Shuayb

The people of Madyan were traders who cheated in their measurements and weights. They gave short measure when selling and demanded full measure when buying. Shuayb (peace be upon him) told them: 'O my people, worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him. Do not decrease the measure and weight' (Surah Hud 11:84). His message linked worship of Allah directly to ethical behaviour — you cannot claim to believe in Allah while cheating His creation.

Shuayb did not only call to prayer and ritual — he called to justice in everyday transactions. He warned: 'Do not deprive people of their due, and do not spread corruption in the land' (Surah Hud 11:85). His people mockingly asked: 'Does your prayer command you that we should leave what our fathers worshipped or not do with our wealth what we please?' (Surah Hud 11:87). Their objection reveals a mindset that wants religion in the mosque but refuses it in the marketplace.

Unlike many rejected prophets, Shuayb's tone is notably tender. He said: 'I do not wish to differ from you in what I forbid you — I only wish for reform as much as I am able. My success is only through Allah. Upon Him I rely, and to Him I turn' (Surah Hud 11:88). He practised what he preached and led by example. He warned them not to repeat the fate of the peoples of Nuh, Hud, Salih, and Lut, whose ruins were not far away (Surah Hud 11:89).

When they refused and threatened to stone him, the punishment came as an earthquake and a mighty shriek (Surah Hud 11:94, Surah Al-A'raf 7:91). They lay lifeless in their homes, as if they had never lived there in prosperity (Surah Al-A'raf 7:92). Shuayb turned away saying: 'O my people, I delivered my Lord's messages to you and advised you, so how could I grieve for a disbelieving people?' (Surah Al-A'raf 7:93).