Saturday, July 18, 2026

Surah Al-Mutaffifin - Complete Lesson 33 | Bilkisu Quranic Center

✖ Bilkisu Quranic Center ✖ Surah by Surah Series — Lesson 33

Surah No. 83 · Woe to Those Who Give Less Than Due — The Ledgers of Sijjin & Illiyyin

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المطففين

Surah Al-Mutaffifin

“Those Who Give Less Than Due” — Honest Measure, the Ledger of Sijjin, and the Ledger of Illiyyin

⚖️📋 36 Verses — Waylun · Honest Scales · Sijjin · Illiyyin · Laughing at Believers · Reversed on the Day

٣٦Verses

١٦٩Words

٧٤١Letters

MakkiRevelation

٨٣Surah No.

📖 Complete Lesson⚖️ Honest Scales🎯 Tajweed🔤 Word by Word🧠 Quiz📋 Sijjin & Illiyyin

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📚 Surah by Surah Series — Bilkisu Quranic Center

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بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

⚖️📋 Waylun li-l-Mutaffifin — Woe to Those Who Cheat in Measure

Surah Al-Mutaffifin opens with a warning: woe to those who give less than due — taking full measure when receiving, but shortchanging others when giving. It then reveals the eternal ledgers: Sijjin, where the record of the wicked is sealed and cast down, and Illiyyin, where the record of the righteous is sealed and elevated. The Surah closes with a striking reversal: those who mocked and laughed at believers in this world will one day watch as the believers laugh at the disbelievers from thrones, gazing upon their fate.

📋 Complete Lesson Contents

01 Surah Overview & Key Facts 02 Full Surah — Arabic & Translation 03 Word by Word Breakdown 04 Verse by Verse Explanation 05 Tajweed Rules 06 Pronunciation Guide 07 Sijjin vs Illiyyin — Visual 08 Lessons from Al-Mutaffifin 09 Listen to Expert Reciters 10 Virtues & When to Recite 11 Memorization Steps 12 Kids Corner ⚖️13 Interactive Quiz 14 FAQ 15 Hashtags 16 Resources

Welcome to Lesson 33! Surah Al-Mutaffifin is one of the longer and richest Surahs in Juz Amma, opening with a scathing warning against a very specific, very ordinary sin: cheating in weights and measures. The mutaffifin take full when they receive but give less when they measure out to others — a small, hidden dishonesty that Allah calls out as deserving “waylun” (woe, ruin, a specific valley in Hell according to some scholars).

From this everyday sin, the Surah expands to the cosmic: every human deed is recorded, sealed, and filed — either in Sijjin (a register in the lowest depths) or Illiyyin (a register in the highest heights). The Surah closes with one of the most vivid reversals in the Quran: the disbelievers who mocked believers in this life will watch helplessly as the tables turn completely in the next.

Surah Overview & Key Facts

نظرة عامة

Detail	Information
Surah Name	المطففين — Al-Mutaffifin (Those Who Give Less Than Due). From taffafa = to shortchange, to skimp on measure.
Surah Number	83
Verses	36
Words	169
Letters	741
Revelation	Makki (some scholars say the first verses were Madani, revealed just after Hijrah when Madinan traders were known for cheating in measure)
Juz	Juz 30 — Juz Amma
Al-Mutaffifin	v.1–3: Those who, when they take a measure from people, take in full — but when they give by measure or weight to others, they give less. A specific, common commercial dishonesty condemned in the strongest terms.
Sijjin	v.7–9: The record of the wicked (fujjar) is in Sijjin — a sealed register, described as a written book (kitabun marqum), associated with the depths, confinement, and lowliness.
Illiyyin	v.18–21: The record of the righteous (abrar) is in Illiyyin — a sealed register in the loftiest heights, witnessed by those brought near to Allah (al-muqarrabun).
Rahiqin Makhtum	v.25–26: The righteous drink from a sealed pure wine (rahiqin makhtum) whose seal is musk — a description of Paradise's purest, most exclusive drink.
The Great Reversal	v.29–36: In this world, the wicked mocked and laughed at believers. On the Day of Judgment, the believers will laugh at the disbelievers instead, watching them from thrones (ala l-ara'iki yanzurun).

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Why Such a Strong Warning for a "Small" Sin?

Cheating in weights and measures might seem like a minor commercial matter compared to major sins like murder or shirk — yet Allah opens an entire Surah with severe condemnation of it. The reason: this sin reveals a deep double standard in the heart. The mutaffif demands full rights for himself but denies the same fairness to others. This selfishness — wanting more for yourself while giving less to others — is a root spiritual disease that, left unchecked, corrupts every relationship and transaction. The Prophet ﷺ himself lived among the people of Madinah who were known for this exact dishonesty before Islam corrected their practice.

