Discover the powerful lessons of Surah Al-Mutaffifin (The Defrauding), Chapter 83 of the Holy Quran, which warns against dishonesty, fraud, and corruption while promising eternal bliss for the righteous. Explore its meaning, themes, and guidance for everyday life.
Surah 83: Al-Mutaffifin (The Defrauding)
Al-Mutaffifin: Introduction
Surah Al-Mutaffifin, meaning “The Defrauding” or “Those Who Give Less”, is the eighty-third chapter of the Holy Quran, revealed in Makkah. It has thirty-six verses and focuses strongly on moral honesty, the certainty of the Hereafter, and the ultimate separation between the righteous and the wicked.
The Surah opens with a stern warning to those who cheat in measurements and weights, exposing this as not merely a social wrong but a spiritual crime against God. It asks whether such people do not realize that they will be resurrected and made to stand before the Lord of the worlds on a Great Day. The Surah then describes two contrasting records: the record of the wicked preserved in Sijjeen — a register of disgrace — and the record of the righteous in ‘Illiyyoon — a register of honor witnessed by the angels close to Allah. The chapter paints a vivid picture of the joy and beauty awaiting the righteous and the humiliation and punishment awaiting the deniers.
In closing, it turns the tables, showing that on the Day of Judgment, believers will laugh at the disbelievers as a just repayment for the ridicule they faced in the worldly life.
Surah 83: Al-Mutaffifin (The Defrauding): Text
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
(1) Woe to those who give less than due,
(2) Who, when they take a measure from people, take in full,
(3) But when they give by measure or weight to them, they cause loss.
(4) Do they not think that they will be resurrected,
(5) For a Great Day,
(6) The Day when mankind will stand before the Lord of the worlds?
(7) No! Indeed, the record of the wicked is in Sijjeen.
(8) And what will make you know what Sijjeen is?
(9) It is a written record.
(10) Woe on that Day to the deniers,
(11) Those who deny the Day of Judgment,
(12) And none denies it except every sinful transgressor.
(13) When Our verses are recited to him, he says, “Stories of the ancients.”
(14) No! Rather, what they used to do has rusted upon their hearts.
(15) No! Surely, on that Day they will be screened from their Lord.
(16) Then indeed, they will enter the blazing Fire.
(17) Then it will be said, “This is what you used to deny.”
(18) No! Indeed, the record of the righteous is in ‘Illiyyoon.
(19) And what will make you know what ‘Illiyyoon is?
(20) It is a written record,
(21) Witnessed by those brought near.
(22) Indeed, the righteous will be in bliss,
(23) Sitting on couches, looking around.
(24) You will recognize in their faces the brightness of bliss.
(25) They will be given to drink from a sealed nectar,
(26) Whose seal will be of musk — so for this let those who strive, strive.
(27) And its mixture will be from Tasneem [purest drink in Paradise],
(28) A spring from which those brought near will drink.
(29) Indeed, those who committed crimes used to laugh at those who believed,
(30) And when they passed by them, they would wink at one another,
(31) And when they returned to their people, they would return jesting,
(32) And when they saw them, they said, “Indeed, these are truly astray.”
(33) But they were not sent as keepers over them.
(34) So today, those who believed will laugh at the disbelievers,
(35) On adorned couches, looking on,
(36) Have the disbelievers been repaid for what they used to do? 0 0 0
Al-Mutaffifin: Comment
Surah Al-Mutaffifin is a profound reminder that dishonesty in any form, even in seemingly small dealings like measurement and trade, is a symptom of deeper moral corruption. The cheating of others is not just an act against people — it is an act against the justice that Allah commands. The Surah links worldly dishonesty to disbelief in the Hereafter, teaching that one who is certain of standing before Allah would not dare to cheat. The imagery of Sijjeen and ‘Illiyyoon shows that every deed is recorded, preserved, and will be presented with full justice. This chapter also comforts the believers who are mocked, insulted, or belittled in this life, assuring them that the balance will be reversed in the Hereafter. Ultimately, Surah Al-Mutaffifin invites reflection on integrity, accountability, and the reality that life’s apparent inequalities will be set right by Allah’s perfect justice. It leaves no doubt that honesty and fairness are essential marks of true faith, while arrogance and deceit lead only to loss. 0 0 0
You May Like: Surah 75: Al-Qiyamah
10 FAQs on Surah Al-Mutaffifin
Q1. What is Surah Al-Mutaffifin (The Defrauding) about?
Surah Al-Mutaffifin (The Defrauding) is the 83rd chapter of the Holy Quran, consisting of 36 verses. It strongly condemns fraud, cheating, and injustice in trade, warning those who give less in measure or weight while demanding full returns for themselves. The surah highlights the moral corruption of those who exploit others and contrasts their fate with the eternal reward awaiting the righteous. Surah Al-Mutaffifin (The Defrauding) emphasizes accountability on the Day of Judgment, stressing that all deeds are recorded and that both fraudsters and believers will face the consequences of their actions.
Q2. Why is the chapter named Surah Al-Mutaffifin (The Defrauding)?
