وَإِذَا ٱنقَلَبُوٓا۟ إِلَىٰٓ أَهْلِهِمُ ٱنقَلَبُوا۟ فَكِهِينَ 31
Translations
And when they returned to their people, they would return jesting.
Transliteration
Wa-idha inqualabu ilā ahlihim inqualabu fakihīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes how those who commit fraud and injustice return to their families in a state of arrogance, joy, and self-satisfaction, completely oblivious to their wrongdoing. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi interpret 'fakihīn' (جاهلون - those in a state of ignorant heedlessness and delight) as depicting their moral blindness and complacency despite their unjust behavior. The ayah highlights the spiritual darkness of those who cheat others, as they lack the conscience to feel shame or remorse, instead carrying their vanity into their homes.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within Surah Al-Mutaffifin, which condemns those who give short measure in business transactions—a practice that was rampant in pre-Islamic Arabia and among some hypocrites in Medina. The surah's context addresses commercial dishonesty and the spiritual consequences of defrauding others. This particular ayah illustrates the internal state of such fraudsters: their comfort and satisfaction despite their crimes reflects a complete disconnection from divine consciousness (taqwa).
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'Whoever cheats us is not from us' (Muslim, Hadith #101). Additionally, the Prophet emphasized that 'The best among you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family' (Tirmidhi), contrasting the fraudster's behavior with proper conduct within the household.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah serves as a warning that habitual wrongdoing can harden the heart, making one incapable of recognizing one's own corruption. Muslims should examine their dealings with others and remain vigilant that material gain or temporary satisfaction never blinds them to justice and honesty, especially within their own families where integrity must begin.