The earliest Arab tribes that find mention are Noah, Ad and Thamud and other subsequent tribes. Allah chose Prophet Saleh, who was one among the Thamud tribe and resided at Al Hijr (Madain Saleh area) to propagate Islam amongst his people. Since he was one amongst them, they didn't believe him and asked him to prove that he was Allah's messenger. Prophet Saleh received a vow from his people that they would believe in him after he proves himself to them and then prayed to Allah on this. To dispel disbelief in him, he created a she-camel from the rocks there and then told his people not to harm it as it was specially sent by Allah. So most of the people from his tribe became believers but the non believers held over them and finally killed the camel.
As prophesied by Prophet Saleh, within three days of killing the camel, a massive earthquake and large rocks falling down destroyed the entire area, meanwhile the Prophet Saleh and his believers had moved on.
This incident finds mention in several places of the Holy Quran, and thus, the place was locally believed to be cursed and has been avoided for a long time. However, now it is increasingly becoming an interesting tourist location and the Kingdom is looking at opening it up further.
As prophesied by Prophet Saleh, within three days of killing the camel, a massive earthquake and large rocks falling down destroyed the entire area, meanwhile the Prophet Saleh and his believers had moved on.
This incident finds mention in several places of the Holy Quran, and thus, the place was locally believed to be cursed and has been avoided for a long time. However, now it is increasingly becoming an interesting tourist location and the Kingdom is looking at opening it up further.
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