Prophet Shu'ayb (AS) - The Eloquent Prophet
Learn about Prophet Shu'ayb (AS) who taught honesty in trade and worship of Allah.
Prophet Shu'ayb (peace be upon him) was sent to the people of Madyan. The people of Madyan were merchants who cheated in trade — they gave short measure, weighed less, and took extra from people. Shu'ayb (AS) called them to worship Allah alone and to be honest in their business. He said: 'Give full measure and do not be of those who cause loss. And weigh with an even balance.' But the people rejected him and mocked him. They threatened to expel him. They continued their dishonesty. Allah sent a punishment — a great blast (sayhah) that destroyed them in their homes. Only Shu'ayb and the believers were saved. Shu'ayb (AS) is also mentioned as being sent to the People of the Wood (Aykah), who were also destroyed for their rejection. The Prophet ﷺ said that Shu'ayb was the most eloquent of prophets, which is why he is called 'Khatib al-Anbiya' — the Orator of the Prophets.
Qur'an Verses
وَيْلٌ لِّلْمُطَفِّفِينَ الَّذِينَ إِذَا اكْتَالُوا عَلَى النَّاسِ يَسْتَوْفُونَ
Waylun lil-mutaffifin alladhina idha ktalu 'ala an-nasi yastawfuna
Translation: Woe to those who give less [than due], who when they take a measure from people, take in full.
وَإِلَىٰ مَدْيَنَ أَخَاهُمْ شُعَيْبًا
Wa-ila Madyana akhahum Shu'ayban
Translation: And to Madyan [We sent] their brother Shu'ayb.
Authentic Hadith
The Prophet ﷺ said: 'The honest, trustworthy merchant will be with the prophets, the truthful, and the martyrs.'
Explanation
This hadith shows the high status of honest merchants — they are with the prophets in Paradise. Shu'ayb's message of honest trade is central to Islamic ethics.
Honesty in business is a religious duty. Allah destroys those who cheat and deceive. Always give full measure and be fair in all dealings.
- 1.What did the people of Madyan do wrong?
- 2.What did Shu'ayb call them to?
- 3.What punishment destroyed Madyan?
1. What did Allah do to dishonest merchants in Madyan?
2. What does giving short measure mean?
3. Did the people of Madyan listen to Shu'ayb?
4. What did Shu'ayb tell them about measuring?
5. Is honesty in business a religious duty?
6. What other people was Shu'ayb sent to?
7. What punishment destroyed Madyan?
8. Did Shu'ayb give up on his people?
9. What does Surah Al-Mutaffifin warn about?
10. What sin were the people of Madyan guilty of?
11. What title is Shu'ayb known by?
12. What did Shu'ayb tell them about weighing?
13. Did the people mock Shu'ayb?
14. What does 'Madyan' refer to?
15. What lesson do we learn from Shu'ayb?
16. What does 'Khatib al-Anbiya' mean?
17. Were the People of the Wood also destroyed?
18. What did Shu'ayb call his people to besides honesty?
19. Who was Prophet Shu'ayb sent to?
20. What did the Prophet ﷺ say about honest merchants?
21. Was Shu'ayb a prophet?
22. What did they threaten to do to Shu'ayb?
23. Who was saved?
24. What does 'Mizan' mean?
25. What does 'Wayl' mean in the Quran?
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