Full Surah — Arabic, Transliteration & Translation

السورة الكاملة

︶︷

Surah Al-Mutaffifin — Complete Text (Surah 83) — 36 Verses

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

وَيْلٌ لِّلْمُطَفِّفِينَ

Waylun li-l-muṭafifin

“Woe to those who give less than due.”

الَّذِينَ إِذَا اكْتَالُوا عَلَى النَّاسِ يَسْتَوْفُونَ

Alladhina idha ktalu ‘ala n-nasi yastawfun

“Who, when they receive by measure from people, take in full.”

وَإِذَا كَالُوهُمْ أَوْ وَّزَنُوهُمْ يُخْسِرُونَ

Wa-idha kaluhum aw wazanuhum yukhsirun

“But when they measure or weigh for them, they cause loss.”

أَلَا يَظُنُّ أُولَٰئِكَ أَنَّهُم مَّبْعُوثُونَ

A-la yaẓunnu ula'ika annahum mab‘uthun

“Do they not think that they will be resurrected?”

لِيَوْمٍ عَظِيمٍ

Li-yawmin ‘aẓim

“For a tremendous Day?”

يَوْمَ يَقُومُ النَّاسُ لِرَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ

Yawma yaqumu n-nasu li-rabbi l-‘alamin

“The Day when mankind will stand before the Lord of the worlds.”

كَلَّا إِنَّ كِتَابَ الْفُجَّارِ لَفِي سِجِّينٍ

Kalla inna kitaba l-fujjari la-fi Sijjin

“No! Indeed, the record of the wicked is in Sijjin.”

وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا سِجِّينٌ

Wa-ma adraka ma Sijjin

“And what will make you know what Sijjin is?”

كِتَابٌ مَّرْقُومٌ

Kitabun marqum

“A written record.”

١٠

وَيْلٌ يَوْمَئِذٍ لِّلْمُكَذِّبِينَ

Waylun yawma'idhin li-l-mukadhdhibin

“Woe, that Day, to the deniers.”

١١

الَّذِينَ يُكَذِّبُونَ بِيَوْمِ الدِّينِ

Alladhina yukadhdhibuna bi-yawmi d-din

“Who deny the Day of Recompense.”

١٢

وَمَا يُكَذِّبُ بِهِ إِلَّا كُلُّ مُعْتَدٍ أَثِيمٍ

Wa-ma yukadhdhibu bihi illa kullu mu‘tadin athim

“And none deny it except every transgressor, sinner.”

١٣

إِذَا تُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْهِ آيَاتُنَا قَالَ أَسَاطِيرُ الْأَوَّلِينَ

Idha tutla ‘alayhi ayatuna qala asaṭiru l-awwalin

“When Our verses are recited to him, he says: tales of the former peoples.”

١٤

كَلَّا بَلْ رَانَ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِهِم مَّا كَانُوا يَكْسِبُونَ

Kalla bal rana ‘ala qulubihim ma kanu yaksibun

“No! Rather, rust has covered their hearts because of what they used to earn.”

١٥

كَلَّا إِنَّهُمْ عَن رَّبِّهِمْ يَوْمَئِذٍ لَّمَحْجُوبُونَ

Kalla innahum ‘an rabbihim yawma'idhin la-maḥjubun

“No! Indeed, from their Lord, that Day, they will be partitioned.”

١٦

ثُمَّ إِنَّهُمْ لَصَالُو الْجَحِيمِ

Thumma innahum la-ṣalu l-jaḥim

“Then indeed, they will burn in Hellfire.”

١٧

ثُمَّ يُقَالُ هَٰذَا الَّذِي كُنتُم بِهِ تُكَذِّبُونَ

Thumma yuqalu hadha lladhi kuntum bihi tukadhdhibun

“Then it will be said: this is what you used to deny.”

١٨

كَلَّا إِنَّ كِتَابَ الْأَبْرَارِ لَفِي عِلِّيِّينَ

Kalla inna kitaba l-abrari la-fi ‘Illiyyin

“No! Indeed, the record of the righteous is in Illiyyin.”

١٩

وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا عِلِّيُّونَ

Wa-ma adraka ma ‘Illiyyun

“And what will make you know what Illiyyun is?”

٢٠

كِتَابٌ مَّرْقُومٌ

Kitabun marqum

“A written record.”

٢١

يَشْهَدُهُ الْمُقَرَّبُونَ

Yashhaduhu l-muqarrabun

“Witnessed by those brought near to Allah.”

٢٢

إِنَّ الْأَبْرَارَ لَفِي نَعِيمٍ

Inna l-abrara la-fi na‘im

“Indeed, the righteous will be in bliss.”

٢٣

عَلَى الْأَرَائِكِ يَنظُرُونَ

‘Ala l-ara'iki yanẓurun

“On thrones, observing.”

٢٤

تَعْرِفُ فِي وُجُوهِهِمْ نَضْرَةَ النَّعِيمِ

Ta‘rifu fi wujuhihim naḍrata n-na‘im

“You will recognize in their faces the radiance of bliss.”

