Question:
Assalamualaikum wrm.wbt.,
Can I know how old was the Messenger of Allah SWT, Prophet Noah AS because I heard numerous different opinions on this matter?
Answer:
Waalaikumussalam wrm. wbt.
Alhamdulillah, praise and thanks to Allah for the countless blessings He has blessed us all with. Blessings and salutations to the Prophet Muhammad PBUH, his wives, his family, companions and all those that follow his teachings to the day of judgement.
Answering the above question, we will present the opinions of scholars on this matter:
First, the Prophet Noah AS was 1050 years old. This is the opinion of Ibn Abbas R.Anhuma who said: “Allah SWT sent Noah when he was 40 years old and he was with his people for 950 years. Preaching to them and lived after the typhoon or great flood for 60 years. Thus, he was 1050 years old.”
This is also agreed by al-Suyuthi where he presented this in his book al-Durru al-Manthur (11/537-538), Ibn Abi Hatim al-Razi in his Tafsir (9/3041), Tafsir al-Khazin (5/198-199), Tafsir al-Sam’ani (4/171), Tafsir ‘Izz bin ‘Abd al-Salam (1/846), al-Kasyf wa al-Bayan by al-Naisaburi (7/274), Tafsir al-Baghawi (6/236) and Tafsir Ibn Kathir (6/268).
Second, he was 950 years old. This is the opinion of al-Tabari stated in his Tafsir (20/17).
Third, he was 992 years old. This is the opinion in Tafsir al-Baidhawi (1/310).
Fourth, 1340 years. This is narrated in al-Tashil li ‘Ulum al-Tanzil (1/1403).
Fifth, scholars did not state his age when he dies but it is sufficient with what is stated in the Quran which is 950 year.
The authentic opinion is the Prophet Noah conveyed the message to his people for 950 years. As for the time after that, there is no definite duration. The same for after the great flood. This is the opinion that we hold and this is also the opinion stated by scholars such as al-Syeikh Muhammad Mutawalli Sya’rawi in his Tafsir (pg. 6959-6960), Ibn ‘Asyur in al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir (20/200) and Sayyid Qutb in Fi Zilal al-Quran (5/455).
What’s important is the lessons and teachings taught by the Prophet Noah AS. Likewise, for the lesson of patience showcased by him that Allah SWT rewarded him with success in his dakwah. Recite surah Noah which recorded the detailed story of Prophet Noah.
May Allah SWT give us a great understanding. Amin.