Thamud

The Conference Room

        A big room in a lofty mountain was opened and decorated for the arrival of nine leaders of Thamud. The nation of Thamud was a mighty nation which ruled over the valley of Qurah in Arabia. This part of Arabia is very fertile; the nation of Thamud came into power after the destruction of Ad. In fact, they were the saved people with the prophet Hud ; gained power slowly in the guidance of prophet’s instruction.

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        This conference room was situated in a tall mountain; the nation of Thamud  was well known for their skills and sculpture. They used to build strong forts and houses in the hills. This conference hall was a good specimen of their art. The nine seats were placed systematically along with eatable fruit on a stone table. The leaders were discussing a serious problem. One of them stood up and said, “Fellow countrymen, we are facing a grave problem, if we do not find a solution for it, we may have to face serious consequences from our neglect? “What is the problem? asked another member. “There are many poor people who cannot get water for their cattle because our shepherds stopped them, but this case was highlighted by many such wretched people and it became a crucial problem to be tackled immediately.”

The Lost City

The Lost City

The chiefs and common people both saw and understood the truth in Hud’s message, but preferred to follow their wishes. Their scientific knowledge and skills did not help them appreciate the truth when they decided to follow their own desires and ambitions. On the contrary, their wrong actions appeared wonderful to them because they were gratifying their wishes.

(51-41-42) (69-6-8)

There was no rain in the country; the severe drought was a great danger for gardens and crops. The lack of water was a constant worry for the leaders. The entire nation was longing for rain. One day they saw a small speck of cloud on the horizon advancing towards their land. The leaders thought that their troubles were going to end with the cloud which would bring rain and lead to bumper crops. However, the cloud was not a messenger of prosperity; it was the doom they were repeatedly asking for in the shape of a cyclone. The cyclone lasted for 8 days and 7 nights. The raging wind reduced the mighty nation into hollow trunks of palm trees. The nation of Hud deprived itself of the blessings of God and created an everlasting distance from them.

“What happened to Hud?”asked Amir, looking at his mother with sleepy eyes. “Do not sleep, we are going home,” said his mother. “Hud and his followers were saved from this calamity.” 

the Lost City

The Lost City

One chief said, “Hud has been talking against our gods; they have jinxed him and that is why he is talking nonsense.”  “Your gods are nothing else but few names that you and your forefathers have given to some lifeless objects. Your gods have created nothing; on the contrary, they are made by human hands. They cannot save you from the doom which is coming to you as the consequence of your deeds.” “Which deeds are you referring to?” asked one leader. “Your grip is very strong. Whenever anyone comes in it, you pulverized them without mercy.”

“Why can’t the wise leaders understand a simple thing like that?” asked Amir. “To be cruel and hurt people is not good.” “The nation of Ad was proud and selfish; not willing to leave the benefits which they were extracting from the weak. Moreover, they had built many buildings with fluted columns in ancient times which were a great achievement. Iram, the capital city, had numerous gardens and was known as the city of columns,” mother said.

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Hud told the chieftains, “the belief in one God will not belittle you in the eyes of other nations. If you defy his laws, he will bring your nation down and replace it with another nation.” All Hud’s advice fell on the deaf ears of his countrymen. They said, “we are not going to change our views. We are going to worship our gods as we have seen our ancestors worshipping them. The threat of doom is an old threat. People in the past have been frightening us with it, but nothing has happened so far and nothing will happen in the future. If you are serious, bring the doom on us.”

“Listen to me,” said Hud “I am not asking for any reward for my services; my reward is on Allah who is powerful enough to compensate me for my work. I am only trying to remove the obstacles from your society which are hindering progress.” No one played any heed to what Hud was saying; chiefs and politicians because they did not like his massage; common people saw that Hud was alone and without any power, so he was unable to do any good for them. The chiefs, with resources, were more attractive to follow.