Surah Hud
Chapter 11 · Verse 47 · Revealed in Makkah
“[Noah] said, "My Lord, I seek refuge in You from asking that of which I have no knowledge. And unless You forgive me and have mercy upon me, I will be among the losers."”
Translation: Saheeh International
Listen to recitation
Mishary Rashid Alafasy
Reflection — Ibn Kathir
A Return to the Story of the Son of Nuh and mentioning what transpired between Nuh and Allah concerning Him
This was a request for information and an inquiry from Nuh concerning the cirumstances of his son's drowning.
فَقَالَ رَبِّ إِنَّ ابُنِى مِنْ أَهْلِى
Reflection — Maarif ul Quran
Mentioned in the third verse (47) is the apology tendered by Sayyidna Nuh (علیہ السلام) . In gist, it is a return to Allah in submission and entreaty, a prayer for the protection of Allah, His forgiveness for past omissions, and a request for His mercy.
From here we learn that, should one commit a mistake, let him not rely on his personal resolve to stay safe from it in the future. He should, rather, seek the protection of Allah Ta` ala and pray to Him that He is the One who can keep him safe from errors and sins.
What does this verse bring up for you today?