٢٥

يُسْقَوْنَ مِن رَّحِيقٍ مَّخْتُومٍ

Yusqawna min raḥiqin makhtum

“They will be given to drink a sealed pure wine.”

٢٦

خِتَامُهُ مِسْكٌ وَفِي ذَٰلِكَ فَلْيَتَنَافَسِ الْمُتَنَافِسُونَ

Khitamuhu miskun wa-fi dhalika fa-l-yatanafasi l-mutanafisun

“Its seal is musk. So for this let the competitors compete.”

٢٧

وَمِزَاجُهُ مِن تَسْنِيمٍ

Wa-mizajuhu min Tasnim

“And its mixture is from Tasnim.”

٢٨

عَيْنًا يَشْرَبُ بِهَا الْمُقَرَّبُونَ

‘Aynan yashrabu biha l-muqarrabun

“A spring from which those brought near will drink.”

٢٩

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ أَجْرَمُوا كَانُوا مِنَ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا يَضْحَكُونَ

Inna lladhina ajramu kanu mina lladhina amanu yaḍḥakun

“Indeed, those who committed crimes used to laugh at those who believed.”

٣٠

وَإِذَا مَرُّوا بِهِمْ يَتَغَامَزُونَ

Wa-idha marru bihim yataghamazun

“And when they passed by them, they winked at one another.”

٣١

وَإِذَا انقَلَبُوا إِلَىٰ أَهْلِهِمُ انقَلَبُوا فَكِهِينَ

Wa-idha nqalabu ila ahlihimu nqalabu fakihin

“And when they returned to their people, they returned jesting.”

٣٢

وَإِذَا رَأَوْهُمْ قَالُوا إِنَّ هَٰؤُلَاءِ لَضَالُّونَ

Wa-idha ra'awhum qalu inna ha'ula'i la-ḍallun

“And when they saw them, they said: indeed, these are truly lost.”

٣٣

وَمَا أُرْسِلُوا عَلَيْهِمْ حَافِظِينَ

Wa-ma ursilu ‘alayhim ḥafiẓin

“But they were not sent as guardians over them.”

٣٤

فَالْيَوْمَ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنَ الْكُفَّارِ يَضْحَكُونَ

Fa-l-yawma lladhina amanu mina l-kuffari yaḍḥakun

“So Today, those who believed are laughing at the disbelievers.”

٣٥

عَلَى الْأَرَائِكِ يَنظُرُونَ

‘Ala l-ara'iki yanẓurun

“On thrones, observing.”

٣٦

هَلْ ثُوِّبَ الْكُفَّارُ مَا كَانُوا يَفْعَلُونَ

Hal thuwwiba l-kuffaru ma kanu yaf‘alun

“Has the reward of the disbelievers been fulfilled for what they used to do?”

Key Word by Word Breakdown

الشرح كلمة بكلمة

#	Arabic	Transliteration	Meaning	Root	Type
١	وَيْلٌ	waylun	Woe / ruin / a valley in Hell (some scholars). A word of severe warning and threat.	و ي ل	Noun
٢	الْمُطَفِّفِينَ	al-mutaffifin	Those who give less than due (from taffafa = to skimp, shortchange in measure).	ط ف ف	Definite plural
٣	يَسْتَوْفُونَ	yastawfun	They take in full (from istawfa = to take/demand complete measure).	و ف ي	Verb present
٤	يُخْسِرُونَ	yukhsirun	They cause loss / shortchange (from khasira = to lose, causative form: to cause loss to others).	خ س ر	Verb present
٥	مَّبْعُوثُونَ	mab‘uthun	Resurrected / raised up (from ba‘atha = to raise, send forth). Being raised on Judgment Day.	ب ع ث	Passive participle
٦	سِجِّينٍ	Sijjin	A sealed register in the depths (from sijn = prison, confinement). The record of the wicked.	س ج ن	Proper noun
٧	مَّرْقُومٌ	marqum	Written / inscribed clearly (from raqama = to write, to mark). A precisely recorded book.	ر ق م	Passive participle
٨	مُّكَذِّبِينَ	mukadhdhibin	Deniers (from kadhdhaba = to actively deny, call a lie). Those who reject the Day of Judgment.	ك ذ ب	Active participle
٩	مُعْتَدٍ	mu‘tadin	Transgressor (from i‘tada = to transgress limits). One who oversteps moral boundaries.	ع د و	Active participle
١٠	رَانَ	rana	Covered with rust / has clouded over (from rana = to rust, to cover). Sin building up like rust on the heart.	ر ي ن	Verb past
١١	مَّحْجُوبُونَ	maḥjubun	Veiled / partitioned (from ḥajaba = to veil, block). Prevented from seeing Allah on the Day.	ح ج ب	Passive participle
١٢	عِلِّيِّينَ	‘Illiyyin	The highest register (from ‘uluww = height, elevation). The record of the righteous, in the loftiest heights.	ع ل و	Proper noun
١٣	الْمُقَرَّبُونَ	al-muqarrabun	Those brought near (to Allah) (from qarraba = to bring close). Elite, honoured angels or believers.	ق ر ب	Passive participle
١٤	الْأَرَائِكِ	al-ara'ik	Thrones / adorned couches (plural of arikah = a raised, decorated couch/throne). Paradise furnishings.	أ ر ك	Definite plural
١٥	رَّحِيقٍ مَّخْتُومٍ	raḥiqin makhtum	Sealed pure wine (raḥiq = pure choice wine; makhtum = sealed, from khatama = to seal). Paradise's purest drink.	ر ح ق / خ ت م	Noun phrase
١٦	تَسْنِيمٍ	Tasnim	A spring in Paradise (from sanama = to elevate; associated with the highest, most exalted drink).	س ن م	Proper noun
١٧	يَضْحَكُونَ	yaḍḥakun	They laugh (from ḍahika = to laugh). Used for both the mockers (v.29) and, reversed, the believers (v.34).	ض ح ك	Verb present
١٨	يَتَغَامَزُونَ	yataghamazun	They wink at one another (from ghamaza = to wink, gesture mockingly). Silent, mutual mockery.	غ م ز	Verb present
١٩	فَكِهِينَ	fakihin	Jesting / delighted, amused (from fakiha = to be merry, joke). Returning home entertained by their mockery.	ف ك ه	Active participle

