Listen LiveThe Stinters – A Tafsir of Surat al-Mutaffifin Part 1
The Stinters – A Tafsīr of Sūrat al-Muṭaffifīn Part 1 of 5
Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 20th May 2022 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester
This talk provides an in-depth Tafsīr of Sūrat al-Muṭaffifīn, explaining its historical context, linguistic significance, and broader ethical implications. The talk highlights that the Sūrah warns against fraudulent practices, focusing on those who manipulate measures and weights for personal gain.
The term ‘Mutaffifin’ is analysed linguistically, showing that it refers to minor but intentional deceptions that accumulate over time. The talk also contrasts the economic systems of Mecca (which used weights) and Medina (which relied on volume-based measures), illustrating how dishonest practices were common before the Prophet ﷺ reformed society. Furthermore, historical examples from the Saḥābah and early Muslims demonstrate how this Sūrah corrected dishonest business dealings, leading to a more ethical trading system.
Beyond trade, the talk emphasizes that the principle of fairness applies to all aspects of life, including prayer, relationships, and social interactions. It explains that Islām teaches balance and justice, and ‘Tatfif’ (stinting or cheating) is condemned not just in business but in personal conduct as well. Examples from Umar ibn al-Khattab (r.a.) and Salman al-Farsi (r.a.) show that neglecting communal prayers or failing to fulfil one’s responsibilities in relationships is also a form of cheating. The Prophet ﷺ stressed the importance of being a giver rather than a taker, whether in trade, social interactions, or acts of charity.
The talk concludes by highlighting Prophet Shu’ayb’s (a.s.) warning to his people about fraud, emphasizing that societies engaging in dishonesty face divine consequences.
Below are some of the timecodes and topics for this talk:
0:00 – Intro: Introduction to Sūrat al-Muṭaffifīn
8:30 – The first 6 verses translated
12:44 – The meaning of ‘Taṭfīf’
23:10 – Pre-Islamic practise of taṭfīf (stinting)
28:17 – The economy of Makkah and Madinah
33:55 – Deeper meaning to the word taṭfīf (stinting)
44:35 – The lowliness of being a taker in friendship
51:15 – The Prophet ﷺ repaying loans
54:55 – Misconceptions that taṭfīf (stinting) is harmless
1:07:20 – Examples of instances we need to be givers
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