Surah Al Mutaffifin: The Defrauders

September 13, 2024

Surah Al-Mutaffifin (Arabic: المطففين) is the 83rd chapter of the Quran. The surah is Meccan, consisting of 36 verses, and is named after the term “Al-Mutaffifin,” which refers to those who cheat or defraud in weights and measures.

The surah's central theme focuses on justice, fairness, the accountability of individuals, and the consequences of cheating or defrauding others. It serves as a reminder of the Day of Judgment and the severe repercussions for those who engage in dishonest behavior.

Revelation:

The people of Madina were notorious for their dishonest practices in trade before the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ migrated to the city. Their unethical behavior involved manipulating weights and measures to their advantage. After the revelation of Surah Al-Mutaffifin, the Prophet ﷺ addressed this issue, and the traders in Madina improved their practices. This historical incident is a testament to the transformative power of the Quran and how it corrected a widespread moral corruption within a community.

It was narrated by Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him): "When the Prophet ﷺ arrived in Madina, they were the worst people in measurement. So Allah ﷻ revealed: 'Woe to those who give less [than due],' and thereafter they improved their measurements."

Another historical reference to defrauding comes from the story of the people of Prophet Shu’ayb (peace be upon him), as mentioned elsewhere in the Quran. Shu’ayb was sent to the people of Madyan, who were also involved in defrauding others in trade, and he warned them against their dishonest practices. Their refusal to heed his warnings led to their destruction.

"And to [the people of] Madyan [We sent] their brother Shu'ayb. He said, 'O my people, worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him. There has come to you clear evidence from your Lord. So fulfill the measure and weight and do not deprive people of their due and do not cause corruption on the earth after its reformation. That is better for you if you should be believers.'" (Surah Al A'raf:85).

Translation:

Woe to those who give less [than due],
Who, when they take a measure from people, take in full.
But if they give by measure or by weight to them, they cause loss.
Do they not think that they will be resurrected
For a tremendous Day –
The Day when mankind will stand before the Lord of the worlds?
No! Indeed, the record of the wicked is in Sijjeen.
And what can make you know what is Sijjeen?
It is a written register.
Woe, that Day, to the deniers –
Who deny the Day of Recompense.
And none deny it except every sinful transgressor.
When Our verses are recited to him, he says, "Legends of the former peoples."
No! Rather, the stain has covered their hearts of that which they were earning.
No! Indeed, from their Lord, that Day, they will be partitioned.
Then indeed, they will [enter and] burn in Hellfire.
Then it will be said [to them], "This is what you used to deny."
No! Indeed, the record of the righteous is in 'Illiyyun.
And what can make you know what is 'Illiyyun?
It is a written register,
Witnessed by those brought near [to Allah].
Indeed, the righteous will be in pleasure,
On adorned couches, observing.
You will recognize in their faces the radiance of pleasure.
They will be given to drink [pure] wine, sealed.
The last of it is musk. So for this let the competitors compete.
And its mixture is of Tasneem,
A spring from which those near [to Allah] drink.
Indeed, those who committed crimes used to laugh at those who believed.
And when they passed by them, they would exchange derisive glances.
And when they returned to their people, they would return jesting.
And when they saw them, they would say, "Indeed, those are truly lost."
But they had not been sent as guardians over them.
So Today those who believed are laughing at the disbelievers,
On adorned couches, observing.
Have the disbelievers [not] been rewarded [this Day] for what they used to do?

In-Depth:

Verses 1-3: Condemnation of Cheating and Fraud

Woe to those who give less [than due],
Who, when they take a measure from people, take in full.
But if they give by measure or by weight to them, they cause loss.

The surah begins with a severe warning to those who practice dishonesty in trade. The term "woe" (wayl) signals impending punishment, emphasizing the gravity of the sin being committed. These verses specifically address the practice of tatfif—cheating in weights and measures. The mutaffifin are those who ensure they receive their full share when dealing with others, but when it comes time to give, they deliberately reduce the amount, causing harm to others.

