Surah Al-Humazah (Arabic: الهمزة) is the 104th chapter of the Quran, consisting of 9 verses. The surah's title, "Al-Humazah," refers to "the slanderer" or "the backbiter," and the surah addresses the moral and social implications of such behavior.
The Revelation:
Surah Al-Humazah was revealed to condemn the negative behaviors of slander, backbiting, and arrogance, particularly among some wealthy members of the Quraysh tribe in Mecca. These individuals used their wealth and status to mock, belittle others, believing themselves to be above the rest, and that includes Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Translation:
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Verse 1: Woe to every backbiter, slanderer, (A clearer translation is (Humazah): This refers to someone who speaks ill of people and demeans them. (Lumazah): This refers to someone who causes harm to others through words and actions.)
- Verse 2: Who amasses wealth and [continuously] counts it, (Rather than spending in the way of Allahﷻ)
- Verse 3: Thinking that his wealth will make him immortal.
- Verse 4: No! He will certainly be thrown into the Crushing Fire. (i.e., Hellfire, which crushes and destroys all that enters it)
- Verse 5: And what will make you realize what the Crushing Fire is?
- Verse 6: It is Allah’s kindled fire,
- Verse 7: Which reaches up to the hearts.
- Verse 8: It will be closed in on them,
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Verse 9: In extended columns. (Interpreted to be either columns of fire or columns of iron to which are chained the inmates of Hell).
Lessons:
Surah Al-Humazah provides several important lessons that are relevant to personal conduct and social ethics. Here are the key lessons learned from the surah:
1. The Dangers of Backbiting and Slander
- The surah strongly condemns the act of backbiting (Humazah) and slandering (Lumazah). These behaviors are harmful to individuals and society, as they spread negativity, destroy reputations, and create discord. The lesson here is to avoid speaking ill of others, whether in their presence or behind their back, nor use rude facial gestures when speaking to anyone no matter your status.
2. The Futility of Hoarding Wealth
- The surah criticizes those who amass wealth and take pride in it, believing it will provide them security or immortality. The lesson is that material wealth is transient and cannot protect one from the eventual reality of death or divine judgment. Instead, wealth should be used responsibly and ethically, with an awareness of its temporary nature.
3. Consequences of Arrogance and Pride
- The surah warns against the arrogance that often accompanies wealth and social status. People who think that their wealth makes them superior are reminded that they will face consequences for their actions, particularly actions of harm whether by speech or by deeds.
4. The Reality of Divine Justice
- A major lesson from the surah is the certainty of divine justice. Those who engage in harmful behavior, such as slander and arrogance, will face severe punishment in the afterlife. This serves as a reminder that actions in this world have consequences in the next, and accountability before Allah ﷻ is inevitable. The punishment is symbolic of the sin committed in terms of gathering and storing wealth, as such, the condemned will be locked up and chained in Hell.
Translation and Pronunciation:
In the video below is a recitation that includes pronunciation and English translation. Kindly do not forget to leave a Like and subscribe to their channel.
