Transliteration:( Wa yaa qawmi haazihee naaqatul laahi lakum aayatan fazaroohaa taakul feee ardil laahi wa laa tamassoohaa bisooo'in fa yaakhuzakum azaabun qareeb )
"And O my people! This is a she-camel of Allah, a sign for you [136]. Then leave her to graze in Allah's land, and do not touch her with evil [137], or a near torment will overtake you."
✅ [136] The She-Camel as a Miracle and Test
The she-camel sent by Allah was a divine sign and a miracle for the people of Thamud. It was not unlawful to eat the camel’s meat, as camel meat itself is permissible in Islam, but the punishment of Allah was tied to any harm that came to the she-camel. Just as certain animals and resources in sacred places are not forbidden but may be harmful, the she-camel served as a warning. If people harmed it, they would incur Allah’s wrath. This principle is akin to the way doctors might advise against eating certain foods, such as beef or lentils, for health reasons even though they are not intrinsically forbidden. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also cautioned against drinking water from places associated with Divine punishment, emphasizing that harm, not prohibition, was the reason for such caution.
✅ [137] Respect for the Miracle of the Prophet
The command to not touch the she-camel with evil meant to respect the miracle of Hazrat Salih (peace be upon him). This camel was a divine test, and the people were warned that any harm to it would lead to punishment. They were instructed to allow it to graze peacefully and respect the divine sign. This teaches that when a Prophet’s miracle is presented, it must be respected implicitly. Disrespecting it, as shown by the people’s eventual harm to the she-camel, can bring about Divine punishment. The verse underscores the importance of honoring sacred relics and miracles. For instance, in Pakistan, there was a buffalo that gave birth to a calf with "Muhammad" inscribed on its forehead. Similarly, other miraculous signs have appeared, such as "Muhammad" and "Ahmad" on eggs or stones. Such signs are not to be destroyed or treated with disrespect, as they are sacred relics. Disrespecting them can incur punishment, as the people of Thamud experienced for their treatment of the she-camel.
64. “And O my people! This she-camel of Allah is a sign to you, so leave her to graze in Allah’s land, and touch her not with evil, lest a near torment should seize you.” 65. But they slaughtered her. So he said: “Enjoy yourselves in your homes for three days. This is a promise (a threat) that will not be belied.” 66. So when Our commandment came, We saved Salih and those who believed with him by a mercy from Us, and from the disgrace of that Day. Verily, your Lord — He is the All-Strong, the All-Mighty. 67. And As-Sayhah (awful cry) overtook the wrongdoers, so they lay (dead), prostrate in their homes. 68. As if they had never lived there. No doubt! Verily, Thamud disbelieved in their Lord. So away with Thamud!) A discussion of this story has already preceded in Surat Al-A`raf and it is sufficient without having to be repeated here. Allah is the Giver of success.
There is no further commentary by Ibn Kathir for this verse
(11:64) My people! This she-camel of Allah is a sign for you. So let her pasture on Allah’s earth, and do not hurt her or else some chastisement – which is near at hand -should overtake you.’
There is no commentary by Abul Maududi available for this verse.
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