The Story of Hazrat Saleh (A.S.) is among the most moving accounts in Islamic history. After the destruction of the people of Aad, Allah (SWT) sent another Prophet, Saleh (A.S.), to guide a new tribe known as Thamud.
The tale of Prophet Saleh (A.S.) and the miraculous she-camel is one of faith, warning, and divine justice. It reminds humanity that no power, wealth, or technology can protect a people who disobey their Creator.
In this article, we’ll explore the life, mission, miracles, and timeless lessons of Hazrat Saleh (A.S.) – the Prophet who called his proud nation back to Allah.
Who Was Hazrat Saleh (A.S.)?
Hazrat Saleh (A.S.) was a descendant of Prophet Hud (A.S.) and came several generations after the destruction of the people of Aad. He was born among the Thamud tribe, a community blessed with intelligence, wealth, and advanced building skills.
Allah chose him from among them, a man known for his honesty, wisdom, and leadership. Before prophethood, his people respected him deeply; after he began preaching the message of Tawheed (oneness of Allah), they turned against him.
The Qur’an mentions his story in many Surahs, including Al-A’raf (7:73-79), Hud (11:61-68), Ash-Shu‘ara (26:141-159), and Ash-Shams (91:11-15).
In Surah Hud 11:61, Allah says:
“And to Thamud [We sent] their brother Saleh. He said, ‘O my people! Worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him. He produced you from the earth and settled you in it, so ask forgiveness of Him and then repent to Him. Indeed, my Lord is near and responsive.’”
The People of Thamud – A Nation of Skill and Arrogance
The Thamud lived in the rocky region of Al-Hijr (north-west Arabia, between Madinah and Tabuk). They were extremely skilled architects who carved houses, temples, and tombs inside mountains – remains of which still exist today in Madain Saleh (Saudi Arabia).
Allah had blessed them with fertile land, water, and prosperity, but like the people of Aad, they became proud and ungrateful.
They began worshipping idols, claiming that their power and wealth made them invincible.
Instead of thanking Allah, they said arrogantly:
“Who is greater than us in strength?”
Their hearts became hard, and injustice spread throughout their society.
The Mission of Hazrat Saleh (A.S.)
Allah appointed Hazrat Saleh (A.S.) as a messenger to call his people back to faith. He began his mission gently and wisely, saying:
“O my people! Worship Allah; you have no other god but Him.”
He reminded them of Allah’s blessings – their strength, their beautiful dwellings, and the fertile valleys they cultivated. He warned them not to spread corruption or oppress the poor.
But the chiefs of Thamud rejected his words. They said mockingly:
“O Saleh! You were among us as one we hoped for, before you forbade us from worshipping what our fathers worshipped. We doubt what you are calling us to.”
Hazrat Saleh (A.S.) replied with calm faith:
“O my people! Have you considered that if I am upon clear proof from my Lord, who then would protect me from Allah if I disobey Him?” (Surah Hud 11:63)
Still, most of them turned away, accusing him of being possessed or delusional.
The People Demand a Sign
When they refused to believe, they demanded a miracle. They wanted a sign to prove that Saleh (A.S.) was truly a messenger of Allah.
The arrogant leaders pointed to a nearby mountain and said,
“From this rock, bring forth for us a she-camel, fully formed and pregnant. If you can do this, we will believe you.”
Saleh (A.S.) prayed earnestly, and Allah answered his prayer. Before their very eyes, the rock split open, and out came a magnificent she-camel, exactly as they had described.
It was a miracle sent by Allah – a living sign of His power.
The Miracle of the She-Camel
Prophet Saleh (A.S.) told them clearly:
“This is the she-camel of Allah – a sign for you. So let her graze in Allah’s land and do her no harm, or you will be seized by a near punishment.”
(Surah Hud 11:64)
Allah had commanded that the she-camel would drink from the well on one day, and the people and their livestock would drink on the next. This alternation was a divine test of obedience and humility.
At first, the people were amazed and allowed her to live. The camel gave abundant milk that sufficed the entire tribe – yet their hearts soon filled with envy and hatred.
