Surah al-A`raf (The Elevated Places) 7 : 74

Explanatory Note

We are not told here in which area the people of Thamūd lived. But we are told in another sūrah that they were at al-Ĥijr, which lies between Ĥijāz and Greater Syria. From Şāliĥ’s reminder we realize that the Thamūd were given power and affluence and we can also visualize the nature of the area in which they lived. It incorporates plains and mountains and they used to have their palaces in the plains and their homes in the mountains. We can conclude from this short statement that they were a civilized nation that excelled in architecture. Şāliĥ also reminds them that they were chosen to succeed the people of `Ād, although they did not live in the same area. It seems that theirs was the architectural civilization that flourished after that of `Ād. It also seems that their power extended beyond their own area, giving them added strength and making them feared by other nations. Hence, Şāliĥ warns them against being arrogant and conceited. He tells them not to spread corruption in the land, as the lesson of `Ād and their fate must not be lost on them.