(85–93) “And to Midian, [We sent] their brother Shuayb”—through the end of the account (1).
That is: “And” We sent “to the tribe known as Midian” “their brother” by lineage, “Shuayb,” who called them to worship Allah alone, without partner. He commanded them to give full measure and weight, not deprive people of what was rightfully theirs, and not spread corruption throughout the land by committing sins in abundance. Thus He said: “Do not spread corruption on earth after it has been set right. That is better for you, if you are believers.” Refraining from sins in obedience to Allah’s command and to draw near to Him is better and more beneficial for a servant than committing them, for that incurs the wrath of the Compeller and the punishment of the Fire.
“And do not lie in wait” for people “on every road”—that is, every well-travelled road—warning people away from it, “threatening” anyone who takes it, “hindering from Allah’s path” anyone wishing to be guided by it, “and seeking to make it crooked.” That is, you want Allah’s path to be crooked and bend it according to your whims. Yet what was incumbent upon you and everyone else was to respect and exalt the path Allah established for His servants, so that they might travel along it toward His pleasure and the abode of His honor. Through it, He showed them the greatest mercy. You should have championed it, called people to it, and defended it, rather than becoming highwaymen upon it who bar people from it. This is ingratitude for Allah’s favor, hostility toward Allah, a portrayal of the straightest and most equitable path as crooked, and a vilification of those who follow it.
“And remember” Allah’s favor upon you “when you were few and He made you many.” That is, He caused you to multiply through the wives, offspring, and good health He bestowed upon you. He did not afflict you with an epidemic or diseases that would diminish your numbers, nor did He give an enemy power to eradicate you or scatter you throughout the land. Rather, He favored you by keeping you together, providing you with abundant sustenance, and multiplying your offspring.
“And behold how the corrupters met their end.” Among their communities you will find nothing but dispersal, and in their dwellings nothing but desolation and utter abandonment. They left behind no good memory; rather, they were pursued by a curse in this world, while on the Day of Resurrection their disgrace and exposure will be still greater.
“And if a group among you believes in that with which I have been sent, while another group does not believe”—and they were the majority—“then wait patiently until Allah judges between us, for He is the best of judges.” He will grant victory to those upon the truth and inflict punishment upon those upon falsehood.