The Prophet Saleh (Peace be Upon Him) is a Messenger of Allah. Allah sent Him to Al-Hijr people “Thamud” who were related to and successors of Ad in south Arabian Peninsula. The people of Hijr (Thamud) fell in worshipping idols and disbelieved in Allah who created and granted them livelihoods. They boasted of their strength as if they are the most powerful who created earth. Allah sent them so Allah sent unto them His Prophet Saleh (PBUH), a man from among them. He called his people to worship Allah alone and not to associate partners with Him. While some of them believed him, the majority of them disbelieved and harmed him by both words and deeds. They asked Him to give them a sign to believe that he sent by Allah.

Therefore, He took a vow from them on this and then prayed to Allah the Almighty to grant their request. Allah ordered the distant rock to split asunder bringing forth a great ten month pregnant she camel. When their eyes set on it, they were amazed. They saw a great thing, a wonderful sight, a dazzling power and clear evidence (the story will be presented in separate section) and ordered them not to harm or kill her, but those who called him a liar killed the she camel. Allah directed His messenger (PBUH) to go out with those who believed him (they were very few) from Al-Hijr because He would torture them all. Therefore, Allah sent them lightning from the sky and all of them destructed except for Saleh and those who believed him.

Al-Araf Sura Verses 76-79 says, “So they slew the she-camel and revolted against their Lord's commandment and they said: Oh, Saleh! Bring us what you threatened us with if you are one of the messengers. Then the earthquake overtook them so they became motionless bodies in their abode. Then he turned away from them and said, “Oh my people I did certainly deliver to you the message of my Lord and I gave you good advice, but you do not love those who give good advice.”

Saleh migrated to Palestine where he died. There is still a tomb, called the Tomb of Prophet Saleh. Some other narrations say that he died in Makkah while he was performing pilgrimage. He belonged to the Arab Tribe of Thamud. His name was Saleh ibn Ubeid, Ibn Maseh, Ibn Ubeid, Ibn Hader, Ibn Thamud, Ibn Ather, Ibn Eram and Ibn Noah. Qur’an does not indicate to the period he stayed with his people, but it indicates in many verses that his people are the successors of Ad. Allah, the Almighty, says in Surat Al-Araf Verse 74, “And remembers when He made you successors after Ad and settled you in the land-- you make mansions on its plains and hew out houses in the mountains-- remember therefore Allah's benefits and do not act corruptly in the land, making mischief”.

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