Article appeared Friday, January 3rd, 2020 in The News Today, Bangladesh

The Revelation (603) yousuf mahbubul Islam, PhD

What kind of story do archeological ruins tell us? Archeologists have discovered different
types of ruins {1, 2} all over the world. As we tend to think of older civilizations as
“primitive”, archeologists are often unable to work out the tools that were used to make
or even transport big structures or statues. Sometimes it is thought that “beings” from
outer space must have come and helped with the technology needed. One fact is
overlooked in this logic. Beings from other galaxies came all the way just to help the
civilization with technology – they of course wanted nothing else from us? If beings did
come, where are the beings now? With all the advanced technology, what happened to
them? Why is there no trace of them now?

The fact, which is perhaps hard to swallow, is that older civilizations may have been
much more technologically advanced than us – but perhaps in ways that we cannot
currently comprehend or imagine. The question is therefore, despite their technical
prowess, power and strength what happened to them? How come there is no trace of
their descendants? Without descendants or documented history how can we know what
happened to them? One question that can be asked, do scriptures tell us what
happened, i.e., why the sites are in ruins? In the Qur’an, we find the following story of
the Thamud people. Thamud or the Nabataeans {3} were known for hewing houses in
mountains [26.149]. Madain Salih and Petra are ruins of their civilization {3}.

27.45 “And We had certainly sent to the Thamud their brother Salih, saying,
"Serve God", but behold they became two factions quarrelling with each
other.”
The story of the Thamud people in this part of the Qur’an starts with telling us how they
were invited to turn to God. Why? As Verse 27.49 below relates, the Thamud already
knew about God as they did approach Him, but to support their evil ways. They did not
reflect on who God is, and the fact that He should be adored and feared [26.150]. The
following Verse tells us how they were reminded of their blessings.
“And remember how He made you inheritors after the A’ad people and settled in
the land: you build for yourselves palaces and castles in (open) plains and carve
out homes in the mountains; so bring to remembrance the benefits (you have
received) from God and refrain from evil and corruption on the earth.” [7.74]

Given their technical prowess and other blessings [26.146 – 26.148] given by God, they
were required to appreciate this and turn to Him in gratitude. But rather, they started
quarreling amongst themselves. What could the quarrel be about? There were some
who realized the truth of what Salih was saying and others who rejected or denied God.
The people that rejected God were annoyed with those who accepted the message that
Salih was sent to deliver. Who were the ones that rejected God?
“Said the eminent ones, who were arrogant among his people, to those who
were oppressed (that is those) who believed among them, "Do you (actually)
know that Salih is an apostle from his Lord?" They replied, "We do indeed
believe in the revelation which has been sent through him." Said those who were
arrogant, "Indeed, for our part we reject what you believe in."” [7.75 – 7.76]

27.46 “He said, "O my people! Why are you impatient for evil in preference
to the good? If only you ask God for forgiveness you may hope to receive
mercy."”
Although the eminent and arrogant ones in the city had done evil [7.177] by rejecting
Salih’s message, he continued to try to convince them. After having rejected the
message, Salih suggested that there was a way out – turning to God and seeking His
forgiveness. But, they insolently replied that it was he that was wicked as he was going
against how their forefathers worshipped [11.62].

27.47 “They said, "We consider you a bad omen, you and those with you."
He said, "Your omen (fate) is with God; yes you are a people being
tested."”
As they continued to argue with Salih, he pointed out that he was sent to them as a test
to see whether they (the Thamud) finally believe – this was among the final tests given
to the Thamud [11.64 – 11.65].

27.48 “And there were in the city nine family heads who made mischief
causing corruption in the land and would not reform.”
These were extravagant people [26.151], very likely had corrupt lending practices and
oppressed the poor, dishonoring and humiliating them.

27.49 “They said, "Take a mutual oath by God that we will kill him by night,
he and his family. Then we will say to his heir (when he seeks vengeance),
`We were not present at the slaughter of his people and indeed we are
telling the truth.'"”
True to their character they secretly plotted to kill Salih and create false alibis. Notice
that they used God to take their oath. While swearing by God, they did not put meaning
into who God is, and what serving/worshipping Him means – they swore by Him to kill
and lie! They would provide false alibis for each other to the person who would be
responsible for extracting retribution [2.178] after the death.

27.50 “They plotted a plan, but We too planned, while they perceived it
not.”

27.51 “Then see what was the outcome of their plan – that We destroyed
them and their people all (of them).”
Before they could carry out their plan, God destroyed them through a “natural” calamity.
“The (mighty) Blast overtook the wrongdoers and they lay prostrate in their
homes before the morning - as if they had never dwelt and flourished there. Ah!
Behold! For the Thamud rejected their Lord and Cherisher! Ah! Behold! Removed
(from sight) were the Thamud!” [11.67 – 11.68]

27.52 “So those are their houses, in utter ruin because of the wrong they
had done. Verily in this is a Sign for people of knowledge.”

27.53 “And We saved those who believed and feared God.”

By saving the empty ruins, God has preserved the lesson for us as well. Will we reflect
and realize this? In the words of Dr. Robert McGhee, Curator of the Canadian Museum
of Civilization, as reported:
“…Petra’s history allows us to contemplate on the vulnerability of even the most
successful and technologically assured society. Petra existed over a period of
time equivalent to that between today and the mediaeval period in Europe. Like
inhabitants of our modern world, the people of Petra would not have considered
the possibility that their city would eventually be abandoned and their nation
scattered. Archaeology’s most valuable contribution may be its demonstration of
 the transience of cities and civilizations — the realization that even the most
successful eventually find themselves vulnerable to catastrophes that cannot be
foreseen. Contemplating the ruin of Petra may well be an opportunity for us all to
further cherish the present moment in our own ways of life.” {3}
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{Notes}:
{1} https://owlcation.com/humanities/Ten-Greatest-Archaeological-Sites
{2} https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_archaeological_sites_by_country
{3} https://themuslimtimes.info/2011/12/11/the-thamud-petra-and-madain-salih/