The rich and arrogant chiefs said:
“This camel has divided our days and our water. She brings us misfortune. We must get rid of her.”
The Crime of the Thamud
Despite repeated warnings from Prophet Saleh (A.S.), a group of nine conspirators plotted to kill the she-camel. One day, as she returned from the mountains, they hamstrung her and then killed her, laughing in defiance.
The Qur’an records their arrogance:
“But they hamstrung the she-camel and defied their Lord’s command and said, ‘O Saleh, bring us what you threaten us with, if you are truly of the messengers.’”
(Surah Al-A’raf 7:77)
When Prophet Saleh (A.S.) saw what they had done, he was filled with sorrow. He said:
“Enjoy yourselves in your homes for three days. That is a promise not to be denied.”
(Surah Hud 11:65)
This meant they had three days before Allah’s punishment would descend.
The Three Days of Warning
The next three days were a countdown to destruction:
- Day 1: Their faces turned yellow.
- Day 2: Their faces became red.
- Day 3: Their faces darkened black like ashes.
Each day, they realised the truth of Saleh’s warning, but repentance was too late. Fear spread, yet they still refused to believe.
The Destruction of the Thamud
When the appointed time arrived, a mighty blast (Sayhah) shook the land.
The earth trembled violently, and a blinding lightning bolt struck.
“So the earthquake seized them, and they became within their home, fallen prone.”
(Surah Al-A’raf 7:78)
Another verse says:
“The Shriek overtook those who had wronged, so they lay lifeless in their homes.” (Surah Hud 11:67)
Their great buildings carved in stone could not save them. Their wealth, idols, and arrogance all vanished within moments.
Only Prophet Saleh (A.S.) and the few believers who followed him were spared by Allah’s mercy.
After the Punishment
After the destruction, Hazrat Saleh (A.S.) turned away from the ruins, heartbroken for his people. He said:
“O my people! I conveyed to you the message of my Lord and gave you sincere advice, but you do not love those who give good advice.”
(Surah Al-A’raf 7:79)
He and his followers migrated from the land of Thamud to another region, where they lived peacefully, continuing to worship Allah.
The once-mighty nation of Thamud disappeared forever, leaving behind only their carved dwellings as a warning to future generations.
The Archaeological Site – Madain Saleh
Modern archaeologists have discovered the ruins of Madain Saleh (Al-Hijr) in Saudi Arabia, confirming the Qur’anic description. The magnificent stone tombs and houses carved into mountains stand as silent witnesses to this ancient story.
Allah (SWT) commands Muslims not to visit such ruins with arrogance or curiosity but with reflection and fear, remembering His justice.
Lessons from the Story of Hazrat Saleh (A.S.)
The Story of Hazrat Saleh (A.S.) carries powerful moral and spiritual lessons for believers:
- Arrogance Leads to Destruction – The Thamud were advanced but proud; pride made them blind to truth.
- Miracles Do Not Benefit Disbelievers – Even a visible miracle cannot change hearts that are full of arrogance.
- Obedience Brings Blessing – Those who obey Allah enjoy peace and safety, while rebellion brings ruin.
- Respect the Signs of Allah – Harming the she-camel was equivalent to challenging Allah Himself.
- Prophets Are Sincere Advisers – Every prophet came as a well-wisher, not a controller.
- Allah Gives Time but Never Forgets – The three-day warning shows that Allah’s punishment is deliberate and just.
- Repentance Has a Time Limit – When the signs of punishment appear, repentance no longer saves.
- Trust in Allah’s Justice – Saleh (A.S.) and his followers were saved, proving that faith protects the believers.
Conclusion
The Story of Hazrat Saleh (A.S.) stands as a timeless reminder of Allah’s justice and mercy. The Thamud had everything – wealth, skill, and power – but their arrogance led to destruction. Their story teaches that faith, humility, and gratitude are greater than strength or technology.
Hazrat Saleh (A.S.) remained patient and faithful despite mockery and rejection, showing true devotion to his mission. His story invites every believer to reflect: when Allah grants blessings, do we thank Him or become proud like the Thamud?
The ruins of Madain Saleh still whisper the same truth – the strongest nation falls when it forgets Allah.