Do not enter the dwellings of those who have wronged themselves, unless you are weeping

Explanation

When passing by the dwellings of Thamūd, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) forbade entering the dwellings of those punished people, who wronged themselves, or visiting them, unless the one entering is weeping and reflecting upon their fate, out of fear that the same punishment that befell them might befall him. Then, he commanded his mount to hasten and passed quickly, leaving the area behind.

Lessons

• Reflection on the conditions of those whom Allah Almighty destroyed, being cautious of what they fell into, and being wary of heedlessness in contemplating the verses.
• The dwellings of these punished people should not be inhabited after them, nor should they be taken as a place of residence, because a permanent inhabitant cannot remain constantly weeping, and it was forbidden to enter these places except in this state.
• An-Nawawi said: It encourages vigilance when passing by the dwellings of the wrongdoers and places of punishment, similar to hastening through the valley of Muhassir, where the companions of the elephant perished. Therefore, one should be vigilant, fearful, weeping, and reflecting on their fate, seeking refuge with Allah from such an end.
• The prohibition and warning apply to the dwellings of Thamūd and others like them from all the nations that were afflicted with punishment.
• The prohibition of taking such places and areas for tourism, recreation, or similar purposes.