Thamud inherited the region after 'Ad and learned nothing from their story. They carved luxurious homes into mountains and felt permanent. When Salih called them to Allah, they demanded proof on their own terms: a miracle, on demand.
Allah gave them one beyond argument: a living she-camel brought out of solid rock, with one attached test, let her drink on her day, and do not touch her with harm. It was the easiest command ever given, and pride made it unbearable. The worst man among them hamstrung her while the town approved (91:12). Three days later, a single blast leveled the master builders inside their carved mountains. Salih and the believers walked out. The stone homes still stand in northwest Arabia, empty, and the Prophet ﷺ told travelers to pass them weeping, not sightseeing.