The Majestic Quran

83. Al-Mutaffifin The Cheats This is a late Makkan chapter, condemning cheating traders and shopkeepers who were dishonest in their dealings with others. This picture of a dishonest person isn’t limited to commercial transactions, but is also relevant to people who are dishonest in other aspects of life, both in seventh-century Arabia and today. The chapter, interestingly, doesn’t mention the rope makers, tanners and perfume sellers working in Hijaz. Why does it single out the merchants, bankers and bookkeepers? Possibly because they have more opportunities to cheat, exploit the weak and perpetrate injustices. Recall the financial crisis of 2008, which affected economies around the world. Who was responsible for the that? Such injustices are committed by those who deny Judgment Day, and feel they can swindle and cheat without consequence. “Don’t they believe they will be resurrected on a Grand Day?” (4– 5) The chapter speaks of the effects of such conduct on hearts and minds: “their hearts are coated with rust , because of what they did” (14). The Messenger r said, “When a person commits a sin, a black spot appears on the heart. If he repents it will be removed, but if he continues doing evil, more spots appear until the entire heart is covered” (Ibn Majah). This encrusted, rust-coated, stained heart will lead to dishonesty and evil actions. The consequences in the Hereafter will be dire: those guilty of such crimes will burn in Hell. These are contrasted with people of faith and honest behaviour, who will enjoy the delights of Paradise. In the name of God, the Kind, the Caring.