Satan's Beautification of Sin for the People of ‘Ād and Thamūd

Compiled by: Dr. Raza Abdullah Pasha (حفظه الله)

Did Satan Beautify Disobedience for the People of ‘Ād and Thamūd?​

Answer:
Yes, Satan played a role in making disobedience attractive to the people of ‘Ād and Thamūd, which led them astray from the right path.

Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) states in the Qur’an:

وَعَادًا وَثَمُودَ وَقَد تَّبَيَّنَ لَكُم مِّن مَّسَاكِنِهِمْ ۖ وَزَيَّنَ لَهُمُ الشَّيْطَانُ أَعْمَالَهُمْ فَصَدَّهُمْ عَنِ السَّبِيلِ وَكَانُوا مُسْتَبْصِرِينَ ﴿٣٨﴾

"And (We destroyed) ‘Ād and Thamūd. You already see their ruined dwellings. Satan made their deeds appealing to them, hindering them from the (right) path, even though they had insight."
(Surah Al-‘Ankabut: 38)

The Consequence of Rejecting the Prophets​

In this verse, Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) informs us about the destruction of past nations that denied their prophets. He details how He punished them by sending various forms of torment as a consequence of their rebellion and disbelief.

• The people of ‘Ād, the nation of Prophet Hūd (عليه السلام), resided in Al-Ahqaf, near Hadramaut, Yemen.
• The people of Thamūd, the nation of Prophet Ṣāliḥ (عليه السلام), lived in Wadi al-Qurā (Northwest Arabia).
• The Arabs were well aware of their ruins and abandoned dwellings, which served as historical reminders of their fate.

How Satan Led Them Astray​

• Beautification of Sins: Satan glorified their evil deeds in their eyes, making them feel justified in their disobedience.
• Deviation from the Right Path: Their indulgence in sins prevented them from accepting the truth and following the guidance of their prophets.
• Despite Their Intelligence: The verse mentions "وَكَانُوا مُسْتَبْصِرِينَ" (even though they had insight), meaning they were not ignorant people; rather, they knowingly rejected the truth because Satan deceived them.

Lesson from Their Story​

This verse serves as a warning that Satan continues to mislead people by making sins appear attractive. The fate of ‘Ād and Thamūd stands as a powerful reminder that rejecting divine guidance due to arrogance, worldly pleasures, or Satanic deception leads to destruction. Believers must remain vigilant and seek refuge in Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) from Satan’s influence.