The preaching of Shu‘ayb calls for justice in the market and safety on the roads (vv. 85–86). A part of the people of Midian ( Madyan ) accept Shu‘ayb’s message, but the leaders threaten to drive them out. An earthquake seizes the leaders.

The story of Shu‘ayb repeats at 11.84–95 and 26.176–90. At 26.176 Midian is called “the people of the Grove.” Because Shu‘ayb is sent to Midian, some readers have suggested that he is the biblical Jethro (Exodus 3:1; 4:18; 18:1–27). However, the Quran does not make this identification, and otherwise Shu‘ayb’s story does not match that of any known figure.