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
وَلِلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ بِرَبِّهِمْ عَذَابُ جَهَنَّمَ ۖ وَبِئْسَ ٱلْمَصِيرُ
And for those who disbelieved in their Lord is the punishment of Hell, and wretched is the destination.
وَمَا كَانَ رَبُّكَ مُهْلِكَ ٱلْقُرَىٰ حَتَّىٰ يَبْعَثَ فِىٓ أُمِّهَا رَسُولًا يَتْلُوا۟ عَلَيْهِمْ ءَايَـٰتِنَا ۚ وَمَا كُنَّا مُهْلِكِى ٱلْقُرَىٰٓ إِلَّا وَأَهْلُهَا ظَـٰلِمُونَ
And never would your Lord have destroyed the cities until He had sent to their mother [i.e., principal city] a messenger reciting to them Our verses. And We would not destroy the cities except while their people were wrongdoers.
فَيَوْمَئِذٍ لَّا يُسْـَٔلُ عَن ذَنۢبِهِۦٓ إِنسٌ وَلَا جَآنٌّ
Then on that Day none will be asked about his sin among men or jinn.
وَنَادَىٰٓ أَصْحَـٰبُ ٱلْأَعْرَافِ رِجَالًا يَعْرِفُونَهُم بِسِيمَىٰهُمْ قَالُوا۟ مَآ أَغْنَىٰ عَنكُمْ جَمْعُكُمْ وَمَا كُنتُمْ تَسْتَكْبِرُونَ
And the companions of the Elevations will call to men [within Hell] whom they recognize by their mark, saying, "Of no avail to you was your gathering and [the fact] that you were arrogant."