Allah revealed upon Salih to inform the people that the...

Allah revealed upon Salih to inform the people that the she-camel should be allowed exclusive access to drinking water on alternate days. So the she-camel consumed all the water on alternate days. She was milked and all the people relished her milk on those days. On other days, the people and other animals drank water, and the she-camel did not come near the pond. This continued as long as the Almighty desired. The people began to deviate and hatched a plot to slaughter the she-camel.

“We are not prepared to continue with the existing arrangement,” they said, “the she-camel consumes all the water on alternate days. Whoever kills this camel shall be rewarded according to his wish.” Upon hearing this, a red-complexioned, red-haired man with blue eyes approached the people. He was of illegitimate birth. His name was Qedar and was a vile and an evil person. The people determined his reward.

On her day, the she-camel was on its way back after having a drink from the pond, when this man stroked her with a sword. The stroke did not have any effect. He hit her the second time and she fell down on her side and her young one ran to the mountain. It raised its head thrice towards the sky and pleaded. The people gathered and each of them hit the she-camel and participated in the outrageous crime. They divided the meat among themselves and none remained without partaking of it.

Salih was dismayed. He said, “O people you have committed a serious transgression and disobeyed the Almighty.” The Almighty revealed to Salih, “Your people have rebelled, transgressed and killed the she-camel that I had sent for them as the final proof. They were not inconvenienced due to the she-camel. It was a great boon, rather. So tell them that I will send chastisement within three days.

And if they do not repent and forgo sinfulness I will surely send down the punishment for them.” Salih came to his people and said, “People, I am the Messenger of your lord. He says that if you repent, forgo sinfulness and seek forgiveness, He will condone your sins and accept your repentance.” When Salih said this, their obstinacy and transgression increased. They said, “Salih!

If what you say is true, bring the punishment upon us.” Salih said, “Indeed tomorrow morning your faces shall turn yellow, the next day red and then black on the third day.” Thus, next morning all their faces turned yellow.