THE FATE OF THE OBSTINATE PEOPLE

     When the obstinate people of Medyan could not defend themselves against the reasonable logic of Shuaib, they accused him of lying and being mad:ِ

      ``Verily you are of those who are bewitched. You are nothing more than a mortal like everyone else. We think you to be a liar. If you are indeed truthful in what you say; then drop down upon us a piece of the sky.''

      By the challenge of bringing down a piece of the sky, they did not really mean it. They only wanted to pull their prophet's leg, and somehow to prove their charges of calling him liar and mad.

      On the other hand, Shuaib did not fall to a hot controversy and dispute with those arrogant people. He only said:ِ

      ``My Lord knows whatever you do.''

      The Arabic, ``ZOLLAT'' (V.NO.189) is basically a piece of cloud which casts a dark shadow. Most of the commentators have narrated that for seven days it became very hot, while there was not even a light breeze. Then at once a dark black cloud covered all overhead and cast a great dark shadow to which people sought refuge from the deathful heat of the day. Then it so happened that the dark cloud issued a flash of lightning with a crash of thunder which was followed by a severe earthquake and destroyed all the creatures, turning some to ashes!

NOTES:

      The tales of seven of the prophets have been cited in brief in this chapter (Sِ26), which makes up an integral training circle with a perfect harmony between all.

      The main object of all of their mission is piety and avoiding evil deeds. Their call is supported by the fact that none of them asked one for a reward or wage.

      Then reference is made to the most important perversion and sinful acts of their people; such as the oppression and cruelty of Pharaoh's folkِIdolatry among Abraham's peopleِPride and vanity with Noah's peopleِlavishment and prodigality in Adِcorruption and mischievous conducts of the people of Salihِand homosexuality and pederasty of the people of Lotِand eventually reference is to the Medyan citizens and the companions of Aikat, who were a commerical people given up to fraud.

      Then all the narrated affairs have been ended in God's Mercy and Power, through which good doers were prospered, and the wrong doers were punished.