In this opening, Allah ﷻ condemns such fraudulent behavior, which goes beyond the marketplace. The act of cheating here symbolizes a broader moral failure: a breach of trust, justice, and fairness. This form of selfishness, where one prioritizes personal gain at the expense of others, is deeply condemned. Cheating in business, in this sense, violates one of the core principles of Islam—amanah (trust)—which should govern all human interactions.

Verses 4-6: Reminder of Accountability on the Day of Judgment

Do they not think that they will be resurrected
For a tremendous Day –
The Day when mankind will stand before the Lord of the worlds?

These verses shift the focus from the act of cheating to the consequences awaiting those who engage in such practices. The rhetorical question, "Do they not think that they will be resurrected?" is a stark reminder of the inevitability of the Day of Judgment, when all individuals will stand before Allah ﷻ to account for their deeds.

The phrase "tremendous Day" refers to the overwhelming nature of the Day of Resurrection. On this day, the defrauders, who cheated in life for small, temporary gains, will face the immense consequences of their dishonesty. The imagery of mankind standing before "the Lord of the worlds" conveys the awe and fear that will engulf all of creation. This is a direct warning to the mutaffifin, urging them to reflect on their actions in this life and reminding them that no sin, however small, will escape Allah’s ﷻ justice.

Verses 7-9: The Fate of the Wicked

No! Indeed, the record of the wicked is in Sijjeen.
And what can make you know what is Sijjeen?
It is a written register.

The surah continues by contrasting the fate of the wicked with the righteous. The term Sijjeen refers to a place of deep confinement, often interpreted as a prison or a register of the wicked. It symbolizes the fate of those who persist in evil, and their deeds are recorded in this register of damnation.

Verse 8 emphasizes the severity of this place by asking, "What can make you know what Sijjeen is?" This rhetorical device highlights that the punishment awaiting the wicked is beyond human comprehension. It signifies the weight of the record kept for those who transgress, particularly the mutaffifin. The phrase "written register" indicates that their deeds are eternally recorded, leaving no room for escape or denial on the Day of Judgment.

Verses 10-12: The Deniers of the Day of Judgment

Woe, that Day, to the deniers –
Who deny the Day of Recompense.
And none deny it except every sinful transgressor.

These verses extend the warning to those who reject the reality of the Day of Judgment. The deniers are those who live as if they will never be held accountable for their actions, ignoring the consequences of their behavior. This group of people is marked by arrogance and a deep disregard for divine truth.

In verse 12, Allah ﷻ reveals the key characteristic of these deniers: they are "sinful transgressors." They are not merely disbelievers, but people who actively engage in sin and exceed the limits set by Allah ﷻ. Their rejection of the Day of Recompense allows them to indulge in moral corruption and oppressive behavior, making them particularly deserving of the punishment mentioned earlier.

Verses 13-17: The Spiritual State of the Wicked

When Our verses are recited to him, he says, "Legends of the former peoples."
No! Rather, the stain has covered their hearts of that which they were earning.
No! Indeed, from their Lord, that Day, they will be partitioned.
Then indeed, they will [enter and] burn in Hellfire.
Then it will be said [to them], "This is what you used to deny."

In these verses, Allah ﷻ describes the deep spiritual sickness that afflicts the hearts of the wicked. When they are reminded of Allah's ﷻ verses, they dismiss them as "legends of the former peoples," denying their relevance and truth. This dismissal is a reflection of their arrogance and ignorance.

Verse 14 explains the reason for this denial: their hearts are covered by a stain, a result of their persistent sins and misdeeds. This "stain" prevents them from seeing the truth and embracing faith, leading to their spiritual blindness.

On the Day of Judgment, they will be separated from Allah’s ﷻ mercy (verse 15) and cast into Hellfire (verse 16). Their punishment will be a direct consequence of their denial, as they will be confronted with the truth they used to reject. The statement, "This is what you used to deny," is a powerful reminder that they brought this fate upon themselves through their deliberate rejection of divine truth.

