Nabi Saleh

After 'Ad, the Thamud inherited the land in Al-Hijr (between Hijaz and Sham). They are experts at carving mountains into sturdy houses and live prosperously with gardens, springs, plants and dates. Allah sent Saleh, a person who was previously highly respected among them, to say: worship Allah and do no harm on earth.

His people demanded proof, so Allah brought out a female camel as a real miracle. Saleh advised: let the camel eat on Allah's earth, he gets a turn to drink one day and you one day, and never disturb him - "then you will be hit with a near punishment."

The most wretched among them rose up to slaughter the camel, supported by nine gangs of vandals who even planned to kill Saleh and his family at night. Allah thwarted the plot. Three days later the doom came: a thunderous sound (shaihah) and an earthquake left them lying dead in their houses. Saleh turned away and said, "O my people, indeed I have conveyed the message of my Lord and advised you, but you do not like people who give advice."

Even a miracle that is requested by itself does not guarantee faith if the heart is turned to stone - it can even be a proof that hastens doom. The story of Thamud also reminds us of the dangers of a few destroyers being left unchecked: one person slaughters, but punishment befalls the people who please him.