Listen LiveThe Stinters – A Tafsir of Surat al-Mutaffifin Part 2
The Stinters – A Tafsīr of Sūrat al-Muṭaffifīn Part 2 of 5
Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 27th May 2022 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester
The lecture continues the Tafsīr of Sūrat al-Muṭaffifīn, highlighting its broader application beyond dishonest trade. While the verse explicitly condemns traders who cheat in weights and measures, the talk explains that the principle of fairness applies to all aspects of life, including marriage, family, friendships, and business interactions. Those who take more than they give—whether in relationships or financial dealings—are guilty of ‘Taṭfīf’ (stinting and deceit). A major cause of dishonesty is a lack of belief in the Hereafter, as many people act as if they will never be held accountable for their actions. The talk reinforces this message with the Prophet’s ﷺ warnings about dishonest traders, emphasizing that most will be resurrected as sinners unless they maintain integrity.
A key takeaway is that wealth and power should not lead to arrogance or exploitation. The Prophet ﷺ taught that the upper hand (the giver) is better than the lower hand (the taker), encouraging generosity over greed. The discussion connects these moral teachings to modern business ethics and even animal behaviour, showing that honesty and cooperation are fundamental principles, even in nature. Examples from the marketplace, family life, and the animal kingdom reinforce that deceit eventually leads to isolation and divine punishment. Ultimately, the Surah serves as a reminder that true success lies not in amassing wealth dishonestly but in upholding fairness, preparing for the Day of Judgment, and seeking Allah’s pleasure.
Below are some of the timecodes and topics for this talk:
0:00 – Intro: Summary of the first 9 verses
5:02 – Taṭfīf (stinting) not just restricted to trading
9:33 – Reflecting on one’s own taṭfīf
15:38 – The reason behind people doing taṭfīf
20:03 – Verses mentioning accountability in the Qurʾān
29:30 – Abdullah ibn Umar’s relationship to the Day of Judgement
35:14 – Explanation of verses 7-9
43:46 – The dangers of wealth
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