Saleh, recognized as a prophet in Islam, is mentioned in the Quran as a messenger of God sent to guide the people of Thamud. His story is recounted in several chapters of the Quran, including Surah Al-A’raf, Surah Hud, Surah Ash-Shu’ara, and others. The narrative of Saleh serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the consequences of rejecting divine guidance, transgressing moral boundaries, and succumbing to arrogance.
The people of Thamud, to whom Saleh was sent, were descendants of Noah and had settled in the region between the Hijaz and northern Arabia. They were known for their strength, technological advancements, and the ability to carve dwellings into the mountains. Despite these material accomplishments, the Thamudis deviated from the path of righteousness, engaging in idolatry and oppressive behavior.
Saleh is introduced in the Quran as a prophet chosen by God to guide the people of Thamud. His mission was to call them to worship the one true God, abandon their idolatrous practices, and adhere to moral conduct. Saleh, known for his wisdom and eloquence, faced significant challenges in delivering this message to a community deeply entrenched in its sinful ways.
The Quran describes how Saleh began his mission by emphasizing the oneness of God and calling the Thamudis to repentance. He warned them of the consequences of disobedience and urged them to follow the righteous path. Saleh’s message focused on social justice, ethical behavior, and the rejection of arrogance and oppression.
The people of Thamud, however, responded to Saleh’s message with skepticism and arrogance. They challenged him to provide a miraculous sign to prove his prophethood. In response, Saleh, by God’s command, performed a miraculous deed: he brought forth a she-camel from a specific rock as a sign of God’s power. The she-camel, known as the “camel of God,” was unique and a clear divine sign.
The Quran details how the people of Thamud were divided in their reactions to the miraculous sign. While some believed in Saleh’s message and recognized the divine nature of the she-camel, others persisted in their defiance. The community’s leaders, in particular, rejected Saleh’s guidance, viewing the miraculous sign as a challenge to their authority and a threat to their way of life.
As tensions escalated, Saleh continued to exhort the people to abandon their sinful practices and follow the path of righteousness. The Quran recounts his unwavering commitment to delivering the message, even in the face of increasing opposition and mockery from those who persisted in their disbelief.
The turning point in Saleh’s narrative comes when the people of Thamud, led by their leaders, conspire to kill the miraculous she-camel. Despite Saleh’s warnings and God’s decree protecting the camel, they eventually slaughtered it, demonstrating their audacious defiance and refusal to heed divine guidance.
In response to this heinous act, God decreed a severe punishment for the people of Thamud. The Quran describes a mighty blast that annihilated them, leaving their once-prosperous dwellings in ruins. Saleh and the believers who followed him were spared from this catastrophic end, finding safety and refuge in God’s mercy.
Saleh’s story serves as a profound example of the consequences of rejecting divine guidance and succumbing to arrogance and disobedience. The destruction of the Thamud serves as a stark reminder of the fate that befalls communities that persist in wrongdoing and defy the messages of God’s chosen messengers.
While the Quran provides the foundational account of Saleh’s life and mission, additional details and insights can be found in hadiths (sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad) and other Islamic traditions. These sources often elaborate on Saleh’s character, the specific challenges he faced, and the enduring lessons derived from his prophethood.
In Islamic tradition, Saleh is revered as a prophet who remained steadfast in his mission despite facing formidable opposition. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of adhering to divine guidance, maintaining humility, and rejecting arrogance and transgression. Saleh’s legacy endures as a symbol of the consequences of disobedience and the need for sincere repentance and submission to God.