Picture a land blessed with abundance, where everything needed for a comfortable life is within reach. Yet, despite these blessings, its people let pride and disobedience lead them astray. This was the story of the people of Thamud, to whom Allah sent Prophet Saleh (AS). His life is a powerful reminder of patience, resilience, and standing firm for what is right, even when challenges and rejection come your way.
Let's take a deeper look at his life and the valuable lessons we can draw from it.
1. Standing Firm in the Face of Opposition
Prophet Saleh (AS) was sent to a people who had been blessed with prosperity and strength. But they had begun to worship idols and turn away from Allah. When Prophet Saleh (AS) came to them, he called them back to the worship of the one true God. He was clear in his message. He reminded them of Allah's power, the blessings they had been given, and the need to follow His guidance.
“And to the people of Thamud, We sent their brother Ṣaleḥ. He said, ‘O my people! Worship Allah. You have no god other than Him. He is the One Who produced you from the earth and settled you on it. So seek His forgiveness and turn to Him in repentance. Surely my Lord is Ever Near, All-Responsive.’”
(Surah Hud, 11:61)
But the people of Thamud didn’t accept his message. They mocked him, saying that he was just a human like them. They asked for a sign to prove he was a prophet. Prophet Saleh (AS) didn’t back down. He didn’t give in to their mockery or their demands. Instead, he relied on Allah and continued to deliver His message.
This is where the lesson lies. Even when others oppose us or question our beliefs, we should stand firm in our faith. Prophet Saleh (AS) didn’t allow the doubts of others to weaken his resolve. He trusted in Allah’s wisdom and didn’t let their criticism affect his mission.
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2. Patience in the Face of Trials
The people of Thamud challenged Prophet Saleh (AS) to prove his message by asking Allah to bring a she-camel out of a massive rock. They pointed to the rock and insisted that if this miracle happened, they would believe in his message.
Prophet Saleh (AS) agreed but made it clear that they must fulfil their promise and believe if Allah granted their request. He prayed to Allah sincerely, and to everyone's amazement, the rock split open. From it emerged a remarkable she-camel, alive and pregnant.
This was a clear miracle from Allah, sent to test the people of Thamud and give them a chance to believe.
“A clear proof has come to you from your Lord: this is Allah’s she-camel as a sign to you. So leave her to graze freely on Allah’s land and do not harm her, or else you will be overcome by a painful punishment.”
(Surah Al-A’raf 7:73)
Despite seeing the miracle unfold before their eyes, the people of Thamud stubbornly refused to repent. Instead of feeling defeated or giving up, Prophet Saleh (AS) patiently continued to advise them, urging them to take heed before the punishment of Allah descended upon them. He didn’t retaliate or become angry. He didn’t let their rejection sway his mission or stop him from conveying Allah's message. His patience was rooted in his unwavering trust in Allah’s plan.
Patience is something we all struggle with at times. Whether it's dealing with difficult people, facing tough situations, or feeling like our prayers aren’t being answered, patience is key. Prophet Saleh (AS) shows us that, no matter how difficult things may get, we must remain patient and trust in Allah’s timing.
3. Upholding Justice and Fairness
Prophet Saleh (AS) wasn’t just a preacher of faith; he was also a champion of justice. When his people demanded that the she-camel be killed, Prophet Saleh (AS) warned them of the consequences. He told them that this camel was a sign from Allah, and if they harmed it, they would face severe punishment. He didn’t just speak of faith; he also spoke of right and wrong, justice, and fairness.
His people ignored his warnings and plotted against the camel. They killed it, despite Prophet Saleh’s (AS) clear message. This act of injustice was a turning point. Prophet Saleh (AS) told them that the punishment of Allah would come soon, and they would regret their actions.
“But they killed her, so he warned them, ‘You have only three more days to enjoy life in your homes—this is an unfailing promise!’”
(Surah Hud, 11:65)
The story of Prophet Saleh (AS) teaches us that we must always stand for justice. Whether it’s in small matters or large, we must be fair, honest, and just in our dealings with others. If we see injustice happening, we have a responsibility to speak out against it and encourage what is right.
4. The Consequences of Disbelief and Injustice
Unfortunately, the people of Thamud did not heed Prophet Saleh’s (AS) warnings. They continued in their disbelief and injustice. Eventually, Allah’s punishment came to them. A terrible earthquake struck, and they were destroyed. Only Prophet Saleh (AS) and the few who believed in him were saved.
This part of the story serves as a reminder that there are consequences for our actions. When we turn away from Allah and commit injustice, we risk facing His punishment. However, Allah is also merciful. He gives us opportunities to repent and return to Him. Prophet Saleh (AS) warned his people repeatedly, but they ignored him. We should learn from this and strive to avoid the same mistakes.
The Qur’an says:
“Then an overwhelming earthquake struck them, and they fell lifeless in their homes.”
(Surah Al-A’raf 7:78)
This serves as a reminder that we must take our faith seriously and not take Allah’s warnings lightly. Every action has consequences, and turning away from Allah leads to a life of regret.
One of the simplest ways for Muslims to strengthen their connection with Allah is through constant remembrance—dhikr. This practice not only keeps our hearts grounded in faith but also guides our daily decisions to align with our Islamic values.
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Applying the Lessons to Our Lives
The story of Prophet Saleh (AS) offers us timeless lessons. We can learn so much from his life: the importance of standing firm in our faith, the power of patience in the face of adversity, the need to uphold justice, and the consequences of turning away from Allah’s guidance.
In our own lives, we will face challenges. We may encounter opposition, rejection, or even injustice. But we must remember the example of Prophet Saleh (AS). We should never compromise our values or our faith. Instead, we should remain patient, trust in Allah, and always strive to do what is right.
May we all take these lessons to heart and live our lives in a way that honours the example of Prophet Saleh (AS). Through patience, integrity, and justice, we can navigate the challenges of life and stay on the path of righteousness.
As the the Qur'an says:
"Indeed, Allah is with those who fear Him and those who are doers of good."
(Surah An-Nahl, 16:128)
Want to explore the lessons from the life of Prophet Hud (AS)? Head over to our previous blog and give it a read!
Conclusion
The story of Prophet Saleh (AS) reminds us to stay patient, trust Allah, and uphold faith in the face of challenges. It inspires us to live with humility, gratitude, and righteousness. Just as the people of Thamud were tested with blessings and warnings, we too are tested in our daily lives. By reflecting on their mistakes and the unwavering resolve of Prophet Saleh (AS), we can strive to lead lives rooted in righteousness, humility, and gratitude. Let this story inspire us to stay committed to our faith and seek Allah’s mercy in all that we do.
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