Destruction of Thamud

God sent Saleh as a prophet to the people of Thamud in northwest Arabia, providing a miraculous she-camel as a sign of his prophethood. The camel had rights to drink from the well on designated days, and the people were warned not to harm her.

Despite the clear sign and Saleh’s persistent warnings, the people rejected his message. The most wicked among them hamstrung the camel and killed it in defiance. Saleh warned them: “Enjoy yourselves in your homes for three days. That is a promise not to be denied” (Quran 11:65).

On the third day, a terrible earthquake or thunderous blast destroyed the people of Thamud, leaving their homes as empty ruins. The Quran states: “So the earthquake seized them, and they became within their home [corpses] fallen prone” (Quran 7:78). Only Saleh and the believers were saved.