Surah 29. Al-Ankabut, Ayah 38

As regards the tribe of 'Ad, the above seems to be an allusion to their one-time capital, the legendary "Iram the many-pillared" (mentioned in the Qur'an only once, namely, in 89:7 ). It has since been buried by the moving sand-dunes of Al-Ahqaf (a region between Uman and Hadramawt, within the great South-Arabian desert of Rub' al-Khali); it is said, however, that its traces are occasionally uncovered by strong winds. For an explanation of the reference to the dwellings of the Thamud, see note [59] on 7:74 .

Thus, the Qur'an implies that it is man's "ability to perceive the truth" (istibsar) that makes him morally responsible for his doings and, hence, for his failure to resist his own evil impulses - which is evidently the meaning of "Satan" in this context. See in this connection 14:22 and the corresponding notes [31] and [33].

See surah {7}, second half of note [48], and note [56].

 Meccan caravans always passed by these ruins on the way to Yemen and Syria for business.

They were so arrogant and self-satisfied, that they missed the higher purpose of life, and strayed clean away from the Path of Allah. Though their intelligence should have kept them straight, Evil made them crooked and led them and kept them astray.

For the 'Ad people see vii. 65-72, and n. 1040, and for the Thamud, vii. 73-79, and n. 1043. The remains of their buildings show (1) that they were gifted with great intelligence and skill; (2) that they were proud of their material civilization; and (3) their destruction argues how the greatest mataterial civilization and resources cannot save a People who disobey Allah's moral law.