Surah Al Haqqah Tafseer

إِنَّا لَمَّا طَغَى الْمَاء

Verily, when the water rose beyond its limits,

meaning, it rose up over its shores by the leave of Allah and it overcame all that existed.

Ibn `Abbas and others said,

"The water rising beyond its boundary means it increased abundantly."

This happened due to the supplication of Nuh against his people when they denied him, opposed him and worshipped other than Allah. Therefore, Allah answered his supplication and the people of the earth were covered with the flood except for those who were with Nuh in the ship. Thus, are humans all from the loins of Nuh and his progeny.

For this reason Allah reminds humanity of His blessing,

إِنَّا لَمَّا طَغَى الْمَاء حَمَلْنَاكُمْ فِي الْجَارِيَةِ

Verily, when the water rose beyond its limits, We carried you in the ship.

meaning, a ship running along upon the surface of the water