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.