognized the supreme authority of a divine force that governed the heavens and the earth.
It was customary that when people were afflicted with calamities, they would travel to Baytullāh (the Sacred House) in Makkah to plead for divine mercy.
This shows that even idol-worshippers acknowledged the singular power of the unseen Creator.
As the drought continued to devastate the land, seventy chieftains of the tribe of ʿĀd set out for Makkah, hoping to end the torment. At the time, Muʿāwiyah ibn Bakr, the ruler of the tribe of ʿAmālīq, governed the region.
His mother belonged to the tribe of ʿĀd, so he welcomed the group warmly and hosted them with generosity.
The group remained in Makkah for an entire month, persistently praying for rainfall. Their leader and chief supplicant was Qayl ibn ʿAnbar.
In response, Allah sent three clouds—one white, one red, and one black. A voice from the sky called out:
“Choose one of these clouds.”
Qayl looked to the black cloud and said, “This one seems full of rain and promise.”
But the divine voice returned:
“You have chosen your destruction.”
The black cloud, filled not with mercy but with divine wrath, was then driven toward the lands of ʿĀd.
When their people saw the thick, looming clouds in the horizon, they rejoiced, unaware of what was coming. They beat drums, played flutes, and celebrated, thinking the drought had finally ended.
They had no idea that those clouds carried not water, but their annihilation.
The Black Cloud of Doom: Divine Wrath Unleashed
As the ominous black cloud loomed over the valleys of ʿĀd, they rejoiced.
The people danced and cheered, thinking the long-awaited rain had finally arrived. But they were deluded by their arrogance and heedlessness.
The Qur’an declares:
“When they saw it as a cloud advancing toward their valleys, they said: ‘This is a cloud bringing us rain!’ No—it is what you were impatient for: a wind with a painful punishment.”
(Surah al-Aḥqāf, 24)
The sky turned fierce. The gentle breeze morphed into a roaring, relentless storm, carrying within it the very destruction they mocked. Allah says:
“It destroyed everything by the command of its Lord. So they became such that nothing could be seen except their empty homes.”
(Surah al-Aḥqāf, 25)
That wind, laden with divine wrath, obliterated every trace of their pride—uprooting trees, flattening palaces, and extinguishing every soul.
The once proud nation of ʿĀd was now a forgotten tale, blown away like the dust they once walked upon arrogantly.
“Thus do We recompense the wicked.” (Qur’an)
The Fall of ‘Ād: Winds of Wrath and the Shelter of Hūd (علیہ السلام)
The people of ʿĀd met their end under a punishment no power could withstand. As revealed in the Qur’an:
“Allah unleashed upon them a furious wind for seven nights and eight days, non-stop, so that you could see the people lying like hollow trunks of palm trees.”
(Surah al-Ḥāqqah, 6–7)
It was no ordinary storm—it was a raging windstorm of divine fury, piercing even the most fortified fortresses and strongest bodies.
Life perished, homes crumbled, and their arrogance was buried in the sands of time.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ later explained:
“Allah opened only as much of that wind as a ring’s space upon them—and it annihilated them.”
(Narrated by Ibn ʿUmar, in al-Bidāyah wa al-Nihāyah)
But not all were destroyed. Prophet Hūd (علیہ السلام) and the believers who followed him remained safe in a place called Ḥaẓīrah, a divinely protected valley where the wind could not touch them.
Even centuries later, the Prophet ﷺ remembered this moment. When asked by ʿĀʾishah (رضي الله عنها) why his expression changed at the sight of clouds, he replied:
“O ʿĀʾishah! What guarantee is there that this cloud does not bring torment? The people of ʿĀd also saw clouds and thought it was rain—but it was destruction.”
(Qasas Ibn Kathīr, pp. 134–135)
This incident reminds us that divine punishment can come silently, appearing as a blessing, yet containing unbearable wrath for the disobedient.
Divine Warnings: Lessons from the Destruction of ʿĀd
The Qur’an recounts the downfall of ancient nations not as distant history, but as timeless warnings.
The story of ʿĀd, a people once blessed with wealth, strength, and splendor, is a sobering reminder: Divine blessings without gratitude lead to ruin.
Despite receiving every worldly favor, they denied their Prophet Hūd (علیہ السلام), rejected truth, and persisted in arrogance.
When their rebellion crossed all limits, Allah’s punishment arrived through a fierce wind that erased their legacy from the earth.
“So We destroyed them for their sins. We drowned the people of Pharaoh. They all were wrongdoers.”
(Surah al-Anfāl, 54)
This is not just a tale of the past. It’s a mirror for us today—a reminder that power, progress, and prosperity are not guarantees of safety.
If we, as individuals and as an ummah, ignore divine guidance, mock the message of our Prophet ﷺ, or fall into heedlessness, we risk the same fate.
Hence, we must continuously reflect on our daily lives, both personally and collectively, and ask: Are we unknowingly or knowingly disobeying Allah and His Messenger ﷺ?
conclusion
The fall of ʿĀd teaches us that no civilization—no matter how powerful—is immune to divine justice.
Their strength, wealth, and architecture could not shield them from Allah’s wrath when arrogance replaced gratitude and denial silenced truth.
Through this Qur’anic narrative, we learn the importance of humility, obedience, and reflection.
As mentioned in Tafsīr Ibn Kathīr (Vol. 2, pp. 134–135), the Prophet ﷺ warned that even clouds could conceal punishment.
Today’s believers must assess their moral compass and realign with divine guidance before it’s too late.
This is not ancient history—it is an urgent wake-up call.
conclusion In Point
- Rejecting Truth Leads to Destruction
The people of ʿĀd denied Prophet Hūd’s (AS) message despite clear warnings—resulting in divine punishment. - Power Doesn’t Guarantee Protection
Their strength, wealth, and high architecture couldn’t save them from Allah’s command. - Duʿā of Prophets is Always Heard
Prophet Hūd (AS) prayed sincerely—and Allah responded by sending a just punishment. - Signs Were Given, But Ignored
Black clouds, a sign of coming mercy, turned into torment due to arrogance and disbelief. - Natural Disasters Can Be Divine Warnings
The Qur’an describes the deadly windstorm as a punishment for persistent disobedience (Surah Al-Haqqah 69:6–7). - Obedience Brings Safety
Hūd (AS) and his followers were saved because they obeyed Allah and took shelter. - Today’s World Must Reflect
This story isn’t history alone—it’s a reminder to individuals and societies to turn back to Allah before consequences arrive.
