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The Story of Prophet Shuʿayb (عليه السلام)
“And to Madyan [We sent] their brother Shuʿayb. He said, 'O my people, worship Allāh; you have no deity other than Him…'”
— Surah Al-A‘rāf (7:85)
Who was Prophet Shuʿayb (عليه السلام)?
Prophet Shuʿayb (عليه السلام) was a descendant of Prophet Ibrāhīm (عليه السلام) through his son Midyan, and he was sent as a prophet to the people of Madyan, a region near present-day northwestern Arabia.
He is known as “Khaṭīb al-Anbiyāʾ” – the Orator of the Prophets, due to his eloquent speech. His story appears multiple times in the Qur’ān, particularly in Surah Al-Aʿrāf, Hūd, Ash-Shuʿarāʾ, and Al-ʿAnkabūt.
📍 The People of Madyan
The people of Madyan were merchants and traders. While they lived in a fertile and resourceful land, their hearts were corrupt. Their main sins included:
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Cheating in weights and measures
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Fraudulent business dealings
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Greed and materialism
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Worship of false gods and idols
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Spreading corruption on Earth
They would shorten weights, manipulate scales, and exploit others economically, violating justice and trust.
📣 Shuʿayb’s Call to Tawḥīd and Honesty
Prophet Shuʿayb (عليه السلام) called his people to worship Allāh alone and to deal justly in trade. He warned them against corruption and reminded them of the blessings Allāh had given.
“O my people! Worship Allāh, you have no deity other than Him. Do not give short measure or weight. I see you in prosperity, but I fear for you the punishment of a Day encompassing.”
— Surah Hūd (11:84)
He urged them to:
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Be just in business
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Stop corrupt dealings
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Repent and seek forgiveness
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Fear the punishment of Allāh
💬 Arrogance and Rejection by His People
The people of Madyan responded to Shuʿayb’s message with mockery, arrogance, and threats:
“O Shuʿayb, does your prayer command that we leave what our forefathers worship or that we stop doing with our wealth whatever we please?”
— Surah Hūd (11:87)
They viewed religion as an obstacle to their economic freedom and personal desires.
They even threatened to stone him or expel him if he didn’t conform.
“We would surely have stoned you had your family not been among us.”
— Surah Hūd (11:91)
💔 Shuʿayb’s Response: Patience and Reminders
Prophet Shuʿayb (عليه السلام) remained firm, patient, and compassionate. He reminded them of previous destroyed nations (like Nūḥ, Hūd, and Ṣāliḥ), warning them:
“And ask forgiveness of your Lord and then repent to Him. Indeed, my Lord is Merciful and Loving.”
— Surah Hūd (11:90)
His daʿwah wasn’t just warnings — it was full of hope, wisdom, and love for his people.
⚡ The Destruction of Madyan
After continued rejection and rebellion, Allāh’s punishment descended upon the people of Madyan in a terrible form:
“So the earthquake seized them, and they became within their home [corpses] fallen prone.”
— Surah Al-Aʿrāf (7:91)
Other verses describe:
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A terrible cry (ṣayḥah)
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A scorching blast
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A mighty earthquake
Their once prosperous city was completely destroyed.
“As if they had never prospered therein.”
— Surah Al-Aʿrāf (7:92)
But Allāh saved Shuʿayb (عليه السلام) and those who believed with him.
🕊️ Qualities of Prophet Shuʿayb (عليه السلام)
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🗣️ Eloquent & Wise – Called "The Orator of the Prophets"
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💼 Concerned with Justice – Especially economic and social justice
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❤️ Sincere & Patient – Despite threats and abuse
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📿 Firm in Faith – Never compromised on Tawḥīd
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🕊️ Kind & Merciful – Wanted the best for his people
❤️ Lessons from the Life of Shuʿayb (عليه السلام)
1. Cheating in Business is a Major Sin
Islam does not separate faith from commerce. Honesty in trade is part of worship.
Prophet ﷺ said:
“The honest and trustworthy merchant will be with the prophets, the truthful, and the martyrs.”
— Tirmidhī
2. Standing for Truth, Even Alone
Shuʿayb (عليه السلام) stood firm even when his whole nation turned against him.
3. Warning Comes Before Punishment
Allāh never punishes a people without sending them a clear messenger and message.
4. Justice is a Divine Command
Corruption in society often begins with injustice in trade, oppression of the poor, and dishonest dealings.
5. We Must Prioritize Deen Over Dunya
The people of Madyan put wealth above worship, and they were destroyed. Their dunya couldn’t save them.
🪦 What Happened to Shuʿayb (عليه السلام)?
After the destruction of his people, Shuʿayb (عليه السلام) continued to live with the few believers who had accepted his message. Some scholars believe he may have also encountered Prophet Mūsā (Moses) عليه السلام later in life (as the righteous man of Madyan, though this is debated).
He eventually passed away in peace. His grave is believed by locals to be in present-day Jordan or Syria, but the exact location is uncertain.
📚 Conclusion
Prophet Shuʿayb (عليه السلام) teaches us the importance of combining faith with justice, worship with ethics, and patience with truth. His story is a reminder that cheating and arrogance destroy nations, while honesty and piety build lasting legacies.
“Indeed, in that is a sign for those who reflect.”
— Surah Ash-Shuʿarā (26:174)
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