Tomb of Shoayb (a.s.)

This tomb is believed to be that of Shoayb (a.s.). He was the father-in-law of Musa (a.s.) and was sent to the people of Madyan, a community of merchants who controlled the great trade routes between Yemen and Syria, and between Iraq and Egypt on the shores of the Red Sea.

- Shoayb (a.s.) is mentioned in the Holy Quran 11 times. He is regarded as being Jethro in the Bible. The people of Madyan were originally true followers of Ebrahim (a.s.) 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

- Allah (swt) makes mention in the Holy Quran in Surah Al-A’raf:

“And unto Madyan (We sent) their brother, Shoayb. He said: O my people! Serve God! Ye have no other god save Him. Lo! A clear proof hath come unto you from your Lord; so give full measure and full weight and wrong not mankind in their goods, and work not confusion in the land after the fair ordering thereof. That will be better for you, if ye are believers.” [7:85]

- Shoayb (a.s.) was much upset on seeing his people practice bad deeds. He advised them to seek forgiveness of Allah. Alas, they desisted and were destroyed by an earthquake.

- Shoayb (a.s.) was renowned for his eloquence and good speech. According to Ibn Abbas (r.a.), whenever the Prophet (s.a.w.) mentioned him, he said, “he was the orator of the Prophets”.

- Shoayb (a.s.) was ethnically an Arab. In a hadith narrated by Abu Zarr (r.a.) it is stated, “Four are from the Arabs. Hud, Salih, Shoayb and your Prophet, O Abu Zarr!”.

- The tomb of Shoayb (a.s.) is also claimed to be in Hadramawt, Yemen.

References:
Stories of the Prophets – Ibn Kathir
Atlas of the Quran – Dr. Shauqi Abu Khalili

Note that this entry has been shown for information purposes only. On no account should anybody pray towards a grave or seek supplication through them as this is tantamount to committing shirk, associating partners with Allah (swt).