Sūrah Al-Muṭaffifīn (سورة المطفّفين)
Meaning: The Defrauders or Those Who Give Less
Chapter: 83
Verses: 36
Place of Revelation: Meccan (according to most scholars)
📜 Name Origin
The name "Al-Muṭaffifīn" comes from the first verse. It refers to people who cheat in business by giving less than what is due — whether in weights, measures, or fairness. But the deeper meaning includes moral cheating in all forms — not just physical measures.
🌐 Overview & Themes
This surah warns against those who exploit others for personal gain, believing they won’t be held accountable. It draws a sharp contrast between:
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The cheaters (who think they’re safe from judgment)
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The righteous (who will be rewarded with joy and honor)
It’s both a social critique and a spiritual reminder.
📖 Breakdown of Key Sections
🔍 Verses 1–6: Condemnation of Fraud
"Woe to those who give less [than due],
Who, when they take a measure from people, take in full.
But if they give by measure or weight to them, they cause loss."
(83:1–3)
This is a direct condemnation of double standards:
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Wanting full rights for oneself
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But cheating others when it’s their turn
“Do they not think that they will be resurrected
For a tremendous Day —
The Day when mankind will stand before the Lord of the worlds?”
(83:4–6)
It reminds them: Don’t you know you will stand before God?
🔥 Verses 7–17: The Wicked (Fujjār)
“No! Indeed, the record of the wicked is in Sijjīn.”
(83:7)
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Sijjīn is interpreted as a prison-like register — a record of the evil deeds of sinners, locked away in disgrace.
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The wicked are described as deniers of the truth, who mock the faithful and have no fear of judgment.
“Woe, that Day, to the deniers.”
Repeated as a warning throughout the Qur'an.
🌿 Verses 18–28: The Righteous (Abrār)
“Indeed, the record of the righteous is in ‘Illiyyīn.”
(83:18)
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‘Illiyyīn is the highest register, a book of honor kept near God.
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The righteous will enjoy bliss, drink from a sealed nectar, and have joy written on their faces.
“Their drink will be sealed with musk,
And for this let the competitors compete.”
(83:26)
A beautiful call: Compete not in cheating, but in righteousness and truth.
🎭 Verses 29–36: Reversal of Mockery
“Indeed, those who committed crimes used to laugh at those who believed…”
(83:29)
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In this life, the wicked mocked the righteous.
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But on the Day of Judgment, the roles will reverse:
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The believers will laugh at the disbelievers.
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Justice will finally be seen.
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“Have the disbelievers [not] been repaid for what they used to do?”
(83:36)
A powerful ending — everyone gets exactly what they earned.
🧠 Key Themes & Lessons
| Theme | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Cheating and Injustice | Even small acts of dishonesty are condemned. Justice in all dealings is essential. |
| Accountability | All actions are recorded. Judgment is real. |
| Mocking Believers | Those who are mocked today may be honored tomorrow. |
| Reward and Punishment | The righteous and the wicked will have opposite fates. |
| Moral Wake-Up Call | We must reflect on how we treat others, in both small and large matters. |
🕊️ Reflection
This surah asks each of us:
Do you want justice only when it benefits you?
Or are you willing to live by it — even when it costs you?
It warns against spiritual arrogance and self-deception — and calls for honesty, humility, and faith.
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