Page 68 - The Courage of the Faithful

THE COURAGE OF THE FA I T H F U L

kinds of corruption and oppression. This perverted people, which
set out to ensnare Prophet Shu‘ayb (as), and assailed him and those
who followed him, did not recognize the wrong in these injustices
they committed.
What prevented them from using still more terrible methods
against Prophet Shu‘ayb (as) was that they were afraid of his follow-

ers. Shu‘ayb (as) made no compromises in preaching the message, but
maintained honorable fight, and, every chance he could, he informed
them that he did not rely on his followers but on Allah, and that, if
they were going to be afraid, it was Allah they should be fearing.
Those who rejected Prophet Shu‘ayb (as) threatened to drive
him from his home, or stone him to death, because he was a man of
faith, also threatening his dearest companions and others who fol-

lowed. Prophet Shu‘ayb's (as) determination and courage in con-
f ronting his people is re f e r red to in the Qur'an as an example to
consider:
They said, "Shu‘ayb, We do not understand much of what
you say and we see you are weak among us. Were it not for
your clan, we would have stoned you. We do not hold you
in high esteem!"
He said, "My people! Do you esteem my clan more than
you do Allah? You have made Him into something to cast

disdainfully behind your backs! But my Lord encompasses
everything that you do!
My people! Do as you think best. That is what I am doing.
You will certainly come to know who will receive a punish -
ment to disgrace him, and who is a liar. So look out. I will
be on the lookout with you." (Surah Hud, 91-93)

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