Visiting the ruins of the people of Shu’ayb

What is well-known among the historians is that the dwellings of Madyan, to whom the Prophet of Allaah Shu’ayb (peace be upon him) was sent, arein the north-western part of the Arabian peninsula, which nowadays is called al-Bada’, and the surrounding region. Allaah knows best whether that is true. If that is true, then it is not permissible to visit these places with the intention of looking around, because the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allaah be upon him), when he passed by al-Hijr – which was the dwelling place of Thamood – said: “Do not enter the dwelling places of those who wronged themselves, lest there befall you what befell them, unless you are weeping.” Then he covered his head and hastened until he left the valley. Narrated by al-Bukhaari in his Saheeh from Ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him). 

According to another report, he said: “Do not enter upon those who are being punished unless you are weeping, lest there befell you something like what befell them.” Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said, whilst mentioning the lessons and rulings derived from the Battle of Tabook: Another (ruling) is that the one who passes by the dwelling place of those with whom Allaah is angry and who are being punished should not enter it or stay there, rather he should hasten and cover his head until he has passed it, and he should not enter upon them unless he is weeping and learning a lesson. And the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allaah be upon him) hastened through the valley of Muhassir between Mina and Muzdalifah, which is the place where Allaah destroyed the elephant and its people. End quote from Zaad al-Ma’aad, 3/560 

Al-Haafiz ibn Hajar (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in his commentary on the hadeeth quoted above: This applies to the dwellings of Thamood and others who were like them. Fath al-Baari, 6/380. 

And Allaah is the source of strength. May Allaah send blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad and his family and Companions. End quote.