What are the city of Iram and the peoples of 'Ad and Thamud?

A nation from the ancient Arabs, 'Ad, who were the most powerful nations in their era, became arrogant and worshipped idols. So, Allah sent to them their Prophet Hud, but they disbelieved him. Thus, Allah sent upon them a roaring wind during ominous days, which made them taste the punishment of disgrace in this world. The 'Ad to whom they are attributed is 'Ad ibn Iram ibn 'Aws ibn Sam ibn Nuh (peace be upon him).

As for Iram, it is their city or locality, named after their ancestor Iram ibn 'Aws. What has been narrated about it being a city of gold, or Damascus, or Alexandria, is from the myths of the Israelites.

As for Thamud, they are a well-known tribe named after their ancestor Thamud. They are ancient Arabs who inhabit Al-Hijr, between Hijaz and Tabuk. More information about them can be found in the Holy Quran, reliable interpretations, and the books of Ibn Kathir.