Salih

Meaning of Salih

Salih (transliteration: Ṣāliḥ) is derived from the Ṣ-L-Ḥ root. This root conveys the meaning of righteousness, goodness, integrity, wholesomeness, and reform. The opposite is fasād (corruption, decay).

Meaning of Salih:

• Adjective: “Righteous”, “pious”, “virtuous”, “upright”, or “morally sound”.
• Noun: Refers to a righteous person.

Traits of a Person Described as Salih in the Quran

• Integrity and honesty
• Social and ethical reform
• Avoidance of corruption and moral decay

Prophet Salih (Ṣāliḥ)

Prophet Salih (peace be upon him) was an Arab prophet sent by Allah to the people of Thamūd, a powerful but morally corrupt civilization that lived after the people of ‘Ād (whom the Prophet Hūd was sent to).

His people lived in rocky dwellings in the northern Arabian Peninsula, especially in a region now called Al-Ḥijr, modern Mada’in Ṣāliḥ in Saudi Arabia.

When the people or Prophet Salih demanded a sign or miracle, Allah sent them a miraculous she-camel as a test. Despite the clear sign, the elite among the Thamūd mocked Prophet Salih and plotted against him. His people denied Allah’s miracle so Allah sent them this promise before destroying them:

“Enjoy yourselves in your homes for three days. That is a promise not to be denied.” (11:65)

Quranic Verses

“And to the Thamūd [We sent] their brother Salih. He said, “O my people, worship Allah ; you have no deity other than Him. There has come to you clear evidence from your Lord. This is the she-camel of Allah [sent] to you as a sign. So leave her to eat within Allah ‘s land and do not touch her with harm, lest there seize you a painful punishment.” [7:73]

Further Verses Containing the Word “Salih”

“A messenger who recites to you the clear verses of Allah, to bring those who believe and do righteous deeds out of darkness into light. And whoever believes in Allah and does righteous deeds, He will admit him into gardens beneath which rivers flow, to abide therein forever. Allah has indeed provided well for him.” (65:11)

“It is He who created you from one soul and created from it its mate that he might dwell in tranquility with her. And when he covers her, she carries a light burden and continues therein. And when she becomes heavy, they both supplicate Allah, their Lord, ‘If You should give us a righteous [child], we will surely be among the grateful.'” (7:189)

“(45) And Prophet Nuh called upon his Lord and said, “My Lord, indeed my son is of my family [so do not let him be drowned]; and indeed, Your promise is true; and You are the most just of judges.
(46) [Allah] said, “O Nuh, indeed he is not of your family; indeed, he is [one whose] work was other than righteous, so ask Me not for that about which you have no knowledge. Indeed, I advise you, lest you be among the ignorant.” (11:45-46)

“Whoever desires honor, then to Allah belongs all honor. To Him ascends good speech, and He lifts up the righteous deed. But those who plot evil deeds will have a severe torment, and the plotting of those will perish.” (35:10)

“As for the wall, it belonged to two orphan boys in the city, and underneath it was a treasure belonging to them. Their father had been righteous, so your Lord willed that they reach maturity and extract their treasure, as a mercy from your Lord. And I did not do it of my own accord. That is the interpretation of what you could not bear patiently.” (18:82)