955/1 - Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said to his Companions, i.e. when they reached Al-Hijr, the dwellings of Thamūd: “Do not enter upon (the ruins of) those people who had been punished except weeping; and in case you do not feel inclined to weep, then do not enter, lest you may meet the same calamity as had befallen them.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]
In another version: When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) passed by Al-Hijr, he said: “Do not enter the dwellings of those who had wronged themselves, lest you may meet the same calamity as had befallen them, except if you are weeping.” Then, he covered his head and quickened his pace till he crossed the valley.
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1) We should be careful to remind and preach others as appropriate, according to the time and place. The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) preached his Companions at the dwellings of Thamūd.
2) It is impermissible to go to the dwellings of the past nations who had been tortured and ruined for the purpose of tourism and sightseeing. This contradicts the Prophet’s Sunnah and subjects those who make such a visit to possible destruction: “lest you may meet the same calamity as had befallen them.”
3) Sins have bad impact on dwellings, and this lingers on after the passing of the sinners. So, the believer should beware of sins and heed the Prophet’s instruction: “Beware of sins, for sins incur the wrath of Allah.” [Narrated by Ahmad; authentic]
Book of the Etiquettes of Travel