Quranic Reflections - Islamic School of Stanford

3. “And do not (seek) support (you believers) for the ones who have done
injustice, …”, (TMQ, 11: 113).
Thus, if we take for example the story of Shu’ayb, keeping in mind the possibility of
applying those guidelines in all stories, we shall see the following:
• The resoluteness of rectitude and betterment with balance. Allah says what
can be translated as, “… Decidedly I would (do) nothing except
reformation, (i.e., acting righteously) so far as I am able to …”, (TMQ,
11: 88).
• The unified message that all Allah’s messengers have called for (even in using
the same words). Allah says what can be translated as, “And ask forgiveness
of your Lord, thereafter repent to Him; …”, (TMQ, 11: 90).
• The harsh circumstances and denial. Allah says what can be translated as,
“They said, “O Shuaayb, in no way do we comprehend much of what you
say; and surely we indeed see you weak among us. And had it not been for
your clan, we would indeed have stoned you, …” (TMQ, 11:91).
• The refraining from reckless replies. Allah says what can be translated as,
“He said, “O my people, is my clan mightier against you than Allah …,”
(TMQ 11:92).
What is noticeable is that Shu’ayb used the same diction as Nuh (AS) in referring the
matter to Allah; indeed, He shall be The One to hold them accountable. Allah says
what can be translated as, “… Surely my Lord is Supremely Encompassing
whatever you do,” (TMQ, 11:92).
In parallel, the non-inclination of people is clearly present; Allah says what can be
translated as, “… And be on the watch; (Literally: watch for yourselves) surely I
will be with you, constantly watching,” (TMQ, 11:93).
So forth, until this ayah (94) came with victory for the Prophet and the believers,
Allah says what can be translated as, “And as soon as Our Command came, We
safely delivered Shuaayb and the ones who believed with him by a mercy from
Us …,”(TMQ, 11:94).
Therefore, to all young people who cherish Islam and wish to serve and protect it,
learn from this noble surah and from its numerous stories how to be poised when
calling people to Islam in times of extreme trial and distress.
Why was the Surah named Hud
There remains one last question: Why was the surah named Hud, despite the fact that
the story of Nuh (AS) is longer than that of Hud (AS) in this surah
The answer is that the three axes of the surah (resoluteness, the absence of tyranny
and recklessness, and familial leniency) have appeared in the story of Hud in a clear