English Translation of Al-Quran
[27].Surah Al-Naml [The Ants]
Ayat 50. So they plotted a plot, and We planned a plan, while they perceived not.
Ayat 51. Then see how was the end of their plot! Verily! We destroyed them and their nation, all together.
Ayat 52. These are their houses in utter ruin, for they did wrong. Verily, in this is indeed an Ayah (a lesson or a sign) for people who know.
Ayat 53. And We saved those who believed, and used to fear Allah, and keep their duty to Him.
Tafseer of Surah Al Naml (The Ants) Ayat 50 to 53. They plotted and planned, but We too planned, even while they perceived it not. Their secret plotting is all known to Allah, but of Allah’s just and beneficent plans they know nothing. And the wicked must come to an evil end. Then see what was the end of their plot!- this, that We destroyed them and their people, all (of them). Now such were their houses, – in utter ruin, because they practiced wrong- doing. Verily in this is a Sign for people of knowledge. And We saved those who believed and practiced righteousness.
English Translation of Hadith
Hazrat Ibn Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: When the Messenger of Allah [SAWW](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 Hadith # 433].
Another narration is: Ibn Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) said: When the Messenger of Allah [SAWW](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 [SAWW](PBUH) then covered his head and sped up until he crossed the valley of the tormented people.
Lesson : as mentioned above in Surah Al-Naml Ayat 52. “their houses in utter ruin, for they did wrong. Verily, in this is indeed an Ayah (a lesson or a sign) for people who know” The Thamud were the people to whose guidance Allah sent Prophet Salih (PBUH). They lived between Al-Madinah and Syria. In 10 A.H. when the Prophet [SAWW](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 Quran says: “And incline not toward those who do wrong, lest the Fire should touch you.” (11:113) May Allah save us from it!