Surah Hud (Hud) 11 : 88

Overview (Verses 88 - 90)

A Kind Prophet’s Argument

Shu`ayb, fully confident of the truth of his message, and aware of his people’s ignorance and short-sightedness, does not let their sarcasm affect him. On the contrary, he seeks to inform them politely that he takes his stand on clear evidence from his Lord, which he feels in his innermost heart. He explains to them that he is fully confident of the truth of what he advocates because his knowledge far exceeds theirs. When he calls on them to stick to honest dealings, the effects of such honesty also apply to him since he is a businessman. He is after no personal gain which he seeks to realize for himself. He does not intend to do behind their backs what he has forbidden them so that he enjoys a market free from competition. His call is one of reform which includes himself. The path he enjoins them to follow will not cause them any losses, as they mistakenly think.

He said: Think, my people! If I take my stand on a clear evidence from my Lord and He has provided me with goodly sustenance which He alone can give? I have no desire to do, in opposition to you, what I ask you not to do. All that I desire is to set things to rights in so far as it lies within my power. My success depends on God alone. In Him have I placed my trust, and to Him I always turn.’ (Verse 88)

Shu`ayb addresses them in a friendly and appealing way, reminding them of his close links with them: “Think my people. ‘If l take my stand on a clear evidence from my Lord.’” I feel His presence beyond any doubt, and I am certain that it is He who bestows revelations on me, and instructs me to convey His message to you. With full confidence and certainty I take my stand, based on this evidence which is to me very real. And He has provided me with goodly sustenance which He alone can give...” Part of this is my own wealth with which I conduct my business.

“I have no desire to do, in opposition to you, what I ask you not to do.” (Verse 88) I am after no personal gain which I may realize by so doing. “All that I desire is to set things right in so far as it lies within my power.” (Verse 88)

It is, then, the general reform of society which Shu`ayb is after. It is a reform which brings benefit to every individual and every community. Some may think that to adhere to moral values and implement the divine law may make them lose some chances which may be open to them, or lose some gain which they would otherwise achieve. But implementing the divine law can only make them lose evil gains and wicked opportunities. It compensates them with goodly gains and lawful provisions. It also establishes a society which is characterized by the co-operation of its individuals. It is a society which is free from grudges, treachery and selfish quarrels.

“My success depends on God alone.” (Verse 88) He alone can grant me success, as He knows my intentions and the sincerity of my efforts. “In Him have I placed my trust.” (Verse 88) I depend on no one other than Him. “To Him I always turn.” (Verse 88) From Him alone I seek help to overcome the difficulties that may beset me and to Him alone I submit my work and efforts.

Shu`ayb then tries another way of reminding them of the truth. He reminds them of the doom that befell the peoples of Noah, Hūd, Şāliĥ and Lot. This may open their hardened hearts in a way which rational, cool and well-argued reminders may not. “My people, let not your disagreement with me bring upon you a fate similar to those that befell the peoples of Noah, Hūd or Şāliĥ; nor were Lots people far away from you.” (Verse 89)

He tells them that they must not let their opposition to him harden their attitude of blind rejection. He says to them plainly that he fears that they may bring upon themselves a doom which is not unlike that which befell earlier communities. He reminds them especially of the people of Lot who lived close by and who had recently been destroyed.

When he has raised this prospect before them he then opens the doors to forgiveness and repentance. He uses the kindest and gentlest terms in order to assure them of God’s mercy and compassion: “Hence, pray to your Lord to forgive you your sins, and then turn towards Him in repentance. My Lord is indeed Merciful and All-loving.” (Verse 90)

Thus Shu`ayb tries all methods of admonition and remonstration in the hope that his people’s hearts will open up and respond to the truth. They, however, are so hardened in their erring ways and in their misconceptions of values and motives that their response remains negative. We have seen an example of their response in their mocking at Shu`ayb and his prayer.