Childhood of Prophet Shuʿayb علیہ السلام
Prophet Shuʿayb علیہ السلام’s father was a knowledgeable man from Madyan, and his mother was a pious woman from the Amalekites. When Shuʿayb علیہ السلام was born, he was blessed with great wisdom, deep understanding, and remarkable beauty. He did not speak much and spent most of his time in deep thought.
His Father’s Prayer
One day, Shuʿayb علیہ السلام’s father saw how delicate and special his son was. He prayed, “O Allah, You have blessed Madyan with many people. Please bless this small family of mine.” That night, he had a dream where he heard a voice say, “Allah has blessed your son and made him a prophet for the people of Madyan.”
The Meaning of Shuʿayb علیہ السلام’s Name
In Arabic, the word Shuʿayb (شُعَيْب) means “a small group.”
His Worship and Dedication
After his father passed away, Shuʿayb علیہ السلام took his place and devoted himself to worship. He became known for his piety and wisdom, surpassing everyone around him in righteousness.
His Work as a Shepherd
Shuʿayb علیہ السلام inherited a flock of sheep from his father, which brought him many benefits. He took care of the sheep himself and lived a simple, honest life.
The People of Madyan
The people of Madyan were traders who sold wheat, barley, and other food items. However, they were dishonest in business. They used proper weights when buying goods but used faulty weights when selling, cheating their customers. Shuʿayb علیہ السلام grew up among them but never took part in these unfair practices.
His Call to Justice
One day, while sitting at his doorstep remembering Allah, a traveler approached Shuʿayb علیہ السلام and complained, “The people here are unjust. I bought goods worth 100 dinars, but when I checked, they gave me only 80 dinars’ worth.”
Shuʿayb علیہ السلام replied, “Maybe it was a mistake. Go back and ask them.”
The traveler said, “I did, but they beat me up and told me, ‘This is our way.’”
Hearing this, Shuʿayb علیہ السلام accompanied the traveler to the market and confronted the traders. They arrogantly responded, “This is how we do business. Our ancestors did the same.”
Shuʿayb علیہ السلام insisted, “No, this is wrong.”
However, they refused to listen and even attacked the traveler, making him bleed. Seeing this injustice, Shuʿayb علیہ السلام returned home, saddened.
Shuʿayb علیہ السلام Becomes a Prophet
Soon after, Angel Jibrīl came to Shuʿayb علیہ السلام with a message from Allah: “You have been chosen as a messenger for the people of Madyan and Aykah. Call them to worship Allah alone and stop them from cheating in trade.”
The People’s Refusal
Shuʿayb علیہ السلام obeyed Allah’s command and warned the people to stop their dishonest ways. However, they ignored him and even spread lies, telling travelers, “Shuʿayb علیہ السلام is a liar who wants to mislead you.”
His Message to the People
Shuʿayb علیہ السلام pleaded with them:
“O my people! Worship Allah alone. You have no god except Him. Stop cheating in trade and do not spread corruption on the earth. This is better for you if you truly believe.”
However, the arrogant leaders of Madyan said, “Shuʿayb علیہ السلام, leave our city! If you don’t follow our ways, we will force you out.”
Shuʿayb علیہ السلام replied, “Even if we do not agree with your ways?”
They said, “Yes! You must follow us.”
Shuʿayb علیہ السلام firmly responded, “If we accept your ways after Allah has guided us, we would be lying about Him. We will never return to your beliefs unless Allah wills.”
A Final Warning
Shuʿayb علیہ السلام then warned them:
“O my people! Fear Allah. You are prosperous now, but I fear that a great punishment will come upon you. Be honest in trade, do not cheat people, and do not spread corruption on the earth. The honest earnings that Allah gives you are better than any wealth gained through dishonesty.”
Despite his warnings, the people of Madyan refused to change their ways…