Those who took the idols for the relics and cultural monuments of the past; and gained a lot from dealing in fraud, and giving less to the customers, said to their prophet Shuaib:ِ

      ``Does your prayer command you that we should leave the idols that our fathers worshipped, and not to do with our properties what we want?''
      They put the stress on Shuaib's prayer because he is said to have been praying too much, and saying to people that the prayer prevents man from doing evil. In fact, the people of Shuaib were so material- minded, that spiritual things and matters meant nothing to them, and so they scoffed at Shuaib's prayer! On the other hand they saw not any right in their wealth for anyone other than themselvesِeven for God, or for the poor and needy. So they spoke ironically to their prophet and taunted him, saying:ِ

      ``You are indeed a forbearing right-minded man!''

      That was a saying through a metaphor and irony that:ِ

      ``You think too much of yourself, and believe that you are the only right-minded man among us! You are putting our old customs and relics, and the monuments of the past, beneath your foot, and invade people's freedom in their wealth and property. All these prove that you have neither a right mind, nor any useful suggestion or idea!''

      In answer to their rude and ironical reasoning or dispute, Shuaib answered them in a kind, brotherly, and gentle, tone of speech, saying:ِ

      ``O, my people! Have you considered if I stand on clear signs and obvious evidences from my Lord, and you have belied me!? You better think a little deeper about my mission and message, and beware of Allah. How do I dare to forge a lie against my Lord, and He is aware of whatever we do, and that He has sustained me with a fair physical and spiritual sustenance. I am indeed your well wisher brother, and only seek to reform you as far as I can. I have put my trust on our Lord, and to Him I have turned in repentance. You can see that, if I forbid you doing anything, I avoid it myself before I bid you to abstain. So, I don't want to oppose you by doing that which I forbid you.''

      And finally he told them:ِ ``My people! I see things that you do not see. Please stop your hostility against me, and let it not afflict you with that sort of afflictions which smote down the obstinate people of Noah, Hood, Salih, and the execution site of the people of Lot is not so far from youِneither chronologically nor geographically. So ask forgiveness of your Compassionate All-loving God and cease your obstinacy and hostility.''