Who was Prophet Shuaib:
Prophet Shuaib is one of the four Arab Prophets. He was given prophethood for the guidance of people in a place called Madian. He was from the people of Madian because, in the Quran, Allah has called him a brother of the people of Madian.
The birth time of Prophet Shuaib:
The exact date of Hazrat Shuaib’s birth is not known. Yet it is said that he was born before or after the time of Prophet Younas. Interpreters and historians have dissimilar views on it.
People of Madian:
The people of Madyan were Arabs who lived in the country of Ma’an, part of which today is greater Syria. They were greedy people who did not believe that Allah existed and who led wicked lives. They used to worship many different idols. Also, they were extortionists. They gave short measures, praised their goods beyond their worth, and hid their defects. Madian people lied to their customers, thereby cheating them. They also charged taxes on lands that were not theirs.
Guidance sent upon the people of Madian:
Allah sent His Prophet Shu’aib (PBUH) armed with many miracles. Shu’aib preached to them, begging them to be mindful of Allah’s favors and warning them of the consequences of their evil ways, but they only mocked him. Shu’aib remained calm as he reminded them of his kinship to them and that what he was doing was not for his personal gain.
Hazrat Shuaib’s message:
Allah the Almighty revealed the story of Shu’aib (PBUH) in the Quran for our guidance. According to chapter 7, ayah 85-87 of the Quran;
“To the people of Madyan (Madian) (We sent) their brother Shu’aib. He said: “O my people! Worship Allah, you have no other Ilah (God) but Him. Verily! A clear proof (sign) from your Lord has come unto you; so give full measure and full weight and wrong not men in their things, and do not mischief on the earth after it has been set in order that will be better for you if you are believers. And sit not on every road, threatening, and hindering from the Path of Allah those who believe in Him, and seeking to make it crooked. Remember when you were but few, and He multiplied you. See what was the end of the Mufsideen (mischief-makers, corrupts, and liars). And if there is a party of you who believes in that which I have been sent and a party who do not believe, so be patient until Allah judges between us, and He is the Best of judges.”
The reaction of people to Shuaib’s teachings:
The high status in a society always comes forward as enemies of the truth in every nation. The people of Madian also acted similarly. As mentioned in the Quran;
The chiefs of those who were arrogant among his people said: “We shall certainly drive you out, O Shu’aib! and those who have believed with you from our town, or else you all shall return to our religion.” (7:88)
The calm approach of Prophet Shuaib:
Shuaib (PBUH) stayed calm and with hope and faith in his tone he replied wisely;
He said: “Even though we hate it! We should have invented a lie against Allah if we returned to your religion after Allah had rescued us from it. It is not for us to return to it unless Allah, our Lord, should will. Our Lord comprehends all things in His Knowledge. In Allah (Alone) we put our trust. Our Lord! Judge between us and our people in truth, for You are the Best of those Who give judgment.” (7:89)
Punishment of Allah upon Madian:
After Hazrat Shuaib’s long-time preaching, most of the people stayed stubborn and didn’t accept his religion. They seized the belongings of Shu’aib and his followers and then drove them out of the city. The Messenger turned to his Lord for help, and his plea was answered. Therefore, Allah sent down on them scorching heat and they suffered terribly. On seeing a cloud gathering in the sky, they thought it would bring cool, refreshing rain, and rushed outside in the hope of enjoying the rainfall. Instead, the cloud burst, hurling thunderbolts and fire. And then, they heard a thunderous sound from above which caused the earth under their feet to tremble. The evil doers perished in this state of horror.
Allah mentions it in the Quran like;
The chiefs of those who disbelieved among his people said to their people: “If you follow Shu’aib be sure then you will be the losers!” Then an overwhelming earthquake struck them and they fell lifeless in their homes. Those who rejected Shuaib were wiped out as if they had never lived there. Those who rejected Shuaib were the true losers. Then he (shu’aib) turned from them and said: “O my people! I have indeed conveyed my Lord’s Messages unto you and I have given you good advice. Then how can I sorrow for the disbelieving people’s (destruction).” (Ch 7:90-93)
Hazrat Musa and Hazrat Shuaib:
One of the daughters of Prophet Shuaib was married to Prophet Musa. Further, the details of this marriage will be discussed in Prophet Musa’s story soon.
Mentioned in Quran 2nd time:
The story of Prophet Shuaib and his people holds important lessons for us. As Muslims, we must ponder upon this. Allah has mentioned Prophet Shuaib’s story two times in the Quran. First, it is in Surah Al-A’raf, and 2nd time in Surah Ash-Shu’ara.
The story is mentioned in Surah Ash-Shu’ara like this;
“The dwellers of Al Aiyka (near Midian, or Madyan) belied the Messengers. When Shu’aib said to them: “Will you not fear Allah and obey Him? I am a trustworthy Messenger to you. So, fear Allah, keep your duty to Him, and obey me. No reward do I ask of you for it (my message of Islamic Monotheism), my reward is only from the Lord of the Alamin (humankind), jinn, and all that exists). Give full measure and cause no loss to others. And weigh with a true and straight balance. Defraud not people by reducing their things nor do evil making corruption and mischief in the land. Fear Him Who created you and the generations of the men of old.”
They said: “You are only one of those bewitched! You are but a human being like us and verily, we think that you are one of the liars! So cause a piece of heaven to fall on us, if you are of the truthful!”
He said: “My Lord is the Best Knower of what you do.”
But, they belied him, so the torment of the day of shadow (a gloomy cloud) seized them, indeed that was the torment of a Great Day. Verily, this is a sign yet most of them are not believers. And verily! Your Lord, He is indeed the All-Mighty, the Most Merciful.” (Ch 26:176-191 Quran).
