وَيَـٰقَوْمِ أَوْفُوا۟ ٱلْمِكْيَالَ وَٱلْمِيزَانَ بِٱلْقِسْطِ ۖ وَلَا تَبْخَسُوا۟ ٱلنَّاسَ أَشْيَآءَهُمْ وَلَا تَعْثَوْا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ مُفْسِدِينَ 85
Translations
And O my people, give full measure and weight in justice and do not deprive the people of their due and do not commit abuse on the earth, spreading corruption.
Transliteration
Wa ya qawmi awfu al-mikyala wa al-mizana bil-qist wa la tabkhasu an-nasa ashyaahum wa la ta'thaw fil-ardi mufsideen
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah, spoken by the Prophet Shu'ayb to his people, commands them to give full measure and weight with justice, and forbids them from defrauding people of their possessions or spreading corruption on earth. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi, this ayah addresses the people of Madyan who were notorious for their dishonesty in trade and commerce, making it a comprehensive injunction against fraud, cheating, and all forms of moral corruption that destabilize society.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the narrative of Prophet Shu'ayb (Jethro), found in the Meccan surah Hud, where he warns his people against commercial dishonesty and ethical transgressions. The context reveals that the people of Madyan were engaged in systematic fraud in their markets, and Shu'ayb's message emphasizes that honest dealing is foundational to both individual morality and social stability.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: 'The merchant who is truthful and trustworthy will be with the prophets on the Day of Judgment' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 1209). Additionally, 'Whoever cheats us is not from us' (Sahih Muslim 102) directly addresses fraudulent practices condemned in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that honest business dealings and fair treatment of others are not merely personal virtues but essential pillars of a just society; believers are commanded to uphold integrity in all transactions and to actively resist corruption in all its forms, recognizing that such honesty reflects obedience to divine law and protects both individual souls and the fabric of community.