Madain Saleh, also known as Hegra, was historically forbidden due to a religious fatwa based on the belief that it was a place of God's wrath against the people of the Prophet Saleh.
Religious Justification for Prohibition
In the early 1970s, the Council of Senior Ulama, the highest religious body in Saudi Arabia, issued a fatwa prohibiting the visitation, development, or excavation of the area. This prohibition stemmed from the Islamic narrative surrounding the ancient city and its inhabitants, the Thamud. The Thamud are mentioned in the Quran as having rejected the Prophet Saleh's message and subsequently being punished by God. Visiting the site, associated with divine wrath, was therefore discouraged.
The Core Belief
The underlying belief was that Madain Saleh was a place of divine punishment and associating with it could invite similar consequences. This understanding led to its initial abandonment and subsequent prohibition.
Current Status
While historically forbidden due to religious interpretations, Madain Saleh has since been developed for tourism and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This shift reflects evolving perspectives and a renewed interest in preserving and showcasing Saudi Arabia's pre-Islamic heritage.
