Introduction:
Saleh (Sāliḥ) is a prophet mentioned in Islamic and Arab tradition who was sent by Allah to guide the people of the ancient city of Thamud to the straight path of righteousness and monotheism. He is regarded as a model of piety, wisdom, and courage, and his life and teachings continue to inspire Muslims worldwide.
Early Life:
Saleh was born into a noble and respected family of the tribe of Thamud, who were known for their wealth, power, and architectural achievements. From an early age, he showed exceptional intelligence, compassion, and devotion to Allah, which earned him the admiration and respect of his peers and elders.
Prophethood:
When Saleh was in his forties, he received a divine revelation from Allah, calling him to be a prophet and messenger to his people. He was tasked with delivering the message of Tawheedd (the oneness of Allah) and warning his people against their idolatry, oppression, and disobedience. Saleh eagerly accepted this mission and began to preach to his people, using all means of persuasion and wisdom.
Message of Tawheed:
Saleh's message to his people was centered on the fundamental principle of Tawheedd, which is the belief in the oneness of Allah and the rejection of all forms of idolatry and polytheism. He warned his people against worshipping the idols and statues they had created with their hands and called them to turn to the One True Allah in repentance and submission.
Signs and Miracles:
To reinforce his message and convince his people of the truth of his mission, Saleh was granted a series of signs and miracles by Allah. These included splitting a rock into two parts, the emergence of a pregnant she-camel from a mountain, and the division of the people of Thamud into two groups, one of whom was blessed and the other cursed.Opposition and Persecution:
Despite the clarity and persuasiveness of Saleh's message, many of his people rejected his call and mocked him, accusing him of being a liar and a sorcerer. They also resorted to violence and intimidation, threatening him and his followers with physical harm and even death.
Punishment and Destruction:
As a result of their persistent rejection of Allah's message and their continued disobedience and oppression, the people of Thamud were ultimately destroyed by divine punishment. This punishment took the form of a violent earthquake that shook the foundations of their city and caused it to collapse, burying the inhabitants under its ruins.
Legacy:
Although the people of Thamud were destroyed, the legacy of Saleh and his message lived on, inspiring generations of Muslims to uphold the principles of Tawheedd, compassion, and justice. His story continues to serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for the truth and defending the weak and oppressed, even in the face of adversity.
Saleh was a prophet and messenger of Allah who dedicated his life to serving his people and the cause of truth and justice. His message of wisdom and compassion resonates with people of all faiths and backgrounds, and his example inspires all those who seek to live a life of purpose and meaning. May we all strive to follow in the footsteps of Saleh and uphold the values he stood for.
After the people of Thamud killed the she-camel, Saleh warned them of a severe punishment that would befall them within three days. But the people refused to believe him and instead challenged him to bring down the sentence immediately. Saleh and his followers prayed to Allah to save them from the destruction that was to come.
As promised, the punishment descended upon the people of Thamud on the third day in the form of a loud blast of thunder, followed by a powerful earthquake that destroyed the entire city and its inhabitants. Saleh and his followers were the only ones spared and were eventually guided to a new land where they lived peacefully until the end of their days.
Saleh's story is an essential reminder of the consequences of disobeying Allah's commandments and the importance of following the guidance of His prophets. Despite facing immense resistance and persecution, Saleh never gave up on his mission and remained steadfast in his faith, ultimately earning the salvation of Allah's grace.
Saleh is also mentioned in the Quran as one of the messengers sent to guide people towards righteousness. In Surah Al-Araf, Allah says, "And to the Thamud [We sent] their brother Saleh. He said, 'O my people, worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him. He has 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.'" (7:73)
Throughout his life, Saleh preached the message of monotheism and urged the people to abandon their idols and turn to Allah. He also called for social justice and condemned the oppression of the weak and the poor by the rich and powerful. However, the people of Thamud rejected his message and demanded that he perform miracles to prove his prophethood.
In response, Allah granted Saleh the ability to bring forth a she-camel from a mountain as a sign of his divine power. The people of Thamud were initially amazed by this miracle, but their amazement soon turned to resentment when Saleh instructed them not to harm the she-camel and to let it graze freely in their land.
Despite Saleh's warnings, a group of young men from among the people of Thamud killed the she-camel in a heinous act of defiance and disobedience. This act of cruelty was the final straw that triggered Allah's wrath and sealed the fate of the people of Thamud.
In conclusion, Saleh was a prophet and messenger of Allah who was sent to guide the people of Thamud towards the path of righteousness. He preached the message of monotheism, social justice, and compassion and urged the people to abandon their idols and turn to Allah.
Despite facing immense resistance and persecution, Saleh remained steadfast in his faith and never gave up on his mission. His story is a powerful reminder of the consequences of disobeying Allah's commandments and the importance of following the guidance of His prophets. Saleh's legacy continues to inspire and guide believers to this day, and his message of love and compassion remains as relevant as ever.