ح

lives, judging by the standards of that time. Prophet Salihas addressed his people, “[Do you think] you will be left secure amid the things [that you have] here?” (Surah ashShu`ara’, Ch.26: V.147)

Prophet Salihas told his people, just as Hudas did, that their worldly power will not avail them anything from God’s wrath. His people found honour in their power and wealth.

Ashab Al-Hijr

Salihas was sent to people known as Ashab al-Hijr. Hijr was a place situated between Tabuk and Medina. The place was mainly built with stones, hence the name “Hijr”. On one occasion, when the Holy Prophetsa arrived at Hijr during the battle of Tabuk, he ordered his companions not to drink water from its well or reserve water from it (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab Ahadithi l-Anbiya’, Hadith 3378), as “this settlement was the place of divine punishment.” (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 4, p. 104)

Prophets of Allah, throughout their lives, face much opposition. Their bitter enemies, who simply reject guidance from the Lord, plot various schemes to halt their message and some even go so far as to plot to kill the prophet sent to them.

The Holy Quran states that there was a party of nine-mischief-mongers in Salih’sas city who would not reform themselves and were bent on their ways. These people planned to attack Salihas and his family at night. The Quran records them as having planned, “We will surely attack him and his family by night, and then we will say to his heir, ‘We witnessed not the destruction of his family, and most surely we are truthful.’” (Surah an-Naml, Ch.27: V.50)

These mischief-makers had made such a plan amongst themselves and thought it to be irretraceable, as they had said that they would simply tell others that they did not witness anything. This, too, is another common theme in the lives of prophets. There has always been a group of people who opposed and planned to kill the messenger sent to them. This also happened with the Holy Prophetsa the night before he migrated to Medina.

These nine mischief-mongers could not even fathom that God’s plan to protect his beloved prophet was set in motion.

The Holy Quran states that their evil plan failed and was “utterly destroyed.” (Surah an-Naml, Ch.27: V.57) These mischiefmakers serve as a reminder to all those who reject and plot to halt the message of Allah’s prophets.

Prophet Salih’sas she-camel

Legends have been formed regarding Salih’sas she-camel; legends that hold no ground whatsoever.

First and foremost, we must understand that camels were the main means of transport in Arabia. Travelling without one would be no simple task, considering the heat and climate of Arabia. Prophet Salihas used his she-camel to travel from one place to another. Referring to his she-camel, he said to his people, “‘Leave her that she may feed in Allah’s earth, and do her no harm, lest a painful punishment seize you.’” (Surah al-A‘raf, Ch.7: V.74)

Prophet Salihas told his people to refrain from harming the she-camel or putting obstacles in her way, lest a punishment overtake them. As his she-camel was used for his work, any harm to his camel was equivalent to causing obstacles in the way of God’s work.

“The declaration by Salihas about the free movement of his she-camel was also in harmony with a time-honoured Arab custom.” (Five Volume Commentary, Vol. II, p. 1001)

Salih’sas people hamstrung the she-camel

When the arrogant enemies of Salihas saw that he was firm in his claim and message, they turned to those who believed and asked if they truly thought Salihas was a messenger sent by God. Very arrogantly did the chief men boast that they disbelieved in him and his message.

His people hamstrung the she-camel and boasted to Salihas, “‘bring us that which thou threatenest us with, if thou art indeed one of the Messengers.’” (Surah al-A‘raf, Ch.7: V.78) In this verse, his enemies said to bring the punishment. A very brazen act and a mistake many disbelievers make, as evident from the Quran.

The Holy Quran states: “The [tribe of] Thamud denied [the truth] because of their rebelliousness. When the most wretched among them got up, then the Messenger of Allah said, ‘[Leave alone] the she-camel of Allah, and let her drink.’ But they rejected him and hamstrung her.” (Surah ash-Shams, Ch.91: V.12-15)