Prophet Salih (صالح عليه السلام) is one of the prophets mentioned in the Qur’an who was sent by Allah to guide the people of Thamud. His story is a powerful example of the consequences of rejecting Allah's guidance and the signs He sends to humanity. The story of Salih is detailed in several chapters of the Qur'an, including Surah Al-A’raf (7), Surah Hud (11), Surah Ash-Shu’ara (26), and Surah Al-Qamar (54).
Background of the People of Thamud
The people of Thamud were descendants of the people of 'Ad (the people of Prophet Hud).
They lived in the region of Al-Hijr (present-day northwest Saudi Arabia).
Thamud were known for their advanced skills in architecture and engineering.
They built magnificent homes and palaces by carving them into mountains and rock cliffs.
They were materially wealthy and powerful, but they turned away from Allah and started worshipping idols.
- "And remember when He made you successors after 'Ad and settled you in the land, taking for yourselves palaces from its plains and carving homes from the mountains."
(Surah Al-A’raf 7:74)
Prophet Salih’s Mission
Allah sent Prophet Salih to guide the people of Thamud to the truth.
Salih was known for his wisdom, honesty, and piety even before he was chosen as a prophet.
He called his people to:
✅ Worship Allah alone.
✅ Abandon idol worship.
✅ Be grateful for Allah’s blessings.
✅ Follow moral and ethical behavior.
"O my people, worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him. There has come to you a clear sign from your Lord."
(Surah Al-A’raf 7:73)
The Response of the People of Thamud
The leaders of Thamud rejected Salih’s message.
- They argued that he was merely a human like them and not a true prophet.
- They questioned why Allah would send a prophet from among them.
- They accused Salih of lying and trying to mislead them.
- "You are but a man like ourselves. So bring a sign, if you should be of the truthful."
(Surah Ash-Shu’ara 26:154)
The She-Camel (Naqat Allah) – A Divine Test
To prove his truthfulness, Allah sent Salih a miraculous sign:
Allah caused a she-camel to emerge from a rock as a sign of His power.
Salih told his people:
- The camel would drink from their well one day.
They could use the well on alternate days.
They were not to harm the camel in any way.
- "And to Thamud [We sent] their brother Salih. He said, 'O my people, worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him. There has come to you clear evidence from your Lord. This is the she-camel of Allah, sent to you as a sign. So leave her to eat within Allah’s land, and do not touch her with harm, lest there seize you a painful punishment.'"
(Surah Al-A’raf 7:73)
Rebellion and Killing of the Camel
Despite witnessing the miracle, the people of Thamud grew arrogant and rebellious.
- They conspired to kill the camel, which Salih had warned them not to harm.
- A group of men hamstrung and killed the camel.
- "But they hamstrung her, so he said, 'Enjoy yourselves in your homes for three days. That is a promise not to be denied.'"
(Surah Hud 11:65)
Salih warned them that Allah’s punishment would come in three days.
Instead of repenting, they mocked Salih and challenged him to bring the punishment.
- "Bring us what you promise us if you should be of the messengers."
(Surah Ash-Shu’ara 26:154)
Allah’s Punishment of Thamud
On the third day, Allah’s punishment descended upon the people of Thamud:
A mighty earthquake shook the land.
A loud blast (sayhah) from the sky destroyed their structures and homes.
The people were left dead, lying face down.
- "And the shriek seized those who had wronged, and they became within their homes [corpses] fallen prone."
(Surah Hud 11:67)
"And as for Thamud, We guided them, but they preferred blindness over guidance, so the shriek of a humiliating punishment seized them for what they used to earn."
(Surah Fussilat 41:17)
Salih and the Believers Were Saved
Allah saved Prophet Salih and those who believed in him before the punishment struck.
- Salih left the ruins of Thamud and turned to Allah, saying:
- "So he left 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 advisors.'"
(Surah Al-A’raf 7:79)
The Ruins of Thamud
The remains of the Thamud civilization, known as Madain Salih or Al-Hijr, still exist today in northwest Saudi Arabia.
The Quran mentions them as a sign for future generations.
- The ruins serve as a reminder of the consequences of rejecting Allah’s guidance.
- "And you dwell in the homes of those who wronged themselves, and it has become clear to you how We dealt with them, and We presented for you [many] examples."
(Surah Ibrahim 14:45)
Lessons from the Story of Salih
Miracles alone do not guarantee faith – Despite witnessing a divine sign, the people of Thamud rejected the truth due to their arrogance.
Disbelief leads to destruction – Thamud's strength and wealth could not save them from Allah’s punishment.
Respecting the signs of Allah – The she-camel was a test from Allah, and their mistreatment of it brought Allah’s punishment.
Prophets are messengers, not magicians – Salih’s role was to convey Allah’s message; guidance is ultimately from Allah.
Arrogance and pride lead to ruin – The people of Thamud’s rejection stemmed from their belief in their strength and power.
Prophet Salih in the Qur'an
Salih’s story appears in several places:
Surah Al-A’raf (7:73–79) – Mention of the camel and their destruction.
Surah Hud (11:61–68) – Details of their disobedience and punishment.
Surah Ash-Shu’ara (26:141–159) – How the people mocked Salih and Allah’s response.
Surah Al-Qamar (54:23–31) – The sudden and severe punishment of Thamud.
Conclusion
Prophet Salih’s story teaches that arrogance, disbelief, and disrespect toward Allah’s signs lead to destruction. The people of Thamud had power, strength, and wealth, but their rejection of Allah’s message led to their downfall. The story serves as a reminder that true success lies in obedience to Allah and humility before His guidance.
"Indeed in their stories, there is a lesson for those of understanding."
(Surah Yusuf 12:111)
