The people of Thamud lived in the land of Al-Hijr. They were skilled at carving their homes out of the mountains, but they worshipped idols instead of Allah.

Allah sent Prophet Salih (peace be upon him) to invite them to worship Allah alone and to leave what they had been worshipping besides Him.

The people asked Salih (peace be upon him) for a sign to prove his message was true, so he prayed to Allah, and Allah brought forth for them a great she-camel out of solid rock by His permission.

Salih (peace be upon him) asked his people to let the she-camel drink water on her turn and never to harm her in any way, but some of them did not honor this request.

Some of the people disobeyed Salih's instruction and harmed the she-camel. Salih (peace be upon him) warned them that punishment was near if they did not turn back to Allah, but they did not listen to his warning.

Punishment came upon the stubborn people, and Allah saved Salih (peace be upon him) and those who believed with him, by His grace and abundant mercy.

The Lesson: Keeping one's word and respecting the signs Allah sends leads to safety and mercy.