Juz 9: Al-Aʿrāf 88 to Al-Anfāl 40
Section 2 of 16 · Tafsir of the Qur’an · Mufti Abdul Rahman Mangera
2. Prophet Shu'ayb and His People's Response | Verses: Al-A'raf 7:88-93
The narrative of Prophet Shu'ayb (peace be upon him) continues from the previous juz, highlighting the hostile response his message received from the elites of his community. Despite his sincere call to monotheism and ethical conduct in business dealings, the arrogant leaders responded with threats and ultimatums:
قَالَ الْمَلَأُ الَّذِينَ اسْتَكْبَرُوا مِن قَوْمِهِ لَنُخْرِجَنَّكَ يَا شُعَيْبُ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مَعَكَ مِن قَرْيَتِنَا أَوْ لَتَعُودُنَّ فِي مِلَّتِنَا ۚ قَالَ أَوَلَوْ كُنَّا كَارِهِينَ
“The chiefs of his nation who were arrogant said, "We will expel you, O Shu'aib, and those who believe with you from our town, or you shall have to return to our faith." He said, "Even if we hate it?”
This verse reveals the ultimatum presented to Prophet Shu'ayb and his followers: either abandon their faith and return to the polytheistic practices of their community or face expulsion from their homeland. This pattern of ultimatums against believers has recurred throughout history, where those in power demand conformity to their ways and threaten exclusion for those who refuse.
Prophet Shu'ayb's response demonstrates remarkable courage and unwavering commitment to truth:
قَدِ افْتَرَيْنَا عَلَى اللَّهِ كَذِبًا إِنْ عُدْنَا فِي مِلَّتِكُم بَعْدَ إِذْ نَجَّانَا اللَّهُ مِنْهَا ۚ وَمَا يَكُونُ لَنَا أَن نَّعُودَ فِيهَا إِلَّا أَن يَشَاءَ اللَّهُ رَبُّنَا ۚ وَسِعَ رَبُّنَا كُلَّ شَيْءٍ عِلْمًا ۚ عَلَى اللَّهِ تَوَكَّلْنَا ۚ رَبَّنَا افْتَحْ بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَ قَوْمِنَا بِالْحَقِّ وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ الْفَاتِحِينَ
“We would be forging a lie against Allah, if we were to return to your faith after Allah has saved us from it. It is not for us to return to it unless Allah, our Lord, so wills. Our Lord encompasses everything with His knowledge. In Allah we place our trust. Our Lord, decide between us and our people with truth, and You are the best of all judges.”
Prophet Shu'ayb explains that returning to idolatry after being blessed with divine guidance would constitute a deliberate falsification against Allah. His response demonstrates how believers must prioritize divine truth over social acceptance or worldly comfort. Notably, Prophet Shu'ayb anchors his confidence in Allah's knowledge and sovereignty, declaring "Upon Allah do we rely" (عَلَى اللَّهِ تَوَكَّلْنَا).
This teaches believers that when facing opposition, we must respond with truth while maintaining awareness of Allah's presence. Prophet Shu'ayb concludes with a profound supplication asking Allah to judge between his people and himself, recognizing Allah as "the best of all judges" (خَيْرُ الْفَاتِحِينَ).
The arrogant leaders, unable to counter Shu'ayb's message with logical arguments, resorted to threats and intimidation, encouraging people to reject his call. This pattern of opposition to truth through power rather than reason has been consistent throughout human history.
When the people persisted in their rejection despite clear warnings, divine punishment befell them:
فَأَخَذَتْهُمُ الرَّجْفَةُ فَأَصْبَحُوا فِي دَارِهِمْ جَاثِمِينَ
“So, the earthquake seized them, and they were (found dead) in their homes, fallen on their faces.”
The sudden destruction of this obstinate community serves as a powerful reminder of divine justice. Prophet Shu'ayb's final response to their fate carries no gloating but reflects sorrow for their rejection despite his sincere efforts to guide them. His narrative teaches believers to remain steadfast in faith regardless of opposition, to place complete trust in Allah during adversity, and to deliver the message of truth with wisdom and patience.