Salih

The people of Thamud settled in the region of Al-Hijr, today called Madain Salih in Saudi Arabia. These monumental red rocks still constitute today one of the greatest archaeological sites of the Islamic world. Thamud excelled in the art of carving houses directly into rock — a remarkable construction technique that testifies to their sophistication. Their rock-cut dwellings, adorned with carvings, guaranteed them security against natural elements and invaders. Yet this technical skill did not prevent their spiritual downfall. They worshipped idols and lived in injustice. Salih, one of their own, was chosen by Allah to remind them of tawhid. Like all prophets, he came from the very people he was to guide — this choice by Allah is not incidental: the prophet shares the language, culture, and history of his people, making the message all the more accessible and resistance to it all the less excusable.