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Sijjin vs Illiyyin — Two Directions, Two Destinies

The roots of these two words point in opposite directions: Sijjin comes from sijn (imprisonment, confinement, going down) while Illiyyin comes from ‘uluww (height, elevation, going up). Even in the sound and structure of the Arabic, the deeds of the wicked are recorded in a register associated with depth and confinement, while the deeds of the righteous are recorded in a register associated with loftiness and elevation. This is not arbitrary — every soul's record moves in the direction its choices in life pointed toward.

Verse by Verse Deep Explanation

شرح الآيات آية آية

1–6

وَيْلٌ لِّلْمُطَفِّفِينَ

Waylun li-l-mutaffifin / Alladhina idha ktalu ‘ala n-nasi yastawfun / Wa-idha kaluhum aw wazanuhum yukhsirun / A-la yaẓunnu ula'ika annahum mab‘uthun / Li-yawmin ‘aẓim / Yawma yaqumu n-nasu li-rabbi l-‘alamin

"Woe to those who give less than due. Who, when they receive by measure from people, take in full. But when they measure or weigh for them, they cause loss. 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?"

The Surah opens by naming a very specific, everyday sin. Al-mutaffifin (v.1): those who shortchange in measure — not thieves or violent criminals, but ordinary traders engaging in subtle, systematic dishonesty. V.2–3 paints the exact picture: when THEY receive (yastawfun = take in full, demanding every last gram), but when THEY give to others, they cause loss (yukhsirun). The double standard is the crime — wanting complete fairness for yourself while denying it to others. V.4–6: the rhetorical question — do these people not realise they will be resurrected for a tremendous Day, when ALL of humanity will stand before the Lord of the worlds? The implication: if you truly believed in that Day of accountability, you would never cheat even in something as small as a measuring scale.

🎯 Tajweed Notes

Lam ShamsiyyahAn-nasi (Lam+N doubled, appears twice).

Madd AsliKtalu (ā), Yastawfun (ū), Kaluhum (ā), Wazanuhum (no madd), Yukhsirun (ū), Mab‘uthun (ū), ‘Aẓim (ā), Yaqumu (ā), ‘Alamin (ā).

7–9

كَلَّا إِنَّ كِتَابَ الْفُجَّارِ لَفِي سِجِّينٍ

Kalla inna kitaba l-fujjari la-fi Sijjin / Wa-ma adraka ma Sijjin / Kitabun marqum

"No! Indeed, the record of the wicked is in Sijjin. And what will make you know what Sijjin is? A written record."

Kalla (No!): the emphatic rejection, cutting off the deniers' assumption that no accounting awaits them. Kitaba l-fujjari: the RECORD of the wicked (fujjar, from fujur = flagrant sin, moral corruption). La-fi Sijjin: is sealed in Sijjin — scholars describe Sijjin as either a literal register/book, or a physical place beneath the seventh earth where the souls/records of the wicked are confined. Wa-ma adraka: the rhetorical formula (what will make you know) signals something of tremendous, almost incomprehensible significance. Kitabun marqum: a written record, precisely inscribed — nothing vague or approximate about it. Every deed accounted for exactly.

🎯 Tajweed Notes

Madd AsliKitaba (ā), Fujjari (ā), Sijjin (ī middle), Adraka (ā), Marqum (ā middle).

ShaddahFujjari (Jiim doubled), Sijjin (Jiim doubled).

