إِذْ قَالَ لَهُمْ شُعَيْبٌ أَلَا تَتَّقُونَ 177
Translations
When Shuʿayb said to them, "Will you not fear Allāh?
Transliteration
Idh qala lahum Shu'aybun ala tattaqun
Tafsir (Explanation)
In this ayah, the Prophet Shu'ayb addresses his people with an urgent call to God-consciousness (taqwa), imploring them to fear Allah before it is too late. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir note that this rhetorical question serves as both a warning and an invitation to abandon their corrupt practices of cheating in weights and measures, and to return to the worship of Allah alone. The phrasing 'ala tattaqun' (will you not fear Allah?) emphasizes the gravity of their transgression and the necessity of immediate repentance.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the narrative of Shu'ayb's preaching to the people of Madyan (Midian) in Surah Ash-Shu'ara, which recounts the stories of various prophets sent to warn their nations. Shu'ayb's primary message to his people concerned their dishonesty in business transactions and their abandonment of tawhid (monotheism). The broader context of this surah emphasizes the recurring pattern of prophets calling their nations to righteousness and the consequences of rejection.
Related Hadiths
The concept of taqwa in this ayah relates to the hadith in Sahih Muslim where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'Piety is here,' pointing to the heart three times, emphasizing that God-consciousness originates from the internal state. Additionally, hadith collections reference Shu'ayb's role as one of the noble messengers whose message centered on fair dealing and honest commerce.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us that true success lies in developing God-consciousness in all our dealings, particularly in business and commerce, and that awareness of Allah's presence should motivate us to abandon dishonesty and return to ethical conduct. The rhetorical nature of Shu'ayb's question invites reflection: am I truly conscious of Allah in my daily transactions and relationships?