صالح
Salih
Prophet to Thamud
Prophet Salih (peace be upon him) was sent to the people of Thamud, who lived in the rock-carved city of Al-Hijr in northwest Arabia. They were skilled craftsmen who carved their homes into the mountains.
Like 'Ad, Thamud were proud of their strength and rejected Allah's message. They demanded a sign from Salih, so Allah sent a she-camel as a miraculous sign. The camel had specific water rights and was to be left unharmed.
However, the leaders of Thamud, incited by their arrogance, hamstrung and killed the camel. Salih warned them that punishment would come within three days. On the third day, a mighty blast (earthquake or thunderclap) destroyed them all, leaving only Salih and the believers.
Key Events
The Miraculous She-Camel
Allah brought forth a she-camel from a rock as a sign, with specific water rights.
Hamstringing the Camel
The arrogant leaders of Thamud killed the she-camel, defying Allah's command.
Three-Day Warning
Salih warned his people that punishment would come in three days.
The Mighty Blast
A devastating earthquake or thunderclap destroyed Thamud completely.
The She-Camel
Allah miraculously brought forth a she-camel from a rock as a sign for Thamud. This camel had specific water rights.
وَإِلَىٰ ثَمُودَ أَخَاهُمْ صَالِحًا قَالَ يَا قَوْمِ اعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ مَا لَكُم مِّنْ إِلَٰهٍ غَيْرُهُ
And to Thamud [We sent] their brother Salih. He said, 'O my people, worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him.'
Read Full Verseوَيَا قَوْمِ هَٰذِهِ نَاقَةُ اللَّهِ لَكُمْ آيَةً فَذَرُوهَا تَأْكُلْ فِي أَرْضِ اللَّهِ
O my people, this is the she-camel of Allah - a sign for you. So let her eat within Allah's land.
Read Full Verseفَقَالَ لَهُمْ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ نَاقَةَ اللَّهِ وَسُقْيَاهَا
And the messenger of Allah said to them, '[Do not harm] the she-camel of Allah or [prevent her from] her drink.'
Read Full VerseMiracles require faith - Despite the clear miracle of the camel, most of Thamud still disbelieved.
Ignoring warnings brings destruction - Thamud were warned clearly but persisted in their defiance.
Arrogance blinds people to truth - Pride prevented them from accepting the obvious signs.