The People of Madyan — Ruins That Remain
Modern Discovery
The ruins of Madyan (Al-Badʿ, Tabuk Province, Saudi Arabia) still exist today. Archaeological and historical records identify this site as the home of the ancient Midianites, a people mentioned in both the Qur’ān and the Bible.
Key Historical Facts
The valley contains preserved homes and tombs carved into stone — evidence of an advanced society.
They were known for cheating in trade and corruption, until Allah’s punishment destroyed them.
This survival of ruins is a living testimony to the Qur’ān’s truth.
Qur’ānic Revelation 1400 years ago
"And to Madyan We sent their brother Shuʿayb. He said, ‘O my people! Worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him. A clear proof has come to you from your Lord. So give full measure and weight, and do not cheat people of their belongings. Do not cause corruption in the land after it has been set in order. That is better for you, if you are truly believers.’"
(Qur’ān 7:85)
Their Punishment
"So the earthquake seized them, and they were left lifeless in their homes—lying face down."
(Qur’ān 7:91)
Why this is a miracle:
The Qur’ān emphasizes in present tense that people still pass by the ruins of destroyed nations:
“Is it not yet clear to them how many peoples We destroyed before them, whose ruins they still pass by?” (Qur’ān 32:26)
And indeed — the ruins linked to the People of Madyan remain in the Tabuk region to this day, preserved exactly as Allāh said, standing as a sign for mankind and a direct proof of the Qur’ān’s truth.
A Reflection for Anyone Reading
Allāh speaks in the present tense:
“Is it not yet clear to them how many peoples We destroyed before them, whose ruins they still pass by? Surely in this are signs. Will they not then listen?”
(Qur’ān 32:26)
The ruins linked to the People of Madyan remain in the Tabuk region to this day, exactly as Allāh described.
For over 1,400 years, these ruins have stood as a living reminder — preserved by His will — a sign for those willing to reflect.
"And the residents of Madyan. And Moses was denied ˹too˺. But I delayed ˹the fate of˺ the disbelievers ˹until their appointed time˺ then seized them. And how severe was My response!"
"Many are the societies We have destroyed for persisting in wrongdoing, leaving them in total ruin. ˹Many are˺ also the abandoned wells and lofty palaces!"
Awaiting them is Hell, and they will be left to drink oozing pus. (14:16)
