Prophet Shuʿayb and his push for fair trade in Madyan

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Contents

Call for honesty in the marketplace Facing resistance from profiteers Those who rejected the message perished Action points

Imagine a thriving community built upon trade but riddled with dishonesty. This was Madyan, the city where Prophet Shuʿayb (ʿalayhi al-Salām) emerged, calling the people to the worship of Allah alone and speaking out against the people’s dishonesty in trade.

Allah (subḥānahu wa ta’āla) says,

“And to [the people of] Madyan, [We sent] their brother Shuʿayb.

“He said: ‘O my people! Worship Allah! You have no other God but Him. Verily, a clear proof [sign] from your Lord has come unto you; so give full measure and full weight and wrong not men in their things, and do not do mischief on the Earth after it has been set in order. That will be better for you, if you are believers.'” [1]

Unfortunately, the people of Shuʿayb (ʿalayhi al-Salām) were not only dishonest in their trade but also bandits/highwaymen.

He (subḥānahu wa ta’āla) warns of this behaviour:

“And do not lie in ambush on every road — threatening and hindering those who believe in Allah from His Path and striving to make it appear crooked.

“Remember when you were few, then He increased you in number. And consider the fate of the corruptors!” [2]

Call for honesty in the marketplace

The Madyan people, though successful merchants, engaged in deceptive business practices such as giving less than what was due in weight.

Shuʿayb’s mission (ʿalayhi al-Salām) — as a champion of fair trade — was to steer them towards a more honest path, emphasising fairness in all transactions.

He (ʿalayhi al-Salām) told his community,

“O my people! Give full measure and weigh with justice. Do not defraud people of their property, nor go about spreading corruption in the land.” [3]

Facing resistance from profiteers

Shuʿayb’s call (ʿalayhi al-Salām) for ethical reform threatened the established practices that had enriched the elite at the expense of ordinary people.

And this resistance is felt to this day: encouraging fair and ethical conduct, especially in financial matters, often encounters opposition from those benefiting from the status quo, be they large businesses, bankers, or others.

Allah tells of Shuʿayb’s appeal to his people,

“O my people! Consider if I stand on a clear proof from my Lord and He has blessed me with a good provision from Him. I do not want to do what I am forbidding you from. I only intend reform to the best of my ability. My success comes only through Allah. In Him I trust and to Him I turn.” [4]

Those who rejected the message perished

Sadly, most of Madyan refused Shuʿayb’s message.

Their defiance culminated in a devastating earthquake, a divine response that symbolised the purging of corruption. This seismic event paved the way for a new beginning built upon righteousness and ethical dealings.

Allah (subḥānahu wa ta’āla) says,

“Those who rejected Shuʿayb were wiped out as if they had never lived there. Those who rejected Shuʿayb were the true losers.

“He [Shuʿayb] turned away from them, saying, ‘O my people! Indeed, I have delivered to you the messages of my Lord and gave you sincere advice. How can I then grieve for those who chose to disbelieve?’” [5]

Action points

Be honest in business, as it is an act of worship to do so with the intention of obeying Allah.
Enjoin the good, forbid the evil, and maintain integrity in the face of mockery, even if it makes you unpopular.
If the societal norm is dishonesty, resist that! The greater objective is to please Allah.