PROPHET SALEH (A.S.)

 

Prophet Saleh was the great grandson of Prophet Noah (a.s.) – fifth generation. He was born 2,973 after the fall of Prophet Adam (a.s.). He was of high stature, broad shouldered, black haired and rosy cheeks. He preached most of the time and was known pious in his youth. He was appointed a Prophet at the young age of 16 years. He lived for 280 years and when died he was buried between Rukn and Maqam of the Holy House of Ka’abah.

It was reported by the Infallible Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.) that Archangel Gabriel told the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) that Prophet Saleh (a.s.) offered two proposals to the idol worshipers” If you desire anything, ask me so that I will ask my God to fulfil your desire. Or if you wish I will ask your Gods to fulfil a desire. If they fulfilled my desire, I would depart from among you.” They said, “O Saleh! You are fair.” They left the city with their idols on their backs. When they were free from their eating and drinking, they said: O Saleh! Ask whatever you wish.” Saleh called by name every idol, but they did not reply. Ultimately Saleh ask them to ask him, and God will answer their request. Their chiefs said, “O Saleh!  We ask you something and if your Lord answers, we will follow you. “They all went to the nearby mountain and the Chiefs said, “Ask your Lord to bring out from this mountain, a red, pure and pregnant she-camel right now.” At that moment, the mountain cleaved, and a horrible sound was heard, and the head of a she-camel and other parts also emerged, and the camel stood on her four feet. They asked for young one of the camel which was also brought forward. They returned to their people and described the miracle to them. A heated argument among the chiefs followed. Saleh said, “This is the she-camel; she will have portion of water, and you have portion of water on appointed time.” (26:155) One of the chiefs slaughtered the she-camel. The young one the she-camel came to Prophet Saleh and cried three times “O Saleh! Where is my mother?” and disappeared. Saleh said, “Enjoy yourself in your abode for three, that is a promise not to be belied.” (11:65) And eventually a torment descended: “Then the earthquake overtook them, so they became motionless bodies in their abode.” (7:77)

There are seventy Ayahs in the Glorious Qur’an regarding Prophet Saleh and his people known as “the community of Thamud” as detailed below:

Surah al-A’raf    7              Surah al-Hud      8              Surah al-Hijr       5              Surah al-Isra’      1              Surah al-Shu’ra      18

Surah al-Namal 9              Surah Ankabut  1              Surah Fussilat    2              Surah Dhariyat  3              Surah al-Qamar       9

Surah Huqqah   2              Surah al-Shams 5

There are other narrations regarding Prophet Saleh and his people called Thamud. There is a common tradition quoted by Shia and Sunni scholars which states the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) asked the Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.), “O Ali! Who are most evil among the ancient people? Imam Ali (a.s.) replied, “The killer of Saleh’s she-camels. “The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) asked, “Who is the most evil of the people of the later age?” When Imam Ali (a.s.) did not reply, the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) replied,” It is the person who will strike your head.”

Sources: Hayat al-Qulub vol. 1 by Allama Muhammad Baqir Majlisi (r.a.)

                Ethics of Prophets by Mohammad Mehdi Taj Langaroodi, Tafsir-e-Mauzui by Ayatullah Ja’far Subhani