Lineage and Background
Prophet Ṣāliḥ (AS) was sent to the ancient and mighty tribe of Thamūd (ثمود) — a people who lived after the destruction of the ʿĀd (the people of Hud AS).
- He was from among the people of Thamūd, respected and trusted.
- According to some narrations, he was descended from Sam (Shem), the son of Nuh (AS).
- His full name is sometimes mentioned as Ṣāliḥ ibn ‘Ubaid ibn Asif ibn Masikh ibn ‘Ubaid ibn Hadhir ibn Thamūd ibn ‘Ābir ibn Iram ibn Sam ibn Nuh (AS).
The People of Thamūd
The Thamūd were a rich and powerful nation, known for carving elaborate homes and palaces into the rocky mountains of a region called Al-Hijr — modern-day Madā’in Ṣāliḥ, in northern Saudi Arabia.
They succeeded the people of ʿĀd and were similarly blessed:
“And remember when He made you successors after the ʿĀd and settled you in the land, building from its plains palaces and carving from the mountains homes…”
[Surah Al-A‘raf 7:74]
But they became arrogant, indulgent in luxury, and began worshipping idols, denying the oneness of Allah.
Prophethood of Salih (AS)
Allah chose Ṣāliḥ (AS), a man of honor and intelligence, to call his people to Tawheed (worship of one God).
“And to Thamūd [We sent] their brother Ṣāliḥ. He said, ‘O my people, worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him.’”
[Surah Hud 11:61]
Ṣāliḥ (AS) reminded them:
- Of Allah’s blessings: fertile land, strength, and skill.
- That he did not want any reward from them.
- That he was a sincere warner.
But they mocked him and said:
“You are just a man like us! How can you be chosen?”
[Surah Ash-Shu‘ara 26:154]
The Miracle of the She-Camel (Naqat Allah)
The people of Thamūd demanded a miracle to prove Ṣāliḥ’s truthfulness. They pointed to a rock and said:
“Bring forth a she-camel from this rock if you’re truly a prophet!”
So, by Allah’s command, a massive, pregnant she-camel miraculously emerged from the rock — a clear sign from Allah.
Ṣāliḥ (AS) warned:
“This is the she-camel of Allah — a sign for you. Let her graze on Allah’s earth and do not touch her with harm, or you will be seized with a painful punishment.”
[Surah Al-A‘raf 7:73]
Their Rebellion and Arrogance
Despite the miracle, the majority still refused to believe. The she-camel became a test for them:
- She drank from the well one day, and the people the next.
- They were warned to treat her kindly and leave her unharmed.
But they hated her presence and what she represented. The leaders conspired and eventually killed the she-camel, cruelly hamstringing her.
“But they hamstrung her and became regretful. So the punishment seized them.”
[Surah Ash-Shams 91:14–15]
Ṣāliḥ (AS) warned them one last time:
“Enjoy yourselves in your homes for three days. That is a promise not to be denied.”
[Surah Hud 11:65]
The Punishment of the Thamūd
Three days later, Allah’s punishment struck:
- A mighty blast (ṣayḥah).
- A violent earthquake.
- A lightning bolt.
Their souls were seized instantly.
“So the earthquake seized them, and they became within their home [corpses] fallen prone.”
[Surah Al-A‘raf 7:78]
“As if they had never lived there.”
[Surah Hud 11:68]
Their glorious carved homes remained — but empty, lifeless, and silent witnesses of their arrogance.
Salih (AS) and the Believers
Ṣāliḥ (AS) and those who believed were saved by Allah’s mercy. Heartbroken, he turned away from his people:
“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 advice.”
[Surah Al-A‘raf 7:79]
He likely left Al-Hijr and lived the rest of his life in another land. The details of his later years and death are not preserved with certainty.
🪨 The Ruins of Thamūd Today
- The ruins of Madā’in Ṣāliḥ still exist in northwestern Saudi Arabia.
- The Qur’an itself references these ruins:
“And you pass by them in the morning and at night. Will you not then use reason?”
[Surah As-Saffat 37:137-138]
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ warned his companions not to enter the ruins except in fear, remembering the fate of those destroyed.
🌟 Lessons from the Story of Salih (AS)
| Lesson | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Miracles don’t guarantee belief | The people saw a she-camel emerge from stone but still disbelieved. |
| Wealth and architecture don’t save you | Their stone homes didn’t protect them from Allah’s wrath. |
| Allah gives clear warnings | They were given time — three days — but they mocked it. |
| Harming Allah’s signs is a grave sin | Killing the she-camel sealed their fate. |
| Righteous people care deeply | Ṣāliḥ (AS) grieved for his people despite their rejection. |
🏛️ Summary of Prophet Salih (AS)
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Nation | Thamūd |
| Region | Al-Hijr (modern-day Saudi Arabia) |
| Miracle | The she-camel from the rock |
| Message | Worship Allah alone |
| Response | Arrogance, idol worship, denial |
| Punishment | Earthquake, blast, lightning |
| Believers | Few; saved with Ṣāliḥ (AS) |
| Legacy | A powerful example of divine justice |
