Surah Al-Mutaffifin [83] | Overview, Themes, Lessons & More

Surah Name: Al-Mutaffifin (سورة المطففين)
Translation: The Defrauding (or Those Who Give Less)
Origin of name: The surah takes its name from the word "mutaffifin" in the first verse, referring to those who cheat in weights and measures. The word comes from the Arabic root meaning to reduce or defraud, especially in business practices.

Surah Number: 83
Number of Ayahs (Verses): 36

Makki or Madani: Makki (according to the stronger opinion)

Historical Context

Surah Al-Mutaffifin was revealed during the Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) mission in Makkah. One clear sign of the moral and ethical decay of Makkan society at the time was corruption in trade—a key aspect of their economy. Cheating in weights and measures was widespread, especially in urban commercial centers like Makkah, where many people were involved in trade.

Some reports suggest that the first four verses were recited by the Prophet shortly after arriving in Madinah [1]. This led some early scholars to consider those verses Madinan and the rest of them Mekkan. However, the general content, style, and tone of the surah strongly resemble other Makki surahs, pointing to its primary revelation taking place in Makkah.

The Surah also refers to the social divisions at that time. The Quraysh elite often mocked and disrespected the early believers, who were mostly from the poorer and weaker segments of society. Verses later in the surah hint at this dynamic, mentioning how the disbelievers used to ridicule the believers (verses 29–33).

References:
[1] Âlûsî, Rûḥ al-Maʿānī, vol. 30, p. 384

Main Themes of Surah Al-Mutaffifin

• Condemnation of Dishonest Trade:
  The surah begins by strongly warning those who cheat in measurements and weights. These people give full measure when they receive from others but give less when they sell. This behavior is condemned as a sign of moral decay and rejection of the Day of Judgment.

• Denial of the Afterlife Leads to Corruption:
  Those who cheat and do wrong often do so because they do not believe in being held accountable in the afterlife. The surah points out that disbelief in the Day of Judgment results in arrogant and harmful behavior.

• Record of the Wicked in Sijjin:
  The actions of wrongdoers are recorded in a book called "Sijjin," a register of the evil ones. It reflects their darkened hearts and their rejection of truth. These people will face the consequences of their evil actions in Hell.

• High Status of the Righteous in Illiyyin:
  In contrast, the deeds of the righteous are recorded in "Illiyyin," a high and honored register witnessed by close angels. These people will enjoy the delights of Paradise, including pure drinks and joy among companions.

• Reversal of Mockery on Judgment Day:
  During life, disbelievers mocked the believers. However, on the Day of Judgment, the roles will be reversed. The believers will be honored while the arrogant disbelievers will be humiliated and laughed at.

• Heart as the Center of Faith or Corruption:
  The surah highlights how repeated sins can stain and seal the heart, making it blind to truth.

Key Lessons from Surah Al-Mutaffifin

• Cheating in trade by using false measures is a serious sin in Islam. This behavior comes from not believing in accountability on the Day of Judgment.
• Those who reject truth often mock believers, but will regret it in the Hereafter.
• On Judgment Day, roles will reverse—those mocked in this world will be the ones honored (believers) and the mocking people will become the mocked (disbelievers).
• Justice will be fully served in the afterlife; no one will escape judgment.

Notable Ayahs from Surah Al-Mutaffifin

• Verse 1-3:
  "Woe to the defrauders! Those who take full measure ˹when they buy˺ from people, but give less when they measure or weigh for buyers."
  These verses strongly condemn those who are dishonest in trade by cheating in measurement and weight.

• Verse 4-6:
  "Do such people not think that they will be resurrected for a tremendous Day—the Day ˹all˺ people will stand before the Lord of all worlds?"
  A reminder that disbelief in the Day of Judgment leads to moral corruption.

• Verse 14:
  "But no! In fact, their hearts have been stained by all ˹the evil˺ they used to commit!"
  This refers to the spiritual blindness caused by persistent sin.

• Verse 24-28:
  "You will recognize on their faces the glow of delight. They will be given a drink of sealed, pure wine, whose last sip will smell like musk. So let whoever aspires to this strive ˹diligently˺. And this drink’s flavour will come from Tasnîm— a spring from which those nearest ˹to Allah˺ will drink."
  A beautiful description of the joys and honors awaiting the righteous in Paradise.

• Verse 29-30:
  "Indeed, the wicked used to laugh at the believers, wink to one another whenever they passed by,.."
  This shows how disbelievers mocked the believers during their worldly lives.

• Verse 34-35:
  "But on that Day the believers will be laughing at the disbelievers, as they sit on ˹canopied˺ couches, looking on."
  A powerful reversal of roles on the Day of Judgment where the believers are honored and the disbelievers are disgraced.