The people of Midian were Arabs who lived in a city called Midian. This city was close to the Syrian borders and not far from the Dead Sea. Midian was a well-known tribe, descended from Midian, the son of Madian and grandson of Ibrahim.
Some of the early Muslims called Shuaib 'the eloquent preacher among the prophets' because he had a special talent with his linguistic skills. Abdullah bin Abbas narrated that whenever the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ mentioned Shuaib he said "He was the eloquent preacher of the prophets" [Al-Hakim 2:568]
The people of Midian were practically highway robbers, who would worry travellers as they passed. They worshipped Al-Aiykah - which was a tree. Furthermore, they were unjust people, mischievous and conniving. They would often be unfair in trade and would con others. In particular, they would cheat in measurements and weights. If they bought something, they would make sure the seller was cheated into a worse deal and if they sold, they would make sure they were unfairly given a worse deal.
In mercy, Allah sent from among them Shuaib as a prophet. He pointed them to fairness, goodness and purity: First and foremost, to worship Allah alone, negating any partners with him. He taught them not to cheat others nor rob them.
And to the people of Midian We sent their brother Shu’aib. He said, “O my people! Worship Allah—you have no other god except Him. A clear proof has already come to you from your Lord. So give just measure and weight, do not defraud people of their property, nor spread corruption in the land after it has been set in order. This is for your own good, if you are ˹truly˺ believers.7:85
Allah gave Shuaib miracles of which we have no details - these clear proofs were evidence of his truth. He then gave them clear messages asking them to be fair in their dealings with each other. Additionally, he told them not to threaten and rob travellers, as they used to. In particular, Suddi said that they would take 10% of everything that passed their main passageway. Ibn Abbas explained that they were a tyrant people; they would wait to ambush others' wealth. They would hinder people from the way; both worldly and spiritually.
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!7:86
One of the many blessings Allah gave the people of Midian was that he allowed their population to increase in number.
Shuaib warned them of a punishment if they did not take heed of his guidance.
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.11:85
What is left ˹as a lawful gain˺ by Allah is far better for you if you are ˹truly˺ believers. And I am not a keeper over you.”11:86
According to Abdullah bin Abbas and Hasan Basri said that the words 'by Allah is far better for you if you' mean that the provisions Allah provides are far better than those of humans, which the people would steal. Ibn Jarir adds that legitimate and fair profit is better than that which is taken by cheating. It is therefore better for us to have little halal than lots of haram - as this has leads to Allah's displeasure.
Shuaib's people disregarded and sneered at his attempts to teach them to deal fairly with each other in trade. They questioned why they should follow his way and alter the actions they have been doing all their lives.
They asked ˹sarcastically˺, “O Shu’aib! Does your prayer command you that we should abandon what our forefathers worshipped or give up managing our wealth as we please? Indeed, you are such a tolerant, sensible man!”11:87
Nevertheless, Shuaib responded respectfully explaining his intention was to help improve their practice to that which was right and more beneficial for them.
He said, “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.11:88
He was only telling them to abstain from doing the bad things he was the first to abstain from, he was not hypocritical in his words or actions; unlike other communities (for example in 2:44). Similarly, our Prophet ﷺ said "A man will be brought on the Day of Resurrection and thrown in the (Hell) Fire, so that his intestines will come out, and he will go around like a donkey goes around a millstone. The people of (Hell) Fire will gather around him and say: O so-and-so! What is wrong with you? Didn't you use to order us to do good deeds and forbid us to do bad deeds? He will reply: Yes, I used to order you to do good deeds, but I did not do them myself, and I used to forbid you to do bad deeds, yet I used to do them myself." [Bukhari 3267 as in Muslim 2989] Therefore, we should follow prophet Shuaib and his noble character - he not only guided others but practised those very actions of goodness abundantly.
O my people! Do not let your opposition to me lead you to a fate similar to that of the people of Noah, or Hûd, or Ṣâliḥ. And the people of Lot are not far from you.11:89
Shuaib then changes his tone, mentioning that if his people do not listen to his warnings he is worried they might have a fate similar to those of the people of Noah, Hud, Salih or Lot - all of whom were severely punished and will be swarmed with regret. He affirms that differences and personal hatred between him and his people should not be used as reason for disbelief. In particular, the people of Lot were close in both time and distance from the people of Shuaib. Other opinions suggest this means a similarity in their actions. Shauib eloquently balances fear and encouragement further saying:
So seek your Lord’s forgiveness and turn to Him in repentance. Surely my Lord is Most Merciful, All-Loving.”11:90
Nevertheless, his people responded heedlessly saying they have no interest or desire to follow his guidance - this is a response not dissimilar to those of the disbelievers in Makkah at the time of our Prophet ﷺ (as referenced in 41:5).
They threatened, “O Shu’aib! We do not comprehend much of what you say, and surely we see you powerless among us. Were it not for your clan, we would have certainly stoned you, for you are nothing to us.”11:91
The people of Midian were more fearful of each other than The Lord of The Worlds. They wanted to believe they would only be accountable for their actions amongst each other.
He said, “O my people! Do you have more regard for my clan than for Allah, turning your back on Him entirely? Surely my Lord is Fully Aware of what you do.11:92
O my people! Persist in your ways, for I ˹too˺ will persist in mine. You will soon come to know who will be visited by a humiliating torment and is a liar! And watch! I too am watching with you!”11:93
This was a clear warning from Shuaib.
If some of you do believe in what I have been sent with while others do not, then be patient until Allah judges between us. He is the Best of Judges.”7:87