Verses 18-21: The Reward of the Righteous

No! Indeed, the record of the righteous is in 'Illiyyun.
And what can make you know what is 'Illiyyun?
It is a written register,
Witnessed by those brought near [to Allah].

In contrast to the fate of the wicked, the righteous have their deeds recorded in 'Illiyyun, a high and exalted place. This is a register of honor, reserved for those who live their lives in accordance with Allah’s ﷻ commands. Like Sijjeen, the term 'Illiyyun is presented as something beyond human understanding, reinforcing the greatness of the reward awaiting the believers.

The phrase "witnessed by those brought near" highlights the high status of the righteous in the sight of Allah ﷻ. Their good deeds are witnessed by the angels and the closest servants of Allah ﷻ, and their reward is guaranteed in this exalted register.

Verses 22-28: The Pleasures of Paradise

Indeed, the righteous will be in pleasure,
On adorned couches, observing.
You will recognize in their faces the radiance of pleasure.
They will be given to drink [pure] wine, sealed.
The last of it is musk. So for this let the competitors compete.
And its mixture is of Tasneem,
A spring from which those near [to Allah] drink.

These verses paint a vivid picture of the rewards awaiting the righteous in Paradise. They will be seated on "adorned couches," enjoying the blessings of Allah ﷻ and observing the beauty of Paradise. The "radiance of pleasure" will be visible on their faces, a reflection of the eternal joy and peace they experience.

Their drink, a pure and sealed wine, is described as the finest of beverages, with a scent of musk. The mention of Tasneem, a special spring in Paradise, emphasizes the purity and exclusivity of their reward, reserved for those closest to Allah ﷻ.

The phrase "So for this let the competitors compete" encourages believers to strive for these rewards, emphasizing that the pursuit of righteousness is the ultimate goal.

Verses 29-36: The Reversal of Roles

Indeed, those who committed crimes used to laugh at those who believed.
And when they passed by them, they would exchange derisive glances.
And when they returned to their people, they would return jesting.
And when they saw them, they would say, "Indeed, those are truly lost."
But they had not been sent as guardians over them.
So Today those who believed are laughing at the disbelievers,
On adorned couches, observing.
Have the disbelievers [not] been rewarded [this Day] for what they used to do?

These final verses describe the mocking behavior of the disbelievers in this world, who used to ridicule the believers, considering them misguided. They would make fun of their faith and values, returning to their homes with a sense of superiority and jesting about the believers.

However, on the Day of Judgment, the roles will be reversed. The believers, who were once mocked, will now laugh at the disbelievers as they enjoy the blessings of Paradise. The disbelievers will face the consequences of their arrogance and mockery, receiving the punishment they deserve for their actions.

The concluding verse, "Have the disbelievers [not] been rewarded [this Day] for what they used to do?" serves as a powerful reminder that justice will ultimately prevail, and everyone will receive their due according to their deeds.

Tatfif in Prayer:

Neglecting or performing prayer without sincerity is another form of giving less than what is due to Allah. Prayer is an obligation in Islam, and it requires focus, sincerity, and devotion. Rushing through prayer, lacking concentration, or performing it carelessly is akin to giving less in spiritual "measure." Just as Surah Al-Mutaffifin condemns dishonesty in worldly dealings, the same principle applies to worship — failing to give Allah ﷻ His due reverence and attention in prayer is a form of spiritual injustice.

One hadith about not performing prayer well comes from the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who said:

"The worst type of thief is the one who steals from his prayer."
The companions asked, "O Messenger of Allah, how does one steal from his prayer?"
He said, "By not completing its bowings (ruku') and prostrations (sujood) properly."
— (Reported by Ahmad and authenticated by Al-Albani)

In another well-known hadith, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ instructed a companion to repeat his prayer because it was not performed properly.

