Nabi Syu'aib

Syu'aib was sent to the people of Madyan, a people who worshiped Aikah (a big tree) and were known for cheating in measures and scales. Because of the sharpness and beauty of his speech, the scholars nicknamed him khatibul anbiya - the orator of the prophets. He exclaimed, "Worship Allah, and fulfill the measures and scales fairly; do not harm people in their rights."

His people mocked, "Does your prayer tell you to abandon what our ancestors worshipped, or forbid us to do with our property as we please?" Shu'aib answered that he only wanted improvement (ishlah) to the extent of his ability: "The rest (halal benefits) from Allah are better for you if you are believers." Faith, in Syu'aib's preaching, does not stop at the mosque — it regulates the market.

The officials threatened to expel Syu'aib and his followers if they did not return to their religion. When all advice is rejected, doom comes: a day shaded by clouds (yaumuzh-zhullah) — they gather under the shade looking for coolness, then fire descends; followed by a thunderous sound and an earthquake until they died lying in their houses, "as if they had never lived in that place."

Economic fraud is a sin that destroys the people, as dangerous as shirk in the list of Shu'aib's preaching. His story also enshrines the principle of every reformer: "I do not mean to offend you by doing what I forbid; I only desire improvement as long as I am able."