ثُمَّ إِنَّهُمْ لَصَالُوا۟ ٱلْجَحِيمِ 16
Translations
Then indeed, they will [enter and] burn in Hellfire.
Transliteration
Thumma innahum lasa-loo al-jaheem
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah states that those who defraud and cheat in weights and measures will indeed enter the Hellfire. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi interpret this as a decisive declaration of the fate of those who persist in dishonesty and injustice in their dealings, emphasizing that deception in commerce is a grave sin worthy of severe punishment. The phrase 'la-sa-loo' (will indeed enter/will burn in) conveys certainty and inevitability, underscoring the certainty of Divine justice against such wrongdoers.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Mutaffifin was revealed in Mecca during the early Islamic period, addressing the dishonest practices of Meccan merchants who would cheat customers by giving less than full measure when selling but demanding full measure when buying. This ayah comes as part of the surah's overall condemnation of such fraudulent behavior and serves as a stern warning of the consequences awaiting those who continue in such practices.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The truthful, honest merchant will be with the prophets on the Day of Judgment' (Tirmidhi), which contrasts with the fate described here. Additionally, the Prophet warned: 'Whoever cheats is not from us' (Sahih Muslim), emphasizing the severity of fraud in Islamic law.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah serves as a powerful reminder that dishonesty in commerce and everyday dealings carries severe spiritual consequences, and Muslims must uphold integrity and fairness in all transactions as a fundamental aspect of their faith and accountability before Allah.
Related Ayahs
خَـٰلِدِينَ فِيهَا لَا يُخَفَّفُ عَنْهُمُ ٱلْعَذَابُ وَلَا هُمْ يُنظَرُونَ
Abiding eternally therein. The punishment will not be lightened for them, nor will they be reprieved,
فَبَشِّرْهُم بِعَذَابٍ أَلِيمٍ
So give them tidings of a painful punishment,
لَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا رُسُلَنَا بِٱلْبَيِّنَـٰتِ وَأَنزَلْنَا مَعَهُمُ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ وَٱلْمِيزَانَ لِيَقُومَ ٱلنَّاسُ بِٱلْقِسْطِ ۖ وَأَنزَلْنَا ٱلْحَدِيدَ فِيهِ بَأْسٌ شَدِيدٌ وَمَنَـٰفِعُ لِلنَّاسِ وَلِيَعْلَمَ ٱللَّهُ مَن يَنصُرُهُۥ وَرُسُلَهُۥ بِٱلْغَيْبِ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ قَوِىٌّ عَزِيزٌ
We have already sent Our messengers with clear evidences and sent down with them the Scripture and the balance that the people may maintain [their affairs] in justice. And We sent down iron, wherein is great military might and benefits for the people, and so that Allāh may make evident those who support Him and His messengers unseen. Indeed, Allāh is Powerful and Exalted in Might.
إِن تَكْفُرُوا۟ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَنِىٌّ عَنكُمْ ۖ وَلَا يَرْضَىٰ لِعِبَادِهِ ٱلْكُفْرَ ۖ وَإِن تَشْكُرُوا۟ يَرْضَهُ لَكُمْ ۗ وَلَا تَزِرُ وَازِرَةٌ وِزْرَ أُخْرَىٰ ۗ ثُمَّ إِلَىٰ رَبِّكُم مَّرْجِعُكُمْ فَيُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ عَلِيمٌۢ بِذَاتِ ٱلصُّدُورِ
If you disbelieve - indeed, Allāh is Free from need of you. And He does not approve for His servants disbelief. And if you are grateful, He approves [i.e., likes] it for you; and no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another. Then to your Lord is your return, and He will inform you about what you used to do. Indeed, He is Knowing of that within the breasts.