10–17

وَيْلٌ يَوْمَئِذٍ لِّلْمُكَذِّبِينَ

Waylun yawma'idhin li-l-mukadhdhibin / Alladhina yukadhdhibuna bi-yawmi d-din / Wa-ma yukadhdhibu bihi illa kullu mu‘tadin athim / Idha tutla ‘alayhi ayatuna qala asaṭiru l-awwalin / Kalla bal rana ‘ala qulubihim ma kanu yaksibun / Kalla innahum ‘an rabbihim yawma'idhin la-maḥjubun / Thumma innahum la-ṣalu l-jaḥim / Thumma yuqalu hadha lladhi kuntum bihi tukadhdhibun

"Woe, that Day, to the deniers. Who deny the Day of Recompense. And none deny it except every transgressor, sinner. When Our verses are recited to him, he says: tales of the former peoples. No! Rather, rust has covered their hearts because of what they used to earn. No! Indeed, from their Lord, that Day, they will be partitioned. Then indeed, they will burn in Hellfire. Then it will be said: this is what you used to deny."

A profound psychological and spiritual diagnosis of the deniers. V.10–12: those who deny the Day of Recompense are specifically the mu‘tad athim — the habitual transgressor and sinner, implying denial of the afterlife is not innocent scepticism but a CHOICE rooted in a sinful lifestyle that needs no accountability to exist. V.13: when reminded of Allah's verses, they dismiss them as ancient tales (asaṭir al-awwalin) — a recurring accusation of the Makkan disbelievers against the Quran. V.14: The heart of the matter — “rana ‘ala qulubihim ma kanu yaksibun”: RUST has covered their hearts because of what they used to earn (their sins). This is one of the Quran's most powerful images of spiritual corrosion: sin doesn't just stay as isolated acts, it accumulates like rust, gradually darkening and hardening the heart until it can no longer perceive truth. V.15: Maḥjubun (veiled/partitioned): as punishment, they will be prevented from seeing Allah on the Day — a devastating loss for the ultimate purpose of existence. V.16–17: they will burn in Hellfire, and be told: this is exactly what you used to deny.

🎯 Tajweed Notes

Madd AsliMukadhdhibin (ā+ī), Din (ī), Athim (ā middle), Tutla (ā), Ayatuna (āx2), Asaṭir (ā), Awwalin (ā), Qulubihim (ū), Rabbihim (no), Maḥjubun (ā+ū), Jaḥim (ī).

ShaddahMukadhdhibin (Dhal doubled, appears 3x in this section), Rana (no shaddah).

18–28

كَلَّا إِنَّ كِتَابَ الْأَبْرَارِ لَفِي عِلِّيِّينَ

Kalla inna kitaba l-abrari la-fi ‘Illiyyin / Wa-ma adraka ma ‘Illiyyun / Kitabun marqum / Yashhaduhu l-muqarrabun / Inna l-abrara la-fi na‘im / ‘Ala l-ara'iki yanẓurun / Ta‘rifu fi wujuhihim naḍrata n-na‘im / Yusqawna min raḥiqin makhtum / Khitamuhu miskun wa-fi dhalika fa-l-yatanafasi l-mutanafisun / Wa-mizajuhu min Tasnim / ‘Aynan yashrabu biha l-muqarrabun

"No! Indeed, the record of the righteous is in Illiyyin. And what will make you know what Illiyyun is? A written record, witnessed by those brought near to Allah. Indeed, the righteous will be in bliss, on thrones, observing. You will recognize in their faces the radiance of bliss. They will be given to drink a sealed pure wine, whose seal is musk. So for this let the competitors compete. And its mixture is from Tasnim, a spring from which those brought near will drink."

The mirror opposite of Sijjin — a complete reversal in imagery and fate. Illiyyin (v.18): the register of the abrar (righteous) in the loftiest heights — opposite of the wicked's depths. Yashhaduhu l-muqarrabun (v.21): witnessed by the muqarrabun, those brought near to Allah — an honour, unlike the veiling (ḥijab) of the wicked. V.22–24: the righteous are in na‘im (bliss), reclining on ara'ik (adorned thrones), observing — and their faces carry naḍrah (radiance, glow) visible to all. V.25–26: Raḥiqin makhtum — a sealed pure wine, its seal made of musk (khitamuhu miskun). This is the ultimate luxury drink of Paradise, exclusively pure, its very seal fragrant rather than the usual clay or wax. Fa-l-yatanafasi l-mutanafisun: “so let the competitors compete!” — a unique Quranic call to healthy competition, but redirected: compete not for worldly status but for THIS reward. V.27–28: Tasnim — described as the highest, most exalted spring in Paradise, reserved exclusively for those brought near (al-muqarrabun) — even more elevated than the sealed wine mentioned before it.

