Episode 4
Episode 4: The Threat of Banishment and Syu'aib's Firmness
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When counsel no longer worked, the arrogant chiefs turned to threats. Allah said, "The eminent ones who were arrogant among his people said, 'We will surely evict you, O Syu'aib, and those who have believed with you from our city, or you must return to our religion.' He said, 'Even if we were unwilling?'" (Qur'an 7:88). They demanded that Syu'aib and his followers apostatise, return to the idolatry of their forefathers, or be driven from their homeland. But Syu'aib refused firmly: it was impossible for him to return to disbelief after Allah had saved him from it. He said he would return only if Allah so willed โ never bowing to human coercion (Qur'an 7:89). In Surah Hud they even mocked his faith and threatened to stone him: "โฆAnd if not for your family, we would have stoned you [to death]; and you are not to us one respected" (Qur'an 11:91). Syu'aib answered that they feared his family more than they feared Allah โ a rebuke of their arrogance. Reflection: truth is often met with threats once argument has lost. Yet a believer's firmness is measured not by the number of his supporters but by his certainty in Allah โ he will never trade faith for a hollow safety.
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Episode 5: The Call to the Companions of the Thicket