The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) forbade Muslims from visiting Mada'in Saleh, the ancient city of the Thamud people, due to its history of divine punishment. Islamic tradition holds that this area, now known as Al-Ula in northwestern Saudi Arabia, was the home of the Thamud, an arrogant and disobedient tribe destroyed by Allah's wrath. The Prophet's prohibition aimed to prevent Muslims from inadvertently inviting similar divine retribution.
During the Tabuk expedition, the Prophet and his companions passed through Al-Ula. Upon learning it was the cursed land of the Thamud, he ordered them to avoid using water from the wells except one used by Prophet Saleh's miraculous camel. He instructed them to quickly pass through the area without stopping or showing joy, emphasizing the importance of reverence and caution.
Contemporary Islamic scholars, including Grand Mufti Sheikh Saleh Al-Fawzan, reiterate this prohibition. They stress that visiting such sites is only permissible for educational purposes, to learn from the past and seek Allah's protection from similar punishments. Modern environmental researchers also warn of potential health risks from prolonged exposure to the area's unique geological conditions.
