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According
to the Quran, nobody has the right to regulate the life of other human
beings. This right is exclusively
reserved for God. God’s greatest gifts
such as scripture, wisdom, and even the prophet hood cannot bestow this right on
any human. The only thing those who
receive these gifts should do to mankind is to tell them, “Be dutiful human
beings by virtue of the scripture which you constantly study and teach.”
The
system Shu’eyb taught was a comprehensive single unit, encompassing all spheres
of life. The leaders of his nation wanted
a system which had no control on the worldly affairs. Shu’eyb explained to them, “My nation, do you
not see that God has given me illuminating reason? Moreover, He has given me abundant sustenance
(rizk). After all these favors I am obliged to tell
you the truth. However, I am not telling
you anything to do which I am not doing myself.
My intention is honorable; I want to improve your conditions. I am not asking any reward or remuneration for
it. My God will reward me for my work. I
always put my trust in Him, and seek guidance from Him. ”
The
leaders of the nation fully understood what Shu’eyb was saying and wanted to
do, but they were not willing to admit it in public. In order to undermine his
mission they portrayed him as a liar and conceited person in the society. “You are just a mortal like us. How are you claiming to be a messenger of
God? You are nothing but a liar in our
opinion. Make a fragment of sky fall on
us, so we know that you are truthful.”
Shu’eyb
was not a stranger; he was living in their society and many individuals knew
his character. This attempt to paint his
character black miserably failed. The
leaders started another scheme; they declared him to be under a magic spell
talking nonsense.
The
proud, rich leaders told Shu’eyb, “We cannot understand most of the things you
say. We know you are a weak person in
the society. Moreover, your existence
has no value for us; we would have killed you by stoning if the members of your
community were not with you.”
“Oh
my nation,” said Shu’eyb. “You are not afraid of God, but are in fear of my
community. The reality is that you don’t
care for Him. You are only using Him as
extra.” It was a custom in the business
class to take an extra camel with them when they ventured for trade. This camel was only used in times of
emergency.
All
the good advice of Shu’eyb bore no result.
The nation stubbornly stuck to its previous ways. Moreover, his nation ridiculed him and demanded
doom to prove his truth. An earthquake
seized them, and morning found them prostrate in their dwelling places. Those who refused to listen became as if they
had never lived in the valley. God saved
Shu’eyb and his followers. Shu’eyb said,
“Oh my nation, you refused to accept my help and advice. How can I be sorry for those who reject the
truth?”
