WHY NAJAF IS NAMED THUS?

There is difference of opinion among the scholars, with regard to the cause of naming the city as Najaf. Each one has justified according to his opinion. In chapter 26 of his book Ilalush Sharaey, Shaykh Sadooq (a.r.) writes:

There was a tall and huge mountain at the place where Najaf is situated presently. There was no mountain taller than it on the whole of the Earth. However, during the time of Nooh (a.s.) when the deluge occurred, he (a.s.) told his son to board the Ark, but he said that he would climb the mountain and it would save him from drowning. Almighty Allah revealed to the mountain, Does My creature seeks your refuge after deserting Me?"

Due to this the mountain pulverized and the place was covered by the water.