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Prophet Ṣāliḥ (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)
The Messenger to Thamūd and the Miracle of the She-Camel
🌟 Who Was Prophet Ṣāliḥ (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)?
Prophet Ṣāliḥ (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was a descendant of Prophet Nūḥ (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), sent as a messenger to the mighty and arrogant people of Thamūd, who lived after the destruction of the nation of ‘Ād. They inherited a prosperous land and built homes in rocky mountains, yet like their predecessors, they too fell into idolatry, arrogance, and sin.
Ṣāliḥ is mentioned in Surah Hūd, Al-A‘rāf, Ash-Shu‘arā’, Al-Qamar, and others. His story is one of miracle, rebellion, and divine punishment—a powerful lesson for every generation.
🏞️ The Civilization of Thamūd
The people of Thamūd lived in the region of Al-Ḥijr (modern-day northwestern Arabia), known for its towering mountains, stone-carved homes, and fertile land. Allah had blessed them immensely, saying:
"And remember when He made you successors after ‘Ād and settled you in the land. You build palaces on its plains and carve homes in the mountains. So remember the favours of Allah and do not go about spreading corruption on the earth."
— Surah Al-A‘rāf 7:74
Despite these blessings, they turned to idol worship and became arrogant and unjust. They believed their strength and craftsmanship made them immune to death and divine consequence.
📖 Allah Sends Ṣāliḥ as a Prophet
Allah chose Ṣāliḥ, a wise, noble, and righteous man from among them, to guide Thamūd back to Tawḥīd (Oneness of Allah).
He called them gently:
"O my people, worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him. He created you from the earth and settled you in it, so ask His forgiveness, then turn to Him in repentance. Indeed, my Lord is near and responsive."
— Surah Hūd 11:61
He reminded them of the fate of ‘Ād before them, and urged them to be grateful—but they were blinded by arrogance and accused him of lying.
"O Ṣāliḥ, you were among us a man of promise before this. Do you forbid us to worship what our forefathers worshipped?"
— Surah Hūd 11:62
🐪 The Miracle of the She-Camel
The people of Thamūd demanded a miracle to prove his Prophethood. They asked for a specific sign—a she-camel, miraculously born from a solid rock, with unusual traits.
By Allah’s will, Ṣāliḥ delivered. A huge she-camel emerged from the mountain—a living sign, visible to all.
"This is the she-camel of Allah—a sign for you. So let her feed on Allah’s earth and do not harm her, lest a near punishment should seize you."
— Surah Hūd 11:64
She drank water one full day and allowed them access the next. She grazed freely and was to be treated with respect. It was a direct test of their obedience to Allah.
💔 The Rebellion and Slaughter
The miracle of the she-camel should have humbled them, but instead, jealousy, pride, and rebellion increased.
Led by a group of conspirators, nine influential leaders from Thamūd plotted against the camel and the Prophet:
"And there were in the city nine family heads causing corruption in the land and not amending [it]. They said, 'Swear by Allah that we will kill him (Ṣāliḥ) and his family by night...'"
— Surah An-Naml 27:48–49
Eventually, they slaughtered the camel, defying the warning of Allah. They shouted with pride:
"O Ṣāliḥ! Bring us what you threaten us with, if you are truly one of the messengers!"
— Surah Al-A‘rāf 7:77
Ṣāliḥ was heartbroken. He said:
"Enjoy yourselves in your homes for three days. That is a promise not to be belied."
— Surah Hūd 11:65
He left them to reflect—but their hearts were sealed.
⚡ The Destruction of Thamūd
After three days, Allah’s punishment descended upon the defiant nation. They were seized by:
A terrible blast
A mighty earthquake
A deafening scream
"So the earthquake seized them, and they became within their home [corpses] fallen prone."
— Surah Al-A‘rāf 7:78
"As if they had never prospered therein."
— Surah Hūd 11:68
Their grand stone homes could not save them. Their wealth and arrogance perished with them. The land of Thamūd became a graveyard, a warning carved in stone.
🛡️ Ṣāliḥ and the Believers Were Saved
Allah saved Ṣāliḥ and those who believed. He turned away from the ruins of his people, grieved yet submitting to Allah's will:
"So he turned away from them and said, 'O my people, I had certainly conveyed to you the message of my Lord and advised you, but you do not like those who give good advice.'"
— Surah Al-A‘rāf 7:79
Ṣāliḥ lived out his remaining years in peace, among the few who survived.
🕋 What Remains of Thamūd Today?
The ruins of Al-Ḥijr still exist in modern-day Mada’in Ṣāliḥ (Saudi Arabia). The Qur’an explicitly warns:
"And you certainly pass by them in the morning and at night. Then will you not use reason?"
— Surah As-Sāffāt 37:137–138
The Prophet ﷺ forbade his companions from drinking water or resting in the ruins, except in fear and reflection. It is a land of divine punishment, not tourism.
🪔 Lessons from the Life of Ṣāliḥ (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)
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Rejecting clear signs from Allah leads to destruction
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Miracles cannot benefit arrogant hearts
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Wealth and power offer no protection from divine wrath
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True strength lies in submission to the Creator
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Even the righteous grieve—but they trust Allah’s decree
🌌 Final Reflection
Prophet Ṣāliḥ (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) stands as a symbol of courage, truth, and firm faith amidst a nation drunk on pride. His story reminds us that Allah sends clear signs, but guidance is only for those with open hearts.
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