OUR MESSENGERS SAY(2)

The Prophet Shu’ayb (as) Declared That It

Was Allah Alone Whom One Needed To Fear

One of the most evident shortcomings of the idolatrous nations is that they fear other people or beings more than they fear Allah. They love them more than Allah or prefer their approval over Allah’s. The people of the Prophet Shu’ayb (as) were also the kind of people who failed to appreciate Allah’s grandeur. They felt no fear of Allah, yet they stood in awe of other people. For example, they even stated their wish to murder the Prophet Shu’ayb (as) but it was only their fear of the people around him which prevented them from doing so:

They said, “Shu’ayb, we do not understand much of what you say and we see you are weak among us. Were it not for your clan, we would have stoned you. We do not hold you in high esteem!” (Surah Hud, 91)

Indeed, it is Allah alone Who is Exalted in Might. He is also the sole One of Whom one needs to feel fear. Allah keeps control over every being and every occurrence. In the face of the threat made by his people, the Prophet Shu’ayb (as) also reminded them that Allah reigns Supreme.

He said, “My people! Do you esteem my clan more than you do Allah? Dare you turn your backs on Him? My Lord has knowledge of everything that you do! My people! Do as you think best, and so shall I. You will certainly come to know who will be punished and held up to shame and who is a liar. Wait if you will! I too am waiting.”(Surah Hud, 92-93)

As is the case with all other nations who rejected Allah's messenger and His commands, the people of Madyan brought Allah's wrath upon themselves while they were still in this world. This is related in the Qur’an as follows:

When Our judgment was carried out, We rescued Shu’ayb through Our mercy and those who believed along with him. A Great Blast overtook the evil-doers, and morning found them lying flattened in their homes as if they had never prospered there at all. Like the Thamud, gone are the people of Madyan. (Surah Hud, 94-95)

THE PROPHET LUQMAN(AS)

We gave Luqman wisdom saying: “Give thanks to Allah.” Whoever gives thanks has much to gain. But if anyone is ungrateful, Allah is Rich Beyond Need, and Glorious. (Surah Luqman, 12)