🎯 Tajweed Notes

Madd AsliAbrari (ā), ‘Illiyyin (ī middle), Marqum (ā), Muqarrabun (ā+ū), Na‘im (ī), Ara'iki (ā+ī), Yanẓurun (ū), Wujuhihim (ū), Makhtum (ā), Miskun (no madd), Tasnim (ī).

Shaddah‘Illiyyin (Ya doubled), Muqarrabun (Ra doubled), Yatanafasi (no shaddah).

29–36

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ أَجْرَمُوا كَانُوا مِنَ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا يَضْحَكُونَ

Inna lladhina ajramu kanu mina lladhina amanu yaḍḥakun / Wa-idha marru bihim yataghamazun / Wa-idha nqalabu ila ahlihimu nqalabu fakihin / Wa-idha ra'awhum qalu inna ha'ula'i la-ḍallun / Wa-ma ursilu ‘alayhim ḥafiẓin / Fa-l-yawma lladhina amanu mina l-kuffari yaḍḥakun / ‘Ala l-ara'iki yanẓurun / Hal thuwwiba l-kuffaru ma kanu yaf‘alun

"Indeed, those who committed crimes used to laugh at those who believed. And when they passed by them, they winked at one another. And when they returned to their people, they returned jesting. And when they saw them, they said: indeed, these are truly lost. But they were not sent as guardians over them. So Today, those who believed are laughing at the disbelievers, on thrones, observing. Has the reward of the disbelievers been fulfilled for what they used to do?"

The Surah's dramatic closing reversal — a complete turning of the tables. V.29–32: a vivid portrait of how the criminals (mujrimun) treated believers in this world — laughing at them (yaḍḥakun), winking mockingly when passing by (yataghamazun), returning home entertained by their mockery (fakihin), and openly declaring believers “truly lost” (la-ḍallun). V.33: yet these mockers were never appointed as guardians (ḥafiẓin) over the believers — their mockery was baseless arrogance, not divine authority. V.34–35: THE REVERSAL — “fa-l-yawma lladhina amanu mina l-kuffari yaḍḥakun” — SO TODAY (on the Day of Judgment), those who believed are laughing AT the disbelievers, on thrones, observing — the exact same words and imagery (ara'ik, yanẓurun) used earlier for the righteous in Illiyyin (v.23) are repeated here, showing this laughter is part of their eternal reward. The mockers become the mocked. V.36: the closing rhetorical question — “hal thuwwiba l-kuffaru ma kanu yaf‘alun” — has the disbelievers' reward been fully given for what they used to do? The answer, implied with certainty: yes, completely and justly.

🎯 Tajweed Notes

Madd AsliAjramu (ā), Amanu (āx2 in this section), Yaḍḥakun (ā+ū, x2), Ahlihimu (no madd), Ha'ula'i (ā+ā), Ḩafiẓin (ā+ī), Kuffari (ā), Ara'iki (ā+ī), Yanẓurun (ū).

Madd AaridYaf‘alun at Surah end — 2, 4, or 6 counts when stopping.

Tajweed Rules — Complete Table

أحكام التجويد

Rule	Arabic	Where in Al-Mutaffifin	What to Do	Counts
Natural Madd	مد أصلي	Kitaba (ā), Fujjari (ā), Sijjin (ī), Adraka (ā), Marqum (ā), Mukadhdhibin (ā+ī), Din (ī), Ayatuna (āx2), Qulubihim (ū), Jaḥim (ī), Abrari (ā), Muqarrabun (ā+ū), Ara'iki (ā+ī), Makhtum (ā), Tasnim (ī), Ha'ula'i (ā+ā), Kuffari (ā)	Every long vowel 2 counts exactly	2
Madd Aarid	مد عارض	Yaf‘alun at Surah end (v.36)	When stopping: 2, 4, or 6 counts	2–6
Lam Shamsiyyah	لام شمسية	An-nasi v.2 (Lam+N, appears 2x), Ad-din v.11 (Lam+D)	Double the sun letter, drop the Lam sound	—
Shaddah	شدة	Al-mutaffifin (Fa doubled), Fujjari (Jiim doubled), Sijjin (Jiim doubled), Mukadhdhibin (Dhal doubled, 3x), ‘Illiyyin (Ya doubled), Muqarrabun (Ra doubled)	Double firmly each shaddah	—
Qalqalah	قلقلة	Marqum (Qaf mid-word, light bounce), Yukhsirun (no), ‘Aẓim (no Qalqalah letter), Jaḥim (no)	Slight bounce on Qaf, Dal, Jiim, Ba, Ta especially at waqf	—
Tanween	تنوين	Waylun (v.1, v.10), Mu‘tadin athim (v.12), Kitabun marqum (v.9, v.20), ‘Aynan (v.28), Raḥiqin makhtum (v.25)	Drop at waqf; add n-sound when connecting	—

Pronunciation — Syllable by Syllable

النطق مقطعاً مقطعاً

🗣️ Key Words — Ledgers, Sealed Wine, The Reversal

Shaddah on Mutaffifin, Fujjari, Sijjin, Mukadhdhibin. Madd Aarid at Surah end on Yaf‘alun.

