Tafsir from Tafsir Ibn Kathir
Surah Al-Mutaffifin is a Madani surah that warns against cheating in business dealings and denying the Day of Judgment. Allah condemns those who take their rights in full from others but give less when they measure or weigh for people. The surah also contrasts the fate of the wicked with the reward prepared for the righteous believers in the Hereafter.
Woe to Those Who Cheat in Measurement (Verses 1–6)
Allah says:
“Woe to Al-Mutaffifin.
Those who, when they have to receive by measure from men, demand full measure.
And when they have to give by measure or weight to men, give less than due.
Do they not think that they will be resurrected
On a Great Day,
The Day when mankind will stand before the Lord of all that exists?”
(Qur’an 83:1–6)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that Al-Mutaffifin are those who cheat in measurement and weight. They demand their full rights when receiving from others but reduce the measure when giving to others. This cheating is called tatfif, which means reducing or diminishing the measure or weight.
Ibn Abbas reported that when the Prophet came to Madinah, the people were known for cheating in measurement. After these verses were revealed, they began giving correct measure.
Allah commands justice in measurement and weight, and He destroyed the people of Shuʿayb because of their cheating in these matters.
The Standing on the Day of Judgment (Verses 4–6)
Allah says:
“Do they not think that they will be resurrected
On a Great Day,
The Day when mankind will stand before the Lord of all that exists?”
(Qur’an 83:4–6)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that this verse warns about the great terror of the Day of Judgment, when all people will stand before their Lord for judgment.
The Prophet ﷺ said that on that Day people will stand before Allah until one of them sinks into his sweat up to the middle of his ears.
Another hadith mentions that the sun will draw near to people, and they will sweat according to their deeds. The sun draws near the servants until it is a mile or two away, and they are submerged in sweat according to their deeds, some to their heels, some to their knees, some to their groins, and some bridled in sweat.
The Record of the Wicked (Verses 7–17)
Allah says:
“Nay! Truly the record of the wicked is in Sijjin.
And what will make you know what Sijjin is?
A register inscribed.
Woe that Day to those who deny.
Those who deny the Day of Recompense.”
(Qur’an 83:7–11)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that Sijjin refers to the place where the records of the wicked are kept. The word comes from the meaning of prison or confinement, indicating a place of severe restriction and punishment.
Some scholars said that Sijjin is beneath the seventh earth where the souls of the disbelievers are kept.
The wicked deny the Day of Judgment and claim that the Qur’an is merely stories of the earlier people.
Allah says:
“When Our Ayat are recited to him, he says: ‘Tales of the ancients!’”
(Qur’an 83:13)
Their denial is caused by the sins they committed.
“Nay! But on their hearts is the Ran (covering) which they used to earn.”
(Qur’an 83:14)
The Prophet ﷺ explained that when a servant commits a sin, a black spot appears in his heart. If he repents it is removed, but if he continues in sin it spreads until it covers the heart.
Because of their disbelief and sins, they will be veiled from seeing their Lord on the Day of Judgment and will enter the Fire.
“Then, it will be said to them: ‘This is what you used to deny!’”
(Qur’an 83:17)
The Record of the Righteous (Verses 18–28)
Allah says:
“Nay! Verily, the Record of Al-Abrar (the righteous believers) is (preserved) in ‘Illiyyin.
And what will make you know what Illiyyin is?
A Register inscribed,
To which bear witness those nearest.”
(Qur’an 83:18–21)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that Illiyyin is the opposite of Sijjin. It refers to a high and honored place where the records of the righteous are kept.
Some scholars said it is in the seventh heaven, where the souls of the believers are placed.
Allah then describes the reward of the righteous.
“Verily, Al-Abrar (the righteous believers) will be in Delight,
On thrones, looking.”
(Qur’an 83:22–23)
Their faces will show brightness and happiness because of the blessings they are enjoying.
“You will recognize in their faces the brightness of delight.”
(Qur’an 83:24)
They will drink from the pure wine of Paradise, sealed with musk.
“They will be given to drink of pure sealed Rahiq.
Sealed with musk,”
(Qur’an 83:25–26)
This drink will be mixed with Tasnim, which is one of the most excellent springs of Paradise. Those who are nearest to Allah will drink from it directly.
“and for this let those strive who want to strive.”
(Qur’an 83:26)
The Mockery of the Believers (Verses 29–36)
Allah says:
“Verily, those who committed crimes used to laugh at those who believed.
And, whenever they passed by them, used to wink one to another.
And when they returned to their own people, they would return jesting.”
(Qur’an 83:29–31)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that the criminals used to mock the believers in the worldly life. They laughed at them, despised them, and claimed that they were misguided.
However, they had not been sent as guardians over the believers or responsible for judging them.
“But they were not sent as watchers over them.”
(Qur’an 83:33)
On the Day of Judgment the situation will be reversed.
“But this Day those who believe will laugh at the disbelievers,
On thrones, looking.”
(Qur’an 83:34–35)
The believers will be honored in Paradise while the disbelievers receive the punishment they denied.
Allah concludes:
“Are not the disbelievers paid for what they used to do?”
(Qur’an 83:36)
Ibn Kathir explains that this verse confirms that the disbelievers will be fully repaid for their actions, including their disbelief and their mockery of the believers. The wording is a rhetorical question affirming that they will certainly receive the complete recompense for what they used to do.
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References
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), English translation, Surah Al-Mutaffifin (83).
Verified on 2026-10-21 against: Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), Surah Al-Mutaffifin.