Al-Israa (The Night Journey)

59. “And nothing prevented Us that We should send the signs (requested by the people) save that the former nations rejected them; and We gave to Thamūd the She-Camel, a manifest sign, but they did injustice unto her; and We do not send signs (requested) but to warn.”

The pretext seeking pagans of Mecca used to ask the Prophet (S) for miracles frequently, among which was that they wanted him to turn some of the mountains of Mecca (the Saf a Mountain) into gold, or to displace mountains and agricultural land be made available in their place.

The Lord declares that, according to the historical experiences, the obstinate pagans would not embrace the faith by witnessing such signs either, and the system of creation will not be made subservient to the obstinate individuals.

If a miracle is performed according to the request of the people, and they still remain disbelievers, their worldly chastisement is certain to take place.

A camel is an animal. However, the Lord, with respect to the camel of Salih, says: /naqatullah/, (the She-Camel of Allah).

Since whatever relates to the Lord in some ways possesses sanctity. Even for the name of Abu-Lahab, because it is in the Qur’an, one can not touch it before making ritual ablution.

Miracles are of two types

Some miracles are such that, without them, one cannot acquire cognition of the prophecy. Obviously, such miracles must take place, whether the people embrace the faith or they do not.

Others are because of Allah’s grace, and may lead to the increase in one’s faith. These miracles are done by the grace of the Lord.

Those miracles which are outside the category of the two, are not shown by the Lord. Thus, He implies: We do not send Our verses for the fact that your forefathers had requested such verses to become believer and once We sent them, they refused to embrace the faith. You, too, follow their path, and will refuse to believe as they did.

The verse says:

“And nothing prevented Us that We should send the signs (requested by the people) save that the former nations rejected them…”

Then, the Qur’an points the finger to a clear example of the issue by saying:

“…and We gave to Thamūd the She-Camel, a manifest sign…”

It was the same camel which came out of the mountain upon Allah’s command, for they had requested such a miracle: an illuminating miracle. Nonetheless, they refused to become believers, so they did harm to that she-camel, and killed her.

The verse says:

“…but they did injustice unto her…”

In principle, it is not Allah’s procedure that everyone who requests a miracle, the prophet submits to his request, and He does not send the verses and the miracles except for inspiring awe in people and delivering an ultimatum to them.

The verse says:

“…and We do not send signs (requested) but to warn.”

In other words, Allah (s.w.t.) makes His verses and miracles apparent through the prophets so that, by witnessing them, the people receive instructions, fearing Allah’s punishment and embrace the faith.

Explanations

The prophets were always entangled with obstinate individuals despite having various miracles.

“…save that the former notions rejected them…”

Allah is all-powerful in every situation, though His procedure is based upon wisdom, and not that of the gratification of the people’s desires.

Sacrilege and the denial of the miracles will lead to the Divine fury and chastisement.

“…and We gave to Thamūd the She-Camel, a manifest sign, but they did injustice unto her…”

Miracles serve as the means for the people’s cognition, enlightenment, and as warning for them.

“…but to warn.”