Chapter 165

Weeping while Passing by the Graves of the Infidals

955. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: When the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and his Companions reached Al-Hijr, the dwellings of the Thamud people, he admonished his Companions (saying), “Do not pass by these people who are being tormented, without weeping, lest the punishment should befall you as it had befallen them.”

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

 Another narration is: Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) said: When the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) passed near Al-Hijr, he said, “Do not enter without weeping, the dwellings of those who wronged themselves, lest the same chastisement should fall upon you as it had fallen upon them.” Messenger of Allah (PBUH) then covered his head and sped up until he crossed the valley of the tormented people.

Commentary: The Thamud were the people to whose guidance Allah sent Prophet Salih. They lived between Al-Madinah and Syria. In 10 A.H. when the Prophet (PBUH) went to the Syrian border for the Tabuk expedition, he also passed through this ruined territory. This Hadith is related to the address which he gave to his Companions on the occasion. Here is an instruction that when we happen to pass through the territory of a nation destroyed in the past as a result of Divine wrath, we are advised to quicken one’s pace. That is why we have been commanded to avoid the company of the corrupt and the wrongdoers, lest we meet their bad end, too. As the Qur’an says:

“And incline not toward those who do wrong, lest the Fire should touch you.” (11:113)

May Allah save us from it!

 Reference 

Riyadh ul Saliheen