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Shuayb, the prophet sent to the people of Madyan
Shuayb
The Call to Madyan
Justice in Trade
Reform of the Market
His People's Opposition
The Wisdom of Shuayb
The Punishment
His Patience
The Legacy of His Message
Important Note
This collection brings together a selection of authentic texts about the Prophet Shuayb (peace be upon him). The English translations are given as a guide.
- Refer to the original Arabic texts
- Consult the commentaries of the scholars
- Study the historical context of each account
- Check the authentic sources
The remarkable story of the Prophet Shuayb in Islamic tradition
Shuayb is among the prophets of Islam named in the Quran. He was sent by Allah to guide the people of Madyan, a tribe who lived in the region between Syria and the Hijaz. This prophet is known above all for preaching against the dishonest trading practices of his time.
The people of Madyan excelled at trade but cheated constantly on weights and measures. They sold less than they promised and bought more than they paid for. Shuayb reminded them again and again how important justice in dealings is, and warned them against such conduct.
In the Quran, Allah records Shuayb's words to his people. He asked them to worship Allah alone and to stop their cheating. The prophet explained to them that these dishonest practices would bring them nothing but ruin and destruction. Sadly, most of his community refused to listen.
The people of Madyan mocked Shuayb and even threatened to drive him out. They found his religious teaching too constraining for their trading habits. Some went so far as to say they did not understand his words, claiming he spoke unintelligibly.
In the end, Allah sent a terrible punishment on this stubborn people. A mighty cry and an earthquake destroyed them entirely. Only Shuayb and the few believers who had followed him were spared the divine wrath.
The story of Shuayb teaches how important honesty is, in trade and in daily life. It also reminds us that rejecting the messages of the prophets can have grave consequences. To deepen your knowledge of Islam, you can turn to the Quran which relates these prophetic accounts in detail.
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ReadYou may be wondering…
Who is the Prophet Shuayb in Islam?
Shuayb is an Arab prophet sent by Allah to the people of Madyan, a community of traders. He called them to worship Allah alone and to give up their dishonest dealings. His story is told in several surahs of the Quran, in particular Al-A'raf, Hud and Ash-Shu'ara, where he is presented as their brother, that is, one of their own.
What was the sin of the people of Madyan?
Besides idolatry, the people of Madyan cheated in weights and measures: they gave less than was due and took more than they paid for. Shuayb told them: Give full measure and weight, and do not give people less than what is theirs (Surah Al-A'raf, verse 85). In this way they spread corruption in the land after it had been set right.
How were the people of Madyan punished?
The chiefs threatened to drive Shuayb and the believers out unless they returned to their religion. After their stubborn refusal, the Cry seized them and they lay in their homes as if they had never prospered there (Surah Hud, verses 94-95). Only Shuayb and those who had believed with him were saved, by Allah's mercy.
Is Shuayb the father-in-law of Musa (Moses)?
The Quran does not name the old man of Madyan who took Musa in and gave him his daughter in marriage. Some scholars identify him with Shuayb, which would make him Jethro in the Bible, but others reject that identification because of the gap in time between the two prophets. The question remains open.
Why is Shuayb called the orator of the prophets?
The scholars relate that Shuayb is called khatib al-anbiya, the orator of the prophets, because of the eloquence and wisdom with which he addressed his people. The Quran records his words, gentle and firm at once: I only intend reform, as much as I am able (Surah Hud, verse 88).