Prophet Salih
صالحعليه السلام
Sent to Thamud with the miracle of the she-camel. His people were destroyed by an earthquake after they hamstrung the camel.
The People of Thamud
Thamud were the successors of 'Ad, dwelling in the rocky valleys of Al-Hijr (modern-day Mada'in Salih in Saudi Arabia). They carved magnificent homes into the mountains and were blessed with gardens, springs, and fertile land. Despite these blessings, they turned to idol worship.
وَثَمُودَ الَّذِينَ جَابُوا الصَّخْرَ بِالْوَادِ
“And [with] Thamud, who carved out the rocks in the valley.”
The Miracle of the She-Camel
The people of Thamud demanded a miracle from Salih. Allah caused a she-camel to emerge from a rock as a sign. Salih told his people that this was Allah's she-camel and they must let her graze and drink freely, and that harming her would bring severe punishment.
وَيَا قَوْمِ هَٰذِهِ نَاقَةُ اللَّهِ لَكُمْ آيَةً فَذَرُوهَا تَأْكُلْ فِي أَرْضِ اللَّهِ
“And O my people, this is the she-camel of Allah — a sign for you. So let her feed upon Allah's earth.”
The Hamstringing & Destruction
Despite the clear warning, the most wicked among them hamstrung and killed the she-camel. Salih gave them three days before the punishment would come. On the appointed day, a massive earthquake (sayha — a deafening blast) struck them, leaving them dead in their homes.
فَعَقَرُوهَا فَقَالَ تَمَتَّعُوا فِي دَارِكُمْ ثَلَاثَةَ أَيَّامٍ ۖ ذَٰلِكَ وَعْدٌ غَيْرُ مَكْذُوبٍ
“But they hamstrung her. So he said, 'Enjoy yourselves in your homes for three days. That is a promise not to be denied.'”
Key Lessons
- ◆Miracles are signs from Allah, not entertainment — they demand a response
- ◆The actions of a few can bring consequences upon an entire community that supports them
- ◆Allah's warnings have a set timeline — they are never empty threats
References & Sources
- Quran: Surah Hud (11:61-68), Al-A'raf (7:73-79), Ash-Shu'ara (26:141-159), An-Naml (27:45-53), Ash-Shams (91:11-15)
- Ibn Kathir, Qasas al-Anbiya