Chapter 83 - 77
The Defrauder (Surah Al-Tatfif)
(36 verses in total; Late Makkan)
In the name of Allah, the God of Mercy, the Endower of Mercy!
Woe to the defrauders!1
When they take measure of their dues from others, take it fully
But when they measure out or weigh what is due to others, they give less! (v. 1-3)
Do they not understand that they will be resurrected?
On an awe-inspiring Day
In front of the Sustainer of the Universe, every human being will stand!
The record of the wicked will be in sijjin2
Do you know what sijjin is?
It is a book fully inscribed! (v. 4-9)
Woe to the deniers on that Day
Who denied the Day of Judgement!
But none denies expect the evil, the sinful, the transgressors!
When Our messages are presented to them, they say
“Fables of the ancients”
But what they gather
Is nothing but rusts on their hearts
Rejection from God on that Day
Ready to enter the burning fire
They will be assured,
“This is what you denied!” (v. 10-17)
The record of the good people will be in illiyun1
What will make you understand what illiyun is?
A written record, to be witnessed
Only by those who are drawn near to God!
Such purified ones will be in bliss
Seated on raised couches, gazing
Their appearance beaming with contentment
They are offered drinks of nectar
Sealed with musk
Something worth pursuing
Mixed with water from tasmeen[4]
A fountain to drink from
Reserved for those who are closer to (God)! (v. 18-28)
Surely the wicked used to laugh at the believers
Wink at them when they passed by
Return to their compatriots filled with arrogance
When they see the (believers), they would say, “These are misguided”
But they were not sent to be guardians over them (believers)
Now on this Day, the believers will laugh the disbelievers
As they sat on their raised couches, filled with contentment
While the disbelievers find themselves reaping what they did! (v. 29-36)
1 The word “mutaffif” implies someone who shorted someone in measuring or giving what is due. In a wider sense any act of social injustice, unjust compensation or failing to fulfil one’s duty and obligation to another human being (or to God) is what is meant.
2 “sijjin” means a secure place such as a prison.
3 ‘illiyun’ means an elevated or honored place.
4 ‘tasneem’ implies height and opulence.
