In this lesson of Sūrah Al-A’rāf, verses 88-95, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf discusses the response of Prophet Shū’ayb’s عَلَیهِالسَّلام people when they rejected his call to monotheism. Their chiefs threatened to expel Shū’ayb عَلَیهِالسَّلام and his followers from the land unless they abandoned their faith and reverted to disbelief. Shū’ayb عَلَیهِالسَّلام, however, emphasised his unwavering trust in Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ, declaring that he would never lie against Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ nor compromise on His commands.
Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan explains how Allāh’s judgment ultimately came upon the disbelievers as an earthquake and sudden affliction, demonstrating the futility of their arrogance and rebellion. These verses also highlights Allāh’s testing of earlier nations through alternating hardships and blessings. Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan elaborates on the wisdom behind these trials, showing that while believers are grateful in prosperity and patient in adversity, the disbelievers dismissed such trials as mere cycles of fate, failing to recognise the wisdom of Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ. The lesson concludes with the reminder that Allāh’s justice is certain and sudden, and that ultimate success lies in humbling oneself before Him.