What is the ruling on going to the places where previous nations were punished? And is it established that the Dead Sea is where the people of Lut were punished?

The questioner : What is the ruling on going to the places where previous nations were punished?

The Shaykh : Going there intentionally is not permissible, but passing through is permissible, provided one hastens in one's travel.

The questioner : The Dead Sea.

The Shaykh: Yes.

The questioner : That is, it is not permissible to go there for recreation.

The Shaykh : Yes, it is not permissible.

The questioner : And not even for a lesson, O Shaykh? Some people have been given a fatwa by a Shaykh that it is permissible for the sake of a lesson.

The Shaykh : If one passes through, he must hasten, but going there intentionally is not allowed.

The questioner : May Allah reward you with good.

The Shaykh : Passing through is for necessity.

The questioner : Is there any established proof that the people were punished in the Dead Sea?

The Shaykh : Do you mean by your question whether it is established in the sense that we have a verse in the Qur'an or a hadith from the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) stating that the punishment occurred in this place? The answer is no, but this is historically transmitted among the scholars of history.

The questioner: Yes, Shaykh.

The Shaykh: Yes.

The questioner : If you please, a question.

The Shaykh : Do you want to see me?
The student : Come on, Shaykh... look for Abu 'Abdullah.

The Shaykh : ... If Allah wills.