The story of Prophet Shuayb (alayhi al-salm) and his confrontation with his people presents, like a clear mirror, a manifestation of the conflict between faith and arrogance before the eyes of truth seekers. This Qurnic narrative, elegantly depicted in Surah Al-Arf, is not merely a historical account but an eternal lesson concerning faith, free will, reliance upon God, and divine justice. In this treatise, relying on the verses of the Holy Qurn and reflecting on their profound meanings, we have examined this story. The objective is to open a window towards a deeper understanding of the monotheistic concepts and resistance against social pressures as portrayed in the Divine Word. This text, adopting an interdisciplinary perspective ranging from theology to sociology and philosophy, endeavours to present the spirit of the revealed speech in a clear and coherent form to the readers.
The people of Shuayb (alayhi al-salm), upon encountering his monotheistic invitation, divided into two groups: believers who accepted the call to truth and leaders who, sheltered by wealth and power, stood opposed to the reality. These leaders, whom the Noble Qurn refers to as al-mala alladhna istakbar (the arrogant elites), summoned Shuayb (alayhi al-salm) and his followers either to exile or to return to their former creed by means of threats and intimidation. This invitation was not motivated by goodwill but aimed at preserving a social order that guaranteed their interests.
قَالَ الْمَلَأُ الَّذِينَ اسْتَكْبَرُوا مِن قَوْمِهِ لَنُخْرِجَنَّكَ يَا شُعَيْبُ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مَعَكَ مِن قَرْيَتِنَا أَوْ لَتَعُودُنَّ فِي مِلَّتِنَا
The arrogant leaders of his people said: O Shuayb, we shall surely expel you and those who have believed with you from our town, or else you must return to our religion.
This verse, like a prominent engraving upon the tablet of history, demonstrates the endeavour of the leaders to maintain their dominion. Al-Mala, in the Qurnic lexicon, denotes the elite who are haughty and self-exalted, who, through the tool of threats, sought to extinguish the flame of the monotheistic invitation. This conduct, akin to a fierce wave, attempted to crush the fledgling faith of the believers. From a sociological viewpoint, these leaders represent a class whose material and social interests were in contradiction with the call for justice and monotheism. By threatening exile or compelling reversion, they sought to stabilise the power structures, as though intending to bind human free will with chains of gold and force.
The threat from the leaders of Shuaybs people (alayhi al-salm) represents a manifestation of resistance against truth rooted in arrogance and the preservation of vested interests. This part of the story serves as a warning to human societies that power and wealth sometimes prevent one from accepting the truth. The Qurnic verses elucidating this confrontation invite the reader to contemplate the nature of power and its impact on faith.
In response to the threats of the leaders, Shuayb (alayhi al-salm) replied with a wise question emphasising the principle of choice and freedom in faith. This question, like an arrow striking the heart of despotism, signifies the importance of sincere intention in accepting faith.
قَالَ أَوَلَوْ كُنَّا كَارِهِينَ
He said: Even if we were unwilling?
This question, like a light piercing the darkness, offers a profound critique of the culture of coercion and imposition of belief. With these words, Shuayb (alayhi al-salm) stresses that true faith is a flower that blooms solely in the soil of choice and free will. From the perspective of religious philosophy, this verse distinguishes between genuine faith and mere outward conformity. The leaders, who were content only with appearances and blending in with the majority, were incapable of comprehending this truth.
Shuaybs response is a lesson concerning the significance of free will in faith. This part of the story invites the reader to reflect on the essence of faith and demonstrates that acceptance of truth is possible not through coercion but through free and conscious volition.
Continuing his response, Shuayb (alayhi al-salm) considered returning to disbelief as an instance of falsely attributing lies to God and emphasised deliverance from polytheism by divine grace. These words, like a fire that burns the harvest of falsehood, revealed the reality of faith.
قَالَ 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
He said: Indeed, we have wrongfully attributed lies to God if we were to return to your religion after God has delivered us from it. It shall never be for us to return thereto except that God, our Lord, wills.
This verse, like a pure spring, cleanses the truth of faith from the contamination of polytheism. Shuayb (alayhi al-salm) regards returning to disbelief as a negation of the blessing of divine guidance and, by the phrase except that God wills, declares his submission to divine will. This submission is not born of weakness but of awareness of Gods vast knowledge and power, as though he sees himself like a leaf before the wind of divine decree. From a theological viewpoint, this verse underscores the complexities of faith, indicating that even the prophets are humble before Gods boundless knowledge.
Shuayb (alayhi al-salm), by this statement, points to a subtle truth: faith is like a thread with a thousand twists and turns, and a small negligence can divert one from the path of truth. These words serve as a warning to believers not to take faith lightly and to remain steadfast against worldly temptations.
This section of Shuaybs story emphasises the importance of preserving faith against external pressures and internal temptations. Submission to divine will is not a sign of weakness but rather a manifestation of profound awareness and humility before the wisdom of God.
At the pinnacle of faith and reliance, Shuayb (alayhi al-salm) supplicated to God with a wise prayer, seeking justice and resolution. This prayer, like a lantern in the dark night, illuminates the path for believers.
وَسِعَ رَبُّنَا كُلَّ شَيْءٍ عِلْمًا عَلَى اللَّهِ تَوَكَّلْنَا رَبَّنَا افْتَحْ بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَ قَوْمِنَا بِالْحَقِّ وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ الْفَاتِحِينَ
Our Lord encompasses all things in knowledge; upon God we rely. Our Lord, decide between us and our people in truth, for You are the best of those who give decision.
This verse, like a lofty peak, displays the zenith of Shuaybs (alayhi al-salm) faith. He acknowledges Gods comprehensive knowledge, declares reliance upon Him, and implores God to judge between him and his people by truth. The phrase the best of those who give decision is like a golden key, presenting God as the supreme opener who can untie the most difficult knots with justice and wisdom. From a philosophical perspective, this verse emphasises the limitations of human knowledge and the superiority of divine wisdom, as though man is but a tiny drop before the vast ocean of divine knowledge.
The prayer of Shuayb (alayhi al-salm) serves as a model for believers to turn to reliance and supplication rather than impulsive action in times of difficulty. This section underscores the importance of trust in divine wisdom and justice.
After failing to convince Shuayb (alayhi al-salm), the leaders of the disbelieving people resorted to threatening the believers in order to weaken their resolve through
