And to the people of Midian We sent their brother Shu‘ayb. He said, “O my people, worship Allah; you have no god besides Him. Do not give short measure or weight[49]. I see that you are in prosperity, but I fear for you the punishment of an encompassing Day.
[49] The cardinal sin of Lot’s people was lust, whereas the people of Shu‘ayb’s major sin was greed, for not being fair in trade.
They said, “O Shu‘ayb, does your prayer command you that we should forsake what our forefathers worshiped, or that we should give up dealing with our wealth as we please? Indeed, you are such a forbearing and right-minded man![51]”
[51] A sarcastic description implying the opposite (antiphrasis).
He said, “O my people, what do you think, if I should have a clear proof from my Lord, and He has given me good provision from Himself. I do not want to go against what I am forbidding you. I only want to put things right to the best of my ability. My success only comes through Allah; in Him I put my trust and to Him I turn.