On the way to Tabuk, when Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) passed by Hijr, the ruins of Thamood, he instructed the Sahaabah (radiyallahu ‘anhum) to move on quickly and said to them: “Do not enter the dwellings of those who have oppressed themselves except in the condition that you cry, out of the fear that the same punishment may afflict you.”
He (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) also prohibited them from drinking or drawing water from its well. The Sahaabah (radiyallahu ‘anhum) said: “We have already pulled out water and made our dough (using this water).” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) commanded them to dispose of the dough and throw away the water.
Thereafter Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) covered himself with his shawl and rode his horse swiftly until he passed through and left the area.
(References: Saheeh Bukhari #3378, #3380 and Majma‘uz Zawaaid #10323)
Lesson: Although thousands of years had passed since punishment had come on this area, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) personally exercised such a high level of precaution and instructed His Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) to do the same. How much more precaution we need to exercise – especially in this holiday and so-called “festive season” – in visiting the beaches and other places wherein there is nothing but vice and immorality, which are definite reasons for the wrath of Allah Ta‘ala to descend.