STORY OF SHU'AIB

Prophet Shu'aib

Prophet Shu'aib (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) believed to be Jethro, according to Judeo-Christian tradition. He was sent by Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) to a region called Madyan. We learn from his story the important of proper business dealings, equality, and justice.

The Missionof Prophet Shu'aib (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

Shu'aib (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is a Prophet in Islam and is believed to be Jethro, according to Judeo-Christian tradition.However, this belief is not unanimously agreed upon and is disputed.

The story of Prophet Shu'aib (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) unfolds in a region named Madyan, which is within greater Syria today.

This area was surrounded by dense forests and was home to a community of traders. Although they were prosperous in their trade, the people of Madyan were fraudulent in their business dealings.

They frequently deceived customers by selling defective or short-measured goods. As a hub for merchants, Madyanites were feared for ambushing caravans and demanding fees for safe passage through their town.

The Madyanites were not only dishonest in trade but also disbelievers,rejecting the existence of Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ)and reportedly worshipping the woodlands and nature Gods.

They are mentioned in Surah Qaf ayah 14 asAshab al-Aykahor"Companions of the Wood."In response to their corruption and disbelief, Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) bestowed His mercy by sending guidance by appointing a prophet from their own community. He selected a man named Shu'aib (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) for the important task.

Ushering a corrupt and haughty community to abandon their past beliefs and embrace a new way of life is undoubtedly not an easy task.Especially given how their unethical business had long benefited them and would require significant sacrifice.But, Prophet Suhaib (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was resolute in carrying out this mission of Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) andbringing others into the fold of Islam.

Prophet Shu’aib (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) addressed his people, urging them to renounce their false gods and turn to worship Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) alone.

Prophet Shu’aib (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urged his people to be fair and just in their business dealings and to earn their living honestly.

He reminded them of all the blessings that Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) had showered on them and cautioned them of the severe punishment should they persist in their rebellion against His guidance.

(Surah Al-A’raf, ayat 85-87)

In Surah Ash-Shua'ra, verses 177-184, Prophet Shu’aib (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) shares a similar plea for the righteousness of his people and emphasizes the importance of fearing Allah.

He challenges them, asking,

The disbelievers, unwilling to change and filled with greed, mocked Prophet Shu’aib (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) they replied in sarcasm,

Prophet Shu’aib(عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)replied:

Prophet Shu’aib (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was a man of wisdom and reason. He tried to show them he had no interest in taking their wealth, but the deep-seated corruption in their hearts blinded them to his honest intentions. Their suspicions and self-centeredness clouded their judgment, preventing them from recognizing the truth.

So, in an effort to awaken their conscience, he reminded them of the end that befell the people of Prophet Nuh (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), Hud (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and Salih (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and beseeched them to seek Allah’s (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) sincere forgiveness.

So they threatened him:"They said: ‘O Shu’ayb! We do not understand much of what you say. Indeed we see you weak in our midst. Were it not for your kinsmen, we would surely have stoned you for you have no strength to overpower us."(Surah Al-Hud, ayah 91)Shu’aib (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was patient as he replied:“‘My people! Are my kinsmen mightier with you than Allah that you (hold the kinsmen in awe while) you cast Allah behind your back? Surely my Lord encompasses all what you do. My people! Go on working according to your way and I will keep working (according to mine). Soon you will come to know who will be afflicted by a humiliating chastisement, and who is proved a liar. And watch, I shall also watch with you.”(Surah Al-Hud 92-93)They replied,"You are no more than one of those who have been bewitched, you are only a mortal like us. Indeed we believe that you are an utter liar. So cause a piece of the sky to fall upon us if you are truthful.”(Surah Ash-Shu’ara, ayat 185-187)Shu’aib responded,"My Lord knows well all what you do.”(Surah Ash-Shu’ara, ayah 188)

Undeterred by threats, Shu’aib (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) continued to renounce the religion of their ancestors and preached the religion of Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ). His persistence infuriated the chiefs of Madyan as they saw no respite from Shu'aib (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

The chiefs, fearing a loss of their prestige and authority within the clan, understood the risks of allowing Shu’aib (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and his followers to propagate their beliefs unchallenged.

As recounted in Surah Al-A’raf, ayah 88, they confronted him with a stern ultimatum:“O Shu’ayb! We shall certainly banish you and your companions-in-faith from our town, or else you shall return to our faith”The Prophet (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) replied:“‘What! Even though we abhor [your faith]? If we return to your faith after Allah has delivered us from it we would be fabricating a lie against Allah. nor can we return to it again unless it be by, the will of Allah, our Lord. Our Lord has knowledge of all things, and in Allah we put our trust. Our Lord! Judge rightly between us and our people, for You are the best of those who judge.’"(Surah Al-A’raf, ayah 88-89)The leaders also targeted the followers of Shu’aib (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and threatened:“Should you follow Shu’ayb, you will be utter losers.”(Surah Al-A’raf, ayah 90)

Fearing that many more would join Shu’aib(عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), the chiefs withheld Shu’aib’s(عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)belongings and those of his followers and drove them out of Madyan. So the Prophet prayed to his Lord and pleaded for His assistance.

Allah(سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ)says in the Quran:

This day is known as the "torment of the canopy"and is not explicitly detailed in the Qur'an or any authentic traditions. But we are told it was a day of divine retribution against those who defied Allah(سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ)guidance. Some commentators write about a continuous storm, with violent thunderbolts that brought about their destruction.

In the Tafseer Ma'ariful Qur'an, a vivid depiction is presented,"Allah Ta’ ala sent down such an extreme heat on a people that they could not find comfort either inside the houses or outside. Then He sent down a mass of dark cloud over a nearby forest, under which there was a cool breeze. As the entire people were distressed due to excessive heat, they ran to take shelter under the cloud.

In Surah Al-A'raf verses 91-92,"Thereupon a shocking catastrophe seized them, and they remained prostrate in their dwellings. Those who had charged Shu’ayb with lying became as though-they had never lived there; it is they who became utter losers."Having witnessed the destruction of his people, Prophet Shu’aib(عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)turned away from them and said:"‘O my people! Surely I conveyed to you the message of my Lord, and gave you sincere advice. How, then, can I mourn for a people who refuse to accept the truth?’(Surah Al-A’raf, ayah 93)

Allah(سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ)also says in the Qur'an: