Is it permissible to visit the areas where the people were afflicted with punishment, for the purpose of taking a lesson and reflecting?

The questioner : And this questioner says: Your Eminence, is it permissible to visit the areas where the people were afflicted with punishment, for the purpose of taking a lesson and reflecting?

The Shaykh : Yes, if a person goes to the lands where their people were punished, and if he is going to take a lesson and reflect, then that is permissible. But if he is going for sightseeing and recreation, then that is forbidden, due to the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): And when he (peace and blessings be upon him) passed by the dwellings of Thamud on his way to Tabuk, he lowered his head, meaning he covered it, and he hastened; he (peace and blessings be upon him) hastened. So the one who goes to these places, if it is for taking a lesson and being admonished, and that Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) destroyed them for their sins so that one may fear and be cautious, then there is no harm in that. But if it is for sightseeing and recreation, then that is forbidden and not permissible. Yes.