Du’a Asking for Support (Prophet Shuaib, as)
This is the du’a Prophet Shuaib (as) made asking for help from Allah (swt) in a time of adversity:
رَبَّنَا افْتَحْ بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَ قَوْمِنَا بِالْحَقِّ وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ الْفَاتِحِينَ
Rabbana iftah baynana wabayna qawmina bilhaqqi wa anta khayru alfatiheen “Our Lord, decide between us and our people in truth, and You are the best of those who give decision.” (7:89)
Prophet Shuaib (as) strived to curb corruption in Madyan and reform society to make it equitable for all.
Surah Al-A’raf summarizes his mission: “And to [the people of] Madyan [We sent] their brother Shu’ayb. He said, ‘O my people, worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him. There has come to you clear evidence from your Lord. So fulfill the measure and weight and do not deprive people of their due and cause not corruption upon the earth after its reformation. That is better for you, if you should be believers.’” (Surah Al-A’raf, 85)
The response was a complete mockery of this message: “They said: ‘O Shu`ayb! Does your Salah command you that we give up what our fathers used to worship, or that we give up doing what we like with our property [referring to zakat, charity]? Verily, you are the forbearer, right-minded!’” (Surah Hud, 87)
When you present an opposing view that conflicts with a person’s most cherished beliefs, there is a high chance they will take offense. Many will not take it lightly—even if what you are saying is correct. It will still be perceived as a direct attack on their established identity and self-perception. This is the challenge: they will cling to their beliefs and seek evidence to prove you wrong. Changing someone’s opinion in the face of opposing evidence is extremely difficult. This is why Firawn failed to see the truth Musa (as) presented when he cast his rod; he dismissed it as fake magic and escalated the situation further.
Insecurity can make people increasingly agitated, escalating tensions. Depending on how severely their identity is challenged, they may even become hostile and threaten violence.
Witnessing the rising conflict in Madyan, Prophet Shuaib (as) proposed a treaty for peaceful coexistence: “And if there should be a group among you who has believed in that with which I have been sent and a group that has not believed, then be patient until Allah judges between us. And He is the best of judges.” (7:87)
A Prophetic Lesson for All
What can we glean from this? In debates, we often crave victory so intensely that we are willing to achieve it at the other person’s expense. Our pride and ego demand triumph—we want to see the other person’s defeat, defend our stance, and be proven right. Yet we forget the true purpose of a debate is not to declare a winner or loser, but to bring both parties closer to the truth.
When you realize no progress is being made, it is wise to ask yourself: “What goal am I trying to achieve here?” If the cost of continuing outweighs the potential gain, it is better for everyone to end the discussion and walk away before fostering enmity. This sounds simple in theory, but it is difficult to execute in the heat of the moment when emotions run high.
The Quran reminds us in Surah Al-Baqarah, 256: “There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion.” Shuaib (as) had unwavering faith in Allah and pure intentions—to guide those in need of guidance. In the end, truth and time reveal all. Sometimes, it is best to heed his example: “be patient until Allah judges between us. And He is the best of judges.”
Prophet Shuaib (as) sought to resolve matters peacefully, but unfortunately, the people of Madyan rejected his message outright: “The eminent ones who were arrogant among his people [said], ‘We will surely evict you, O Shu’ayb, and those who have believed with you from our city, or you must return to our religion.’ He replied, ‘Even if we were unwilling?’” (Surah Al-A’raf, 88)
Shuaib (as) persisted and recited the du’a: “We would have invented against Allah a lie if we returned to your religion after Allah had saved us from it. And it is not for us to return to it except that Allah, our Lord, should will. Our Lord has encompassed all things in knowledge. Upon Allah we have relied. Rabbana iftah baynana wabayna qawmina bilhaqqi wa anta khayru alfatiheen—‘Our Lord, decide between us and our people in truth, and You are the best of those who give decision.’” (Surah Al-A’raf, 89)
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