Surah Hud 11:63

The Conversation between Salih and the People of Thamud

Allah, the Exalted, mentions what transpired in the discussion between Salih and his people. Allah informs of their ignorance and obstinacy in their statement,

(You have been among us as a figure of good hope till this!) They were saying in this, "We had hope in your strong intellect before you began saying what you have said."

(Do you (now) forbid us the worship of what our fathers have worshipped) "what those who were before us were upon."

(But we are really in grave doubt as to that which you invite us.) This alludes to the great amount of doubt that they had.

(He said: "O my people! Tell me, if I have a clear proof from my Lord...") `In reference to what He (Allah) has sent me with to you, I am upon conviction and sure evidence.'

(and there has come to me a mercy from Him, who then can help me against Allah, if I were to disobey Him) `and abandon calling you to the truth and the worship of Allah alone. If I did so, you would not be able to bring me any benefit, nor increase me

(but in loss.)' This means loss and ruin.

Nabi Saleh a.s. menjawab tuduhan dan tantangan kaumnya itu dengan menyatakan bahwa seruannya itu adalah seruan yang benar untuk kebaikan dan kebahagiaan mereka sendiri, jika mereka mau memikirkan dan mempertimbangkannya. Nabi Saleh meminta mereka mempertimbangkan dengan sebaik-baiknya, jika ternyata ia yang benar dan dapat mengemuka-kan bukti-bukti dari Tuhan atas kebenaran seruan itu. Apakah mungkin ia mendurhakai-Nya dan enggan menyampaikan seruan ini kepada kaumnya. Siapakah yang dapat menolong jika Allah membinasakannya karena kedurhakaan itu? Ia harus menyampaikan kebenaran ini dan menjelaskan kepada mereka bahwa sembahan-sembahan dan berhala-berhala itu, tidak dapat menolong mereka sedikit pun. Oleh karena itu, sembahlah Allah yang menciptakan mereka dan memberi nikmat dan karunia kepada mereka sehingga mereka dapat hidup senang di muka bumi ini.