Page 229
wa-yā-qawmi hādhihī nāqatu llāhi lakum ʾāyatan fa-dharūhā taʾkul fī ʾarḍi llāhi wa-lā tamassūhā bi-sūʾin fa-yaʾkhudhakum ʿadhābun qarībun
O my people! This she-camel of Allah is a sign for you. Let her graze [freely] in Allah’s land, and do not cause her any harm, for then you shall be seized by a prompt punishment.’
— Ali Quli Qarai
Surah Hud – Verse 64
64. “O my People! This she – camel of Allah is a Sign for you. So leave her alone to graze in Allah’s earth, and do not touch her with any harm, lest a swift chastisement will seize you!”
The story of Salih’s she-camel has also been reiterated in suras Ash-Shu‘ara and Al-Qamar as well.1 Salih (as) said to the people that he would ask their idols something and they also should ask something from His Lord. Whoever, provides the right answer, could be the object of his and their worship. The idol worshippers accepted and their request was for a pregnant she-camel to come out of the mountain just then and there. Allah accepted their request and a camel, meeting all those requirements, came out of the mountain.
This she-camel of Salih was extraordinary in many respects.
1. It came out of the innermost part of the mountain.
2. It was pregnant without having any contact with a male camel.
3. For one full day, she had drunk of the water of that village.
4. It provided a daily supply of milk that was sufficient for meeting the needs of the people of the area.
5. The people had no responsibilities towards her.
6. It served as a reason and as a miracle which was quite tangible and understandable for the people.
Footnotes