Surah Ash-Shu'ara — Verse 155

Word Meanings:

• Nāqah: A she-camel, specifically the miraculous camel that Allah brought forth from the rock as a sign for the people of Thamūd.
• Shirb: A share or portion of water, designated for drinking.
• Yawm maʿlūm: A known, appointed day—fixed and predetermined by Allah’s command.

Tafsir (Explanation):

Prophet Ṣāliḥ (peace be upon him) addressed his people after Allah, in response to their defiant demand for a miracle, brought forth a magnificent she-camel from the solid rock. He said to them: "This is a she-camel—she has her share of water, and you have your share on a known day."

The meaning is clear and profound: the camel was not merely an animal, but a living sign from Allah. She was to drink from their well on one day, and they were to drink on another day—each side having a fixed, alternating turn. On the day she drank, she would consume the water entirely, and on their day, they would have full access to it. This arrangement was a test of their obedience and patience, a divine decree that required them to respect the camel and her rights. They were forbidden from harming her or denying her share, for doing so would bring upon them a punishment of immense severity—a day of overwhelming terror and destruction.

This was not a request but a command from Allah, delivered through His prophet. The camel was a visible, tangible proof of Ṣāliḥ’s truthfulness, and the water-sharing system was a daily reminder of Allah’s sovereignty and the need for submission to His will.

A Daʿwah Reflection:

Imagine the scene: a people who demanded a miracle with arrogance, and Allah, in His mercy, granted them one they could see, touch, and live with every day. The camel was not a fleeting spectacle but a constant test—a daily lesson in gratitude, patience, and respect for Allah’s signs. How often do we, too, receive blessings from Allah and then fail to honor them? The story of Thamūd teaches us that every blessing carries a responsibility. When we respect Allah’s commands and treat His signs with reverence, we open the doors of mercy; when we transgress, we invite ruin. Let this verse inspire you to reflect on the signs around you—your health, your provision, your very life—and ask yourself: are you honoring your share with gratitude, or are you overstepping the bounds? Allah’s mercy is vast, but His justice is certain. Choose to be among those who listen, obey, and thrive.