Prophet Shuayb
شعيبعليه السلام
Known as the 'Orator of the Prophets' for his eloquence. Sent to the people of Madyan who cheated in trade and measurements.
Sent to the People of Madyan
Shuayb was sent to the people of Madyan (Midian), a trading community near modern-day northwest Arabia. They were guilty of cheating in their measurements and scales, hoarding wealth through dishonest trade, and obstructing travelers. Shuayb was known for his exceptional eloquence, earning him the title 'Orator of the Prophets.'
وَإِلَىٰ مَدْيَنَ أَخَاهُمْ شُعَيْبًا ۗ قَالَ يَا قَوْمِ اعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ مَا لَكُم مِّنْ إِلَٰهٍ غَيْرُهُ ۖ وَلَا تَنقُصُوا الْمِكْيَالَ وَالْمِيزَانَ
“And to Madyan [We sent] their brother Shuayb. He said, 'O my people, worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him. And do not decrease from the measure and the scale.'”
Economic Justice
Shuayb's message uniquely emphasized economic ethics alongside monotheism. He commanded fair dealing, honest weights and measures, and warned against corruption in business. His call demonstrates that Islam addresses all aspects of life, including commerce and social justice.
وَيَا قَوْمِ أَوْفُوا الْمِكْيَالَ وَالْمِيزَانَ بِالْقِسْطِ ۖ وَلَا تَبْخَسُوا النَّاسَ أَشْيَاءَهُمْ
“And O my people, give full measure and weight in justice and do not deprive the people of their due.”
Destruction of Madyan
When the people rejected Shuayb and threatened to expel him, Allah destroyed them with an earthquake and a blast from the sky. They were found dead in their homes, as if they had never lived there.
فَأَخَذَتْهُمُ الرَّجْفَةُ فَأَصْبَحُوا فِي دَارِهِمْ جَاثِمِينَ
“So the earthquake seized them, and they became within their homes corpses fallen prone.”
Key Lessons
- ◆Honesty in business dealings is a religious obligation, not just good practice
- ◆Economic corruption is a form of oppression that invites divine punishment
- ◆Eloquence in conveying the truth is a gift from Allah
References & Sources
- Quran: Surah Hud (11:84-95), Al-A'raf (7:85-93), Ash-Shu'ara (26:176-191), Al-Ankabut (29:36-37)
- Ibn Kathir, Qasas al-Anbiya