Prophet Salih (AS) is one of the significant Prophets in the Islamic tradition, he was sent to the people of Thamud by Allah. The tale of this prophet as given in the Quran presents a deep moral lesson of faith, obedience, and the consequences of not adhering to divine commands. The story of Salih (AS) teaches us about the significance of belief in one God and the consequences of pride and disbelief.
Early Life and the People of Thamud
Their legacy was succeeded by the tribe of Thamud. This ancient Arabian tribe lived in the land of Al-Hijr between the regions of Hijaz and Tabuk in modern Saudi Arabia. Incredibly, they were able to sculpt homes into mountains and erect palaces on broad plains, a testament to both their engineering ingenuity and their wealth. They made progress, but eventually, the Thamud turned to idol worship and corruption, moving away from the path leading to monotheism.
And Prophet Salih (AS) was born among them, as a wise, pure person. He had a very high status among his people before the revelation of Allah to him.
Prophethood and Divine Mission
Allah appointed Salih (AS) as a prophet to call his people back to the worship of the one true God. He urged the Thamud to abandon idolatry and embrace faith in Allah:
“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)
No matter how much he tried to make it clear, most of the Thamud turned against him, doubting his words and doubting to leave the deities worshiped by their forefathers.
The She Camel: A Divine Sign
So Allah gave them she camel as a sign from Him; she was to be a test for the people of Thamud. This she camel was distinctive and was a definitive sign of the prophethood of Salih (AS). Thus they were told that the she camel should have the run of the pasture and not do any harm to her.
“And O my people, this is the she-camel of Allah—[she is] to you a sign. So let her feed upon Allah’s earth and do not touch her with harm, or you will be taken by an impending punishment.”
(Surah Hud, 11:64)
Defiance and Consequence
Yet, the proud leaders of the Thamud rejected the message of Salih (AS), despite the obvious trademark of his teachings. They all conspired against her, and hamstrung her, having gone against the command of their Lord.
“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)
Then, Salih (AS) warned them against forthcoming punishment, allowing them three days as grace to repent. But they were impervious to it.
“So when Our command came, We saved Salih and those who believed with him, by mercy from Us, and [saved them] from the disgrace of that day. Indeed, it is your Lord who is the Powerful, the Exalted in Might.”
(Surah Hud, 11:66)
A cataclysmic earthquake descended, wiping out the disbelievers and their lofty palaces.
Lessons from Prophet Salih’s (AS) Story
The story of Prophet Salih (AS) teaches us some important lessons:
- Monotheism: Worship Allah alone and resort to no idolatry.
- The Fate of Disobedience: Failing to comply with Divine ordinance
- Arrogance: Woe to pride and the denial of truth
- Repentance: The last chance to ask for pardon before the final order.
Conclusion
The story of Prophet Salih (AS) and the people of Thamud serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of faith, humility, and following divine guidance. His relentless dedication to spreading Allah’s word, even in the face of rejection and hostility, is an embodiment of patience and perseverance. The story allows all to witness what hit them, and may want to conform to monotheism and be obedient to the Creator.