The hadith is narrated by Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him):

“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ entered the mosque, and a man came in and prayed. Then he came and greeted the Prophet ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ returned the greeting and said: ‘Go back and pray, for you have not prayed.’
The man went back and prayed as he had prayed before, then he came to the Prophet ﷺ and greeted him. The Prophet ﷺ once again said: ‘Go back and pray, for you have not prayed.’
This happened three times, and the man said: ‘By the One who sent you with the truth, I cannot do any better than this, so teach me.’
The Prophet ﷺ said: ‘When you stand for prayer, say the Takbir, then recite whatever you can of the Qur'an, then bow until you feel at ease in bowing, then rise until you are standing straight, then prostrate until you feel at ease in prostration, then sit up until you feel at ease in sitting, and do that throughout your prayer.’”

— (Sahih al-Bukhari 757 and Sahih Muslim 397)

This hadith emphasizes the importance of performing the prayer with full attention, care, and proper movements. Rushing through the prayer or neglecting its essential elements is considered as "stealing" from it, which reflects an incomplete fulfillment of the duty to Allah ﷻ.

Modern-Day Examples of Behavior Related to Unfairness:

Surah Al-Mutaffifin is highly relevant today as issues of fairness, honesty, and justice continue to resonate globally. Cheating in business transactions can be seen in various forms, including:

Corporate fraud: Corporations or businesses that cheat customers by delivering substandard products or manipulating prices.
Financial corruption: In modern economies, unfair interest rates, misleading contracts, and dishonest dealings with investors resemble the behavior described in this surah.
Exploitation of labor: Underpaying workers or denying them fair compensation is akin to cheating in weights and measures.
Consumer deception: Misleading advertising and false claims about products and services can also be seen as a form of tatfif (cheating others).
Denying Zakah: It deprives society of resources for healthcare and education, reflecting exploitation similar to the defrauders in Surah Al-Mutaffifin.
Corruption in Public Offices: Corrupt officials misuse public funds, betraying public trust for personal gain, like cheating in weights.
Environmental Exploitation: Corporations exploiting natural resources for profit cause long-term harm, reflecting the greed condemned in the surah.
Price Manipulation and Hoarding: Hoarding essential goods during crises to inflate prices exploits people's needs, mirroring unjust trade practices.
Charging Interest: Predatory lenders trap vulnerable individuals in debt with unfair terms, exploiting them for profit.
Discrimination: based on race or gender in hiring and promotions denies individuals fair opportunities, reflecting unfair treatment.
Intellectual Property Theft: Taking value without credit from individuals or companies, resembling dishonest business practices.
Hidden Charges: Digital platforms using deceptive algorithms or hidden fees cheat users by giving less than promised.
Showing Favoritism: in the workplace, family, or social settings is an unfair practice where certain individuals receive preferential treatment despite equal or better qualifications from others.

In all these scenarios, Surah Al-Mutaffifin serves as a divine reminder that such actions will be judged harshly in the afterlife, and the wrongdoers will face severe consequences if they do not reform.

The Consequences:

Surah Al Mutaffifin clearly states the consequences in the Hereafter, but there is a penalty in this life as well in terms of earning money with those means, in Islam it is known as "Haram money" (See this post for more).

Earning haram money has far-reaching consequences for both the individual and society. Islam places immense importance on earning and consuming only lawful (halal) wealth. The Qur'an and Hadith clearly warn of the spiritual, moral, and societal harm caused by unlawful earnings, whether through cheating, bribery, interest, or any other unethical means.

Surah Al-Mutaffifin offers a direct warning to those who exploit others for personal gain, reminding them of the severe accountability they will face on the Day of Judgment. To lead a life of integrity and righteousness, Muslims must ensure that their financial dealings are in accordance with Islamic principles.

Merits:

From Abu Abdullah (peace be upon him), he said: "Whoever recites ‘Woe to those who give less [than due]’ (Surah Al-Mutaffifin) in obligatory prayers, Allah will grant them safety from the Fire on the Day of Judgment. The Fire will neither see them, nor will they see it, they will not pass over the Bridge of Hell, and accounts for his deeds will not be taken on the Day of Judgment."

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.