🧬 Background and Lineage
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Shuʿayb (شعيب) |
| Sent to | People of Madyan and Aṣḥāb al-Aykah (Companions of the Wood) |
| Lineage (According to some scholars) | A descendant of Prophet Ibrāhīm (AS) through his third wife, Qanṭūra |
| Title | “The Orator of the Prophets” (خطيب الأنبياء) due to his eloquence |
| Mentioned in Qur’an | In Surah al-A‘rāf, Hud, Shuʿarā’, and al-‘Ankabūt |
🌆 The People of Madyan
Shuʿayb (AS) was sent to Madyan, a region located near present-day northwest Saudi Arabia or southern Jordan. The people of Madyan were:
- Engaged in dishonest trade,
- Practicing fraud and corruption,
- Cheating in weights and measures,
- Heavily involved in economic injustice and moral decay.
🗣️ His Mission and Warnings
Shuʿayb (AS) called them to:
- Worship Allah alone and abandon idol worship.
- Be honest in trade, giving full measure and weight.
- Avoid spreading corruption on earth.
- Be grateful for the blessings Allah gave them.
“Give full measure and do not be of those who cause loss. And weigh with an even balance.”
[Surah Shu‘arā 26:181–182]
“O my people, worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him. And do not decrease from the measure and the scale. Indeed, I see you in prosperity, but indeed, I fear for you the punishment of an all-encompassing Day.”
[Surah Hūd 11:84]
😠 Their Arrogant Response
The people mocked him:
- Accused him of being a liar or mad.
- Challenged him: “Does your prayer command us to leave what our fathers worshipped?”
- Threatened to stone him or expel him.
“You are surely the forbearing, the right-minded!” they said sarcastically.
[Surah Hūd 11:87]
But Shuʿayb (AS) responded with wisdom and calm:
“I only desire reform to the best of my ability. My success is only through Allah.”
[Surah Hūd 11:88]
💥 The Punishment of Madyan
Despite repeated warnings, they persisted in corruption. Eventually, Allah sent a severe punishment:
- A mighty blast (ṣayḥah),
- Followed by a violent earthquake,
- And a black cloud of torment.
“And the earthquake seized them, and they became within their home [corpses] fallen prone.”
[Surah al-A‘rāf 7:91]
“As if they had never lived there. So away with Madyan as Thamūd was taken away!”
[Surah Hūd 11:95]
🌳 Aṣḥāb al-Aykah (Companions of the Forest)
Shuʿayb (AS) is also mentioned as being sent to Aṣḥāb al-Aykah:
- A separate, possibly neighboring tribe who lived in lush, forested areas.
- They also engaged in economic corruption and denied his message.
“The Companions of the Forest denied the messengers…”
[Surah Shu‘arā 26:176]
Their punishment was also swift and devastating.
🛡️ Protection of Shuʿayb (AS)
Allah protected Shuʿayb (AS) and the believers:
“So he turned away from them and said, ‘O my people, I had certainly conveyed to you the messages of my Lord and advised you. So how could I grieve over a disbelieving people?’”
[Surah al-A‘rāf 7:93]
He and his followers were saved, and he continued to live out his days in peace.
🧕 Connection to Prophet Mūsā (AS)
According to Islamic tradition:
- Shuʿayb (AS) was the father-in-law of Mūsā (AS).
- When Mūsā fled Egypt, he found shelter in Madyan.
- Mūsā married one of Shuʿayb’s daughters (sometimes identified as Ṣaffūrah).
- Shuʿayb mentored him spiritually for many years.
This is mentioned in Surah al-Qaṣaṣ (28:22–28), though Shuʿayb is not directly named there — scholars widely interpret the wise old man as Shuʿayb.
🌟 Lessons from the Life of Shuʿayb (AS)
| Lesson | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Honesty in business | Islam strictly prohibits fraud, lying, or shortchanging others. |
| Patience in da‘wah | Shuʿayb stayed persistent despite mockery and threats. |
| Gentle speech | He was eloquent, respectful, and reasoned with his people wisely. |
| Civic justice | He fought against social and economic corruption. |
| Trust in Allah | Even when outnumbered, he relied solely on Allah. |
📖 Summary of Prophet Shuʿayb (AS)
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Sent to | People of Madyan and Aykah |
| Known for | Eloquence, economic justice, patience |
| Main Message | Monotheism, honesty in trade, no corruption |
| Opposition | Mockery, threats, and rejection |
| Outcome | People destroyed; Shuʿayb and followers saved |
| Mentioned in Qur’an | Multiple Surahs (7, 11, 26, 29) |
| Relation to other Prophets | Possibly father-in-law of Mūsā (AS) |