The chapter is named Surah Al-Mutaffifin (The Defrauding) because it begins by denouncing those who commit “tatfeef,” meaning fraud or cheating, particularly in business transactions. These defrauders demand full rights for themselves but cheat others when giving in return. By naming the surah after such behavior, Surah Al-Mutaffifin (The Defrauding) highlights the seriousness of this moral crime and teaches that dishonesty leads to divine punishment. The name itself serves as a reminder that Islam demands fairness, honesty, and integrity in all dealings.
Q3. What is the main message of Surah Al-Mutaffifin (The Defrauding)?
The main message of Surah Al-Mutaffifin (The Defrauding) is that dishonesty, fraud, and corruption are condemned in Islam, and those who engage in such practices will face severe consequences in the Hereafter. At the same time, it reassures the believers that their righteous actions will be rewarded with eternal joy in Paradise. Surah Al-Mutaffifin (The Defrauding) teaches accountability, justice, and the certainty of resurrection and judgment. Its timeless message warns humanity against selfishness and exploitation while encouraging fairness and truthfulness in all aspects of life.
Q4. How does Surah Al-Mutaffifin (The Defrauding) describe the Day of Judgment?
Surah Al-Mutaffifin (The Defrauding) paints a vivid picture of the Day of Judgment, describing how every person’s deeds are recorded in clear registers. The fate of the wicked, who defraud and mock believers, is sealed in “Sijjeen,” a record of the damned. In contrast, the righteous are promised honor and joy, their deeds preserved in “Illiyoon,” a record of the blessed. Surah Al-Mutaffifin (The Defrauding) thus underlines that the Day of Judgment will bring ultimate justice, exposing fraudsters and rewarding the faithful with eternal bliss.
Q5. What lessons can modern readers learn from Surah Al-Mutaffifin (The Defrauding)?
Modern readers can draw several lessons from Surah Al-Mutaffifin (The Defrauding). It reminds us to be honest in trade, work, and daily interactions, avoiding dishonesty for personal gain. The surah highlights that corruption, cheating, and exploitation are not just social issues but spiritual sins that lead to punishment in the Hereafter. Surah Al-Mutaffifin (The Defrauding) also teaches fairness, accountability, and ethical conduct, values that remain essential in today’s world of business, politics, and personal relationships. Its timeless guidance is a call for integrity and justice.
Q6. How does Surah Al-Mutaffifin (The Defrauding) connect to justice in Islam?
Surah Al-Mutaffifin (The Defrauding) is deeply connected to the Islamic principle of justice. Islam commands fairness in trade, honesty in speech, and truthfulness in actions. By condemning fraud and exploitation, Surah Al-Mutaffifin (The Defrauding) upholds social and economic justice, reminding believers that dishonesty is not only a crime against others but a sin against God. The surah emphasizes that true justice will be served on the Day of Judgment, where every individual will be rewarded or punished based on their deeds, ensuring ultimate fairness.
Q7. What is the punishment for the defrauders mentioned in Surah Al-Mutaffifin (The Defrauding)?
Surah Al-Mutaffifin (The Defrauding) describes the punishment for defrauders in powerful terms. Those who cheat others and mock believers will have their records sealed in “Sijjeen,” symbolizing confinement and disgrace. They will face torment in the Hereafter and be deprived of God’s mercy. This punishment reflects the gravity of exploiting others for selfish gain. Surah Al-Mutaffifin (The Defrauding) makes it clear that fraud is not a minor wrongdoing but a major sin that leads to eternal consequences.
Q8. How does Surah Al-Mutaffifin (The Defrauding) encourage believers?
Surah Al-Mutaffifin (The Defrauding) encourages believers by reminding them that their righteous deeds are not forgotten. The surah describes their records being preserved in “Illiyoon,” a high and noble register of the blessed. They will be rewarded with eternal joy, sitting on thrones in Paradise, enjoying blessings, and looking upon God’s favor. Surah Al-Mutaffifin (The Defrauding) reassures believers that despite being mocked by the corrupt in this world, they will ultimately triumph in the Hereafter, gaining everlasting peace and honor.
Q9. Is Surah Al-Mutaffifin (The Defrauding) relevant to personal life outside business?
Yes, Surah Al-Mutaffifin (The Defrauding) is relevant far beyond business dealings. Although it specifically condemns fraud in trade, its message applies to all forms of dishonesty, including lying, breaking promises, exploiting relationships, or abusing authority. Surah Al-Mutaffifin (The Defrauding) teaches that honesty and fairness should be practiced in every aspect of life, whether in family, work, or society. Its emphasis on accountability reminds individuals that God sees all actions, and integrity should guide one’s entire way of living.
Q10. How can Muslims apply the teachings of Surah Al-Mutaffifin (The Defrauding) in daily life?
Muslims can apply the teachings of Surah Al-Mutaffifin (The Defrauding) by practicing honesty, fairness, and integrity in every interaction. This includes giving full measure and weight in trade, being truthful in words, fulfilling promises, and avoiding exploitation of others. Surah Al-Mutaffifin (The Defrauding) also calls for self-reflection, reminding believers that every deed is recorded and will be judged. By living ethically, avoiding corruption, and striving for justice, Muslims embody the guidance of Surah Al-Mutaffifin (The Defrauding) and secure both worldly harmony and eternal reward.
