Baitulmaqdis Umrah Chapter 11: Visiting Tomb of Prophet Shuaib (pbuh)

11 December 2016

Prophet Shuaib, known in Biblical literature as Jethro, is one of only four Arab prophets mentioned by name in the Quran. The Quran tells us that Prophet Shuaib was from the people of Midian, and it was there that Moses found refuge. Prophet Shuaib was one of the few truly good and upright men of Midian.  The people as a whole were bandits and robbers, who keep deceiving one another.

“And to the people of Midian We sent their brother Shuaib.  He said:  ‘O my people! Worship God! You have no other God but Him’…” (Quran 7:85)

The people of Midian were originally true followers of Ibrahim (pbuh) but gradually over the centuries had become involved in disobedience and sin. In particular they were involved in:
1. Idol worship and polytheist customs
2. Cheating when giving measure but claiming in full or more than entitled
3. Falsehood in all matters and robbing people

Islamic historian Ibn Kathir tells us that the people of Midian were the first people to impose fees and tolls on the people that passed through their territory. They insisted on a life of robbery and injustice even though Prophet Shuaib did his best to convince them that the punishment of God would befall them if they don’t stop.

Shuaib warned of a terrible punishment and in no less than three different chapters, Quran mentions this punishment of the unrepentant people.

“…We saved Shuaib and those who believed with him, by mercy from Us.  And an awful cry seized the wrong-doers, and they lay (dead), prostrate in their homes.” (Quran 11: 94)

“So the earthquake seized them and they lay (dead), prostrate in their homes.” (Quran 7:91)

“But they belied him, so the torment of the day of shadow (a gloomy cloud) seized them.  Indeed that was the torment of a Great Day.” (Quran 26:189)

Ibn Kathir elaborates and tells us that they were exposed to unbearable hot scorching sun for no less than seven days.  They tried to cool down by using water but to no avail.  They escaped into a desert and found what they believed to be relief under a dark and gloomy cloud but the cloud rained drops of fire and the earth quaked under their feet.  God said, “Those who belied Shuaib became as if they had never dwelt there (in their homes).  Those who belied Shuaib, (they) were the losers.”(Quran 7:92) Source

Today, we are here to visit his mosque. Visiting this place is more enriching when we learn about the history isn’t it?

The insides of the mosque.

Like the other mosques of prophets, there is a peaceful serenity that surrounds the environment. Surely, our prophets who went through difficult and harsh times during their lifetimes are granted the highest of Jannah.

The beautiful interior. Our photos with the beautiful wooden window after a few failed attempts.

There were a lot of stray cats outside the mosque area and I was so distracted and delayed. Sorry to my group who had to wait for me. This little cutie was just chilling on a tree.

Our second visit of the day was the tomb of Yusha (pbuh), a Prophet who was very close to Musa (pbuh) and took his place as the leader of the Bani Israil after his death. He is known as Joshua in the Bible.

Prophet Yusha (pbuh) the great grandson of Prophet Yusuf (pbuh). A hadith has been narrated from Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) said, ”Surely, the sun has never been stopped from setting down for a human being except for Yusha (pbuh) on the evening he invaded the Bayt al-Maqdis.”

Please do not misunderstand that Prophet Yusha’s (pbuh) body is long just because his tomb is long. The caretaker has done a wonderful job in keeping the place clean. Apparently, his earnings depend on visitors’ contributions so he does not have a regular or consistent income. May he be rewarded in the Hereafter inshaAllah.

Prophet Yusha (pbuh) them the Torah and ruled according to it. He lived for 127 years.