المطففينal-mutaf-fi-FINshortchangers

سِجِّينٍSIJ-jinSijjin Shaddah

عِلِّيِّينَil-liy-YINIlliyyin Shaddah

مَّرْقُومٌmar-QUMwritten record

رَّحِيقٍra-HIQpure wine

مَّخْتُومٍmakh-TUMsealed

تَسْنِيمٍtas-NIMTasnim spring

يَضْحَكُونَyad-ha-KūNlaugh

يَفْعَلُونَyaf-a-LūNthey do (end)

Sijjin vs Illiyyin — The Two Ledgers

سجين وعليون

📕

كِتَابَ الْفُجَّارِ لَفِي سِجِّينٍ

SIJJIN (v.7–9)

Record of the wicked (fujjar)
Sealed, written precisely
Associated with depth, confinement
Root: sijn = imprisonment
Result: veiled from Allah, burning in Hellfire

📜

كِتَابَ الْأَبْرَارِ لَفِي عِلِّيِّينَ

ILLIYYIN (v.18–21)

Record of the righteous (abrar)
Sealed, written precisely
Associated with height, elevation
Root: ‘uluww = loftiness
Result: witnessed by the muqarrabun, eternal bliss

📋

Two Identical Formulas, Two Opposite Directions

Notice the striking parallel structure the Quran uses: “Kalla inna kitaba l-fujjari la-fi Sijjin” (v.7) mirrors exactly “Kalla inna kitaba l-abrari la-fi ‘Illiyyin” (v.18). Even “wa-ma adraka ma...” and “kitabun marqum” repeat identically for both. This deliberate mirroring emphasises: the SAME kind of precise, sealed, permanent record exists for every soul — the only variable is which direction it points. Every choice, every transaction, every moment of honesty or dishonesty is being written into one of these two eternal registers right now.

Lessons from Surah Al-Mutaffifin

دروس سورة المطففين

⚖️ 5 Timeless Lessons

Small dishonesties are not small in Allah's sight: Cheating in a scale might seem minor, yet an entire Surah opens with severe warning against it. The lesson: consistency and fairness in the smallest transactions reveal the true state of the heart. If you demand full measure for yourself but give less to others, that double standard is a serious spiritual disease, not a harmless habit.

“Rana ‘ala qulubihim” — sin accumulates like rust on the heart: V.14 gives one of the Quran's most vivid images of spiritual decline: sin doesn't stay isolated, it builds up like rust, gradually clouding the heart's ability to perceive truth. Every small dishonesty, every unrepented sin, adds another layer. The antidote is immediate repentance before the rust hardens into permanent blindness.

Every deed is recorded precisely — in Sijjin or Illiyyin: There is no vague, approximate accounting. Every soul's record is “kitabun marqum” — written with precision. This should transform how believers view even their smallest actions: nothing is too small to be recorded, and nothing is wasted if done sincerely for Allah.

“Fa-l-yatanafasi l-mutanafisun” — compete for the right things: V.26 redirects human competitive instinct toward its proper object: not worldly status, wealth, or power, but the sealed wine and eternal bliss of Paradise. This reframes ambition itself — channel your competitive drive toward good deeds and closeness to Allah rather than fleeting worldly gains.

Mockery of believers will be completely reversed: The Surah's closing (v.29–36) offers profound comfort to anyone mocked for their faith. Those who laugh at believers today, wink at them, call them “lost” — will one day watch as believers laugh at THEM instead, from thrones, observing their fate. This is not vengeance but divine justice: patience under mockery is rewarded with the ultimate vindication.

Listen to Expert Reciters — Free Audio

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Sheikh Mishary Rashid Al-Afasy

Kuwait

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Virtues & When to Recite Al-Mutaffifin

فضائل السورة

⚖️ When to Recite

⚖️

Before any business transaction or trade: Reciting or reflecting on v.1–6 before buying, selling, or measuring goods is a powerful reminder of honest dealing. Historically, this Surah directly corrected the trading practices of Madinah before Islam.

📜

As a nightly muhasabah on honesty: Reflecting on the Sijjin/Illiyyin contrast (v.7–21) before sleep helps a believer honestly assess: which register is today's record moving toward?

💕

When facing mockery or ridicule for your faith: V.29–36 offers deep comfort and patience to anyone belittled for practicing Islam — a reminder that the reversal of fortunes is certain and complete.

Memorize Al-Mutaffifin in 40 Minutes

احفظ سورة المطففين

Structure: Cheating Warning (v.1–6) → Sijjin (v.7–17) → Illiyyin (v.18–28) → The Reversal (v.29–36)

Four major sections across 36 verses — one of the longer Surahs in Juz Amma. The mirrored structure of Sijjin/Illiyyin makes memorisation more manageable than the length suggests.

