وَيْلٌ لِّلْمُطَفِّفِينَ 1
Translations
Woe to those who give less [than due],
Transliteration
Wa-ilun lil-mutataffifeen
Tafsir (Explanation)
This opening ayah of Surah Al-Mutaffifin pronounces a severe warning ('woe') upon those who engage in fraud and dishonesty in weights and measures. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir explain that 'al-mutataffifun' refers to those who diminish the rights of others through deception in commerce, whether in weighing goods, measuring quantities, or any form of transactional fraud. The word 'wail' (woe/curse) indicates divine displeasure and impending punishment for such deception.
Revelation Context
This surah was revealed in Mecca during the early Islamic period, addressing the prevalent practice of commercial fraud among merchants in Arabian society. The broader context of the surah emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity in all dealings, as dishonesty in transactions was a common vice that undermined trust and justice in the community.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: 'The truthful merchant will be with the prophets on the Day of Resurrection' (Tirmidhi). Additionally, 'Whoever cheats us is not from us' (Muslim) - emphasizing the incompatibility of fraud with Islamic faith and community.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds modern believers that Allah is fully aware of our dealings and transactions, no matter how hidden they may seem, and that integrity in business and all matters of trust is not merely a legal or ethical obligation but a fundamental religious duty. Even small acts of dishonesty carry serious spiritual consequences, and true success lies in conducting affairs with complete honesty and transparency.