of Nekounam, (Session 1306)
Discourse concerning the mission of the prophets and the divine signs is akin to a lantern that illumines the path of truth amidst the darkness of heedlessness. In this treatise, through reflection upon verses 73 and 74 of Surah Al-A'raf, the mission of the Prophet Salih, peace be upon him, and the miracle of the she-camel as a divine sign for the people of Thamud are examined. This analysis, with a profound view on the meaning of brotherhood, the call to monotheism, and the role of miracles in awakening spiritual perception, endeavours to present the Quranic truths in a clear and coherent framework to the readers. Inspired by the discourses of religious scholars, the text elucidates Quranic and mystical concepts, linking precise analyses to the core content, thereby paving the way for contemplation upon divine signs.
The Holy Quran, in expounding the mission of the Prophet Salih, peace be upon him, refers to him as their brother (أَخَاهُمْ), indicating a profound bond of kinship and coexistence with the people of Thamud. This brotherhood denotes not merely a genealogical relation but also a cultural and social proximity. Salih emerged from among his people, spoke their language, shared their customs, and as a compassionate brother, exerted himself in guiding them.
This bond is like a thread that draws hearts together and establishes trust between the community and their prophet. The divine wisdom in selecting prophets from within their own nations facilitates the acceptance of the message, for familiarity and shared language open the gates of the heart to truth. Salih, peace be upon him, was not only a messenger of God but also a companion and sympathiser with his people, who, with heartfelt concern, called them towards the light of monotheism.
And to Thamud We sent their brother, Salih. He said, O my people, worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him. (Surah Al-A'raf, 7:73)
This call is like a pure, gentle breeze flowing in the speech of Salih, peace be upon him, inviting his people to worship the One God. The phrase you have no deity other than Him explicitly and succinctly negates idolatry and polytheism, presenting monotheism as a precious gem before the eyes of the people. This invitation is the axis of all prophetic missions, which, with clear language, guides hearts towards truth.
Monotheism is like a sun that dispels the darkness of polytheism and illuminates hearts with the light of knowledge. Salih, peace be upon him, through this statement, invited his people to reflect on the unity of Godnot with complicated arguments, but through language that in its simplicity conceals profound depth.
A clear sign has come to you from your Lord. This is the she-camel of Allah, a sign for you. (Surah Al-A'raf, 7:73)
The she-camel was a divine sign presented by Salih, peace be upon him, to his people. This camel was not only a miracle manifesting divine power but also a test to examine the faith of the people. Its harmlessness reflected the truth of the hearts of the people like a mirror. This animal, termed the she-camel of Allah in the Quran, was a sign inviting the people to ponder the power and wisdom of God.
The miracle of the she-camel was like a lamp amid darkness, showing the path to faith. This sign, not accompanied by terror or awe, but by simplicity and harmlessness, called the people to a profound trial. Acceptance or denial of this sign delineated the boundary between faith and disbelief, and Salih, peace be upon him, guided his people towards truth through this miracle.
So leave her to eat within Allahs land and do not touch her with harm, lest a painful punishment seize you. (Surah Al-A'raf, 7:73)
This command marked a clear line between right and wrong. Salih, peace be upon him, urged his people to allow the she-camel to graze freely upon Allahs earth and to refrain from harming it. This order demanded not only respect for the divine sign but was also a test measuring the peoples submission to divine command. The she-camel, peaceful and harmless as it grazed upon Gods land, was like a delicate flower not to be trampled by the hands of disbelief.
This instruction embodied divine wisdom in the testing of servants. The she-camel, seemingly a simple creature, was in truth a sign calling the people to choose between faith and rebellion. Avoiding harm to the camel was an indication of accepting monotheism and submission to God, while harming it was a sign of disbelief and disobedience.
Following the command not to harm the she-camel, the Quran warns of a painful punishment: lest a painful punishment seize you. This warning served as an alarm awakening the people to the consequences of disobedience. Salih, peace be upon him, as a messenger of God, was not the executor of the punishment but merely its announcer. The punishment descends from God upon those who deny His signs.
This warning parallels other prophetic cautions, such as that of Hud, peace be upon him, in verse 77 of Surah Hud (So wait; indeed I am with you among those who wait.
