Chicago – March 17, 2024
Al Ula, located in the southwest of Medina, Saudi Arabia, is known to the world as an ancient historical city. Steeped in history and rich in monuments, artifacts, and inscriptions, this ancient city is now a center of interest for avid travelers. However, the ancient history of Al Ula is intertwined with a pathetic and unforgettable history of Islam. This significant history of Al Ula in Islam makes every Muslim think deeply about the innumerable blessings and infinite power of Almighty Allah. Also, this valuable history carries an eternal example that makes us more focused on obedience to our Lord Almighty.
Madain Saleh of Al Ula in Islam
The historical beginning of the city of Al Ula dates back to the pre-Dadanite period. Approximately three and a half thousand years ago, the community of Prophet Saleh (PBUH) who is called ‘the tribe of Thamud’ began to live in this city. So, the history of Al Ula in Islam gets a historic significance for Muslims since then.
According to Islamic history, the forefathers of Prophet Saleh (PBUH) came to Al Hijr or the land of stone (A part of Modern Al Ula) from some unknown region of ancient Palestine. One of the reasons behind this name is the number of Rocky Mountains in this place. They started to live in this place with their whole Thamud community. The Thamud people used to cut these mountains and build houses for them. They used to make a living from the various livelihoods available in this place.
From the history of Al Ula in Islam, we came to know that the tribe of Thamud was highly advanced in intelligence, wisdom, and power. But they deviated from the true religion and belief of their forefathers and gradually turned to the worship of various worldly powers and idols.
To guide this misguided nation to the right path, Allah sent Saleh (PBUH) as a prophet and leader to them. But most of the people of Thamud rejected him and disobeyed him. When this disobedience and transgression of theirs reached the extreme level, the Almighty Allah completely destroyed this disobedient nation. Later this place was named Madain Saleh or City of Saleh after the name of Prophet Saleh (PBUH). Various ancient monuments of the Thamud tribe are still available in Al Ula’s Madain Saleh.
Qur’an about Al Ula in Islam
The Holy Qur’an has arranged the history of Al Ula in Islam with a number of Verses about the story of Prophet Saleh (PBUH) and his tribe. From these verses, we get various descriptions of the context of the habitation and lifestyle of Thamud in Al Ula. The Qur’an also describes the Prophet Saleh’s (PBUH) arrival, da’wah activities, and service to his community, and the disobedience, torture, and intrigue of the community to their Prophet. For example, while describing the various gifts and blessings that were bestowed upon the tribe of Thamud like wisdom, power, talent, etc. referring to this place of Al Ula, Allah SWT says:
“And remember when He made you successors after Aad (people) and gave you habitations in the land, you build for yourselves places in plains, and carve out homes in the mountains. So, remember the graces (bestowed upon you) from Allah, and do not go about making mischief on the earth.” Al-A’raaf: 74
