Translation
To the tribe of Midian, We sent Shuaib, a member of their community [brother]. He said: “O my people, worship and serve God, besides Whom there is no other gods (worthy of worship). Be just and equitable in your dealings and transactions with people [not give short measures and weights]. I see that you are in prosperity now (making you proud and unmindful) but I fear for you the consequence of your indulgence eventually [on a day] when you will be faced with its over-encompassing outcome [chastisement](for your evil conducts and social norms).”
“O my people, give what is due to people, measure and weigh with equity, do not deprive people what is rightfully theirs, and do not spread corruption in the land to make mischief and injustice. What God gives you and keeps for you is better for you if you are a believer (than what you accumulate through corruption and haste). I am also not a keeper over you.”
They said: “Shuaib, does your worship (of God) and your righteousness forces you to tell us that we should renege our practices of worship that our forefathers worshipped or that we should not do whatever we please with our wealth, possession and power. Are you the only one full of forbearance and right guidance?”
He replied: “O my people, do you not comprehend that I have clear guidance from my Sustainer God, and He has given me adequate provisions. What I am forbidding is not to merely oppose your way of life but an attempt from me to reform you and your society, to the best of my ability. It is with God that I rest the outcome of my effort. In God I trust and to Him I turn (for support and guidance).504
Interpreation
504 The story of Prophet Shuaib as described here provides a glimpse of the life of his community, who were steeped in corruption, injustice, profiteering by the wealthy and powerful, and a total disregard of God and human goodness in the name of ancient worship and social practices. Though he wanted to reason with them regarding truth and justice, the worship of the true One God, and to establish truth and justice in society, they mocked him for his belief and righteousness, called him delusional (26:185) and an outright liar (26:186). Such abuse of prophets and people of goodness was also evident, as we well know, with Moses and his followers by Pharaoh and his leaders, with Jesus by the priests and the Roman rulers, and with Prophet Mohammad by his own tribes and families.
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REFLECTION
Seeking truth and establishing justice in society in conjunction with the worship of God, our Creator and Sustainer, and to contain the rise of political corruption, economic disparities, and environment degradation, are really the calls of our generation, failing which will compromise the quality of life for generations to come and will make us face the consequence of our conduct in front of God when we all return to Him to account for our lives on this planet.
ACTION
In many ways our current global, national, and community situations mimic the corrupt society and unjust social norms that existed in many generations, such as the people of Prophet Shuaib. We need to, like him, reason and exert our influence, and spend our time and resources, to reform our society before we are faced with the consequences.