Narrated to us Muhammad bin Husain Ibne Abil Khattab, from Ali bin Asbat, from Saif bin Amirah from Zaid Shahham from Abi Abdullah as that he said:
“Salih (a.s.) remained in occultation from his community for a period of time: The day he disappeared from them he was of middle age, wide belly, elegant body, thick beard, fair complexioned and medium height. When he returned to his people, they did not recognize him from his face. And he found them divided into three groups: A group had denied him and they were not prepared to retract their denial. Another group was of those who had doubts about him. The third group was firm in its faith. So he addressed the group of doubters and said: ‘I am Salih.’ They denied and chided him and snubbed him saying: ‘May Allah become aloof from you, Salih was indeed having a different appearance.’ The Imam says: Then Salih went to the deniers and they paid no heed to his words and expressed a deep hatred for him. After that he went to the third group which was a group of faithful believers and told them that he was Salih. They said: ‘Please tell us something through which we may not have any doubt about you. We have no doubt that Allah, the Mighty and the High, Who is the Creator can change the appearance of anyone He wants. We had been informed about it and we have researched and studied the signs and portents regarding the reappearance of the Qaim. And it would be correct when he brings the news from the heavens. Salih said: I am that same Salih who brought the she- camel by miracle. They said: You are right. It is the same point we argued on. But tell us what its sign was? An alternate day was reserved for this she-camel to drink from the stream and alternate for you. We have brought faith on Allah and also believed on whatever you have brought. At that time Allah, the Mighty and the High said:
“Do you know that Salih is sent by his Lord?”[1]
And the believers and people of faith said:
“Surely we are believers in what he has been sent with.”[2]
And the arrogant ones – those who doubted him – said:
“Surely we are deniers of what you believe in.”[3]
The narrator asked:
Was there among them a scholar and who knew Salih? Imam replied: The Almighty Allah is more equitable that He should leave the earth without a scholar that guides the people to Allah. This community passed seven days in this manner after the reappearance and advent of Salih as they had no recognition of a leader or Imam for themselves. But in spite of this they had something from divine religion and they had remained firm on that. Their beliefs were same. And when Salih reappeared they gathered around him. And there is no doubt that the simile of Qaim (a.s.) is like that of Salih.”
[1] Surah Araaf 7:75
[2] Surah Araaf 7:75
[3] Surah Araaf 7:76