Prophet Shuaib
After Lut; people of Madyan (traditionally 18th–16th century BCE).
Shuaib was sent as a prophet to the people of Madyan (and in some accounts to the people of the thicket), Arabs who lived in the region of Ma'an. They gave short measure and weight, lied in trade and did mischief on the earth; they did not worship Allah alone. Shuaib called them to give full measure and weight, to worship Allah and to repent. They mocked him and threatened to drive him and the believers out. When they persisted in disbelief, a blast or earthquake and a cloud of punishment seized them; Shuaib and those who believed were saved. He is often identified as the father-in-law of Musa (Moses), who stayed in Madyan for several years.
Allah the Almighty revealed the story of Shuaib (peace be upon him): "To the people of Madyan (We sent) their brother Shuaib. He said: O my people! Worship Allah, you have no other god but Him. Verily! A clear proof from your Lord has come unto you; so give full measure and full weight and wrong not men in their things, and do not make 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 mischief-makers. 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 chiefs of those who were arrogant among his people said: "We shall certainly drive you out, O Shuaib! and those who have believed with you from our town, or else you all shall return to our religion." He said: "Even though we hate it! We should have invented a lie against Allah if we returned to your religion, after Allah has 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 gives judgment." The chiefs of those who disbelieved among his people said to their people: "If you follow Shuaib be sure then you will be the losers!" Then he 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)." (Al-A'raf 7:85-93)
In this story
- Shuaib’s message
- The people of Madyan
- The punishment
Where the Quran tells it
- Al-A'raf 7:85-93
- Hud 11:84-95
- Ash-Shu'ara 26:176-189