V.1–6: The Opening Warning (6 verses)

V.7–28: Sijjin and Illiyyin (Mirror Pairs)

Learn the two sections TOGETHER as mirror pairs: Kalla inna kitaba l-fujjari la-fi SIJJIN / Wa-ma adraka ma SIJJIN / Kitabun marqum — matches exactly — Kalla inna kitaba l-abrari la-fi ILLIYYIN / Wa-ma adraka ma ILLIYYUN / Kitabun marqum. The identical formula makes both sections reinforce each other in memory.

⚖️ Learning them side-by-side (Sijjin verse, then matching Illiyyin verse) cuts memorisation time significantly.

V.29–36: The Reversal (8 verses)

Inna lladhina ajramu kanu mina lladhina amanu YADḨAKUN (v.29) ... Fa-l-yawma lladhina amanu mina l-kuffari YADḨAKUN (v.34) — the exact same verb, reversed direction. Learn v.29 and v.34 as a matched pair first, then fill in the verses between.

⏱️ Total: 40 minutes across several sittings. Al-Mutaffifin rewards patient repetition due to its length, but the mirrored structures make it far easier than it first appears.

Kids Corner ⚖️

ركن الأطفال

⚖️ For Children — Honest Scales and Fair Play!

Parents and teachers — these ideas work for ages 5–12

⚖️

The Fair Scale Activity: "Allah tells us about people who cheat with scales — when THEY get something measured, they want the FULL amount. But when THEY give something to others, they give LESS! Is that fair? Ask children: if you were sharing candy with a friend, would it be fair to take the biggest piece for yourself but give your friend a smaller piece? Allah wants us to be fair to EVERYONE, not just ourselves!"

📋

Two Special Books: "Allah has two special books where He writes down what everyone does! One book is called Sijjin, for people who did bad things. The other book is called Illiyyin, for people who did good things. Ask children: which book do they want their good deeds written in? What good things can they do TODAY to add to that book?"

🔥

Rust on the Heart: "Allah says that when people keep doing bad things, it's like RUST covering their heart — just like rust covers metal that gets wet and isn't cleaned! Ask children: have they seen rust on an old bicycle or tool? What happens if you never clean it? That's what happens to our hearts when we keep sinning and never say sorry to Allah. But good news: saying sorry (istighfar) cleans the rust away!"

😂

Who Laughs Last? "Some mean people used to laugh at people who believed in Allah. They thought it was funny! But Allah says: on the Day of Judgment, it will be the OPPOSITE! The believers will be the ones laughing, sitting comfortably and watching. Ask children: is it okay to laugh at people who believe differently? What should we do instead when someone is unkind to us for our faith? (Answer: be patient, because Allah sees everything and makes things fair in the end!)"

Test Yourself — Interactive Quiz

اختبر نفسك

🧠 Surah Al-Mutaffifin — Knowledge Check

5 questions — tap the correct answer!

1. Who exactly are "al-mutaffifin" described in v.1–3, and what is their specific dishonesty?

2. V.14: "Rana ‘ala qulubihim ma kanu yaksibun" (rust has covered their hearts because of what they used to earn). What does this image teach about the nature of sin?

3. What is the significance of the identical phrasing used for both Sijjin (v.7–9) and Illiyyin (v.18–21)?

4. V.26: "Fa-l-yatanafasi l-mutanafisun" (so for this let the competitors compete). What does this verse teach about human competitive drive?

5. V.29 and v.34 both use the word "yaḍḥakun" (they laugh) — but describing opposite groups. What is the significance of this reversal?

0/5

Complete all questions!

Frequently Asked Questions

أسئلة متكررة

Was this Surah revealed specifically about the people of Madinah?

What exactly are Sijjin and Illiyyin — are they physical places or just book/register names?

Why does the Surah specifically mention Tasnim as being exclusively for "al-muqarrabun" (those brought near)?

What comes next in the series?

Share This Lesson — Hashtags

شارك هذا الدرس

📢 Share & Tag — Reach More Learners

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Trusted Resources & Backlinks

مصادر موثوقة

📖

Quran.com — Al-MutaffifinRead with word by word

🎧

QuranicAudio — Al-MutaffifinMultiple reciters free

📜

Tanzil.net — Al-MutaffifinClean Arabic + translations

👥

Sunnah.comAuthentic Hadith

🕌

SeekersGuidance.orgFree Islamic courses

❓

IslamQA.infoScholar answers

🌑📋

Al-Inshiqaq — L32Sky splits open lesson

🌟

Bilkisu Quranic CenterAll lessons here

⚖️

Next: Lesson 34 — Surah Al-Infitar (82)

Idha s-sama'u nfatarat! When the sky is split open! 19 verses on the stars scattering, the seas bursting forth, graves overturned, and every soul learning what it sent forth. Coming soon at bilquranic.blogspot.com!

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Saturday, July 18, 2026