قَالُوا۟ يَـٰشُعَيْبُ مَا نَفْقَهُ كَثِيرًا مِّمَّا تَقُولُ وَإِنَّا لَنَرَىٰكَ فِينَا ضَعِيفًا ۖ وَلَوْلَا رَهْطُكَ لَرَجَمْنَـٰكَ ۖ وَمَآ أَنتَ عَلَيْنَا بِعَزِيزٍ 91
Translations
They said, "O Shuʿayb, we do not understand much of what you say, and indeed, we consider you among us as weak. And if not for your family, we would have stoned you [to death]; and you are not to us one respected."
Transliteration
Qalū yā shuʿaybu mā nafqahu kathīran mimmā taqūlu wa-innā lanarayāka fīnā ḍaʿīfan wa-lawlā raḥṭuka larajamnāk wa-mā anta ʿalaynā biʿazīz
Tafsir (Explanation)
The people of Madyan respond to Prophet Shuʿayb's message with mockery and rejection, claiming they do not understand much of what he says and perceiving him as weak among them. They further threaten that were it not for his family tribe (rahṭ), they would have stoned him to death, emphasizing that he holds no power or honor over them. Classical scholars like Al-Qurtubi and Ibn Kathir note this represents the arrogant rejection of the disbelievers toward their prophet, reflecting their spiritual blindness and moral corruption despite the clarity of his message.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the narrative of Surah Hud, which presents accounts of various prophets and their peoples' responses. This specific verse is part of the dialogue between Prophet Shuʿayb and the people of Madyan, who were known for their dishonest business practices and moral transgressions. The context illustrates the pattern of rejection prophets faced from their communities, particularly when calling against social corruption and economic injustice.
Related Hadiths
While no specific hadith directly addresses this verse, the theme relates to hadith in Sahih Muslim about the persecution of prophets: 'The most severely tested people are the prophets, then those nearest to them in piety.' This reflects the pressure and threats Shuʿayb faced. Additionally, ahadith concerning maintaining justice in commerce relate to Shuʿayb's core message to Madyan.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that truth-bearers should expect ridicule and rejection from societies steeped in corruption, yet their weakness in worldly terms is not a measure of their message's validity. Muslims are reminded that steadfastness in conveying truth requires reliance on Allah rather than on worldly power or acceptance, as demonstrated in Shuʿayb's patient endurance despite threats.