In this Surah some of the evils prevalent among the materialistic hoarders of wealth in the pre-Islamic days have been condemned. Every Arab knew that they actually existed in their society; they regarded them as evils and nobody thought they were good. After calling attention to this kind of ugly character, the ultimate end in the Hereafter of the people having this kind of character has been stated. Both these things (i.e. the character and his fate in the Hereafter) have been depicted in a way which makes the listener automatically reach the conclusion that such a man fitly deserves to meet such an end. And since in the world, people of such character do not suffer any punishment, but seem to be thriving instead, the occurrence of the Hereafter becomes absolutely inevitable.
Just yesterday we shared Chapter 102 Sūrat at-Takāthur which cautioned those who have greed for more and enter into rivalry for worldly increase with others till they reach their graves empty handed and for such people the blazing fire of hell awaits. Sūrat al-Humazah also augments what Allah has already mentioned in the 104th chapter.
Before commenting on the text of this very important chapter of the Holy Qur'an, please read the English translation of the Sūrat al-Humazah to understand its plain meaning / translation :
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
"In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful"
- Woe to every scorner and mocker
- Who collects wealth and [continuously] counts it.
- He thinks that his wealth will make him immortal.
- No! He will surely be thrown into the Crusher.
- And what can make you know what is the Crusher?
- It is the fire of Allah, [eternally] fueled,
- Which mounts directed at the hearts.
- Indeed, Hellfire will be closed down upon them
- In extended columns.
Sūrat al-Humazah begins with two words “Humazat il- Lumazah” which together mean the same: The slanderers. While the first word means slanderers who hurt others by word of mouth, the second word means slanderers who hurt others by action. These are Traducers, the Backbiters, the Mockers and many such similar qualities of man which ultimately result into his destruction and have him taken to the fire of hell where he is "crushed" forever. [2]
It is for those people Allah has shown His remorse and sadness who while boasting of their edge over others in the community, take pride by defaming character or mocking the low social status of others, or even calling them with bad names to show their scorn tell lies about others to hurt their feelings and lowering them in eyes of others.
And such are the people who think that their reserves, wealth, properties and social status will enhance their lives and perhaps death would never beget them. And it is for these people Allah warns of them to be thrown into the Crusher - the blazing intense fire of hell, prepared for those who amassed wealth, scorned others due to their wealth and forgot commandments of Allah to spend in the name of Allah rather than keeping their wealth in secure vaults which is no use to the community with no circulation ability.
“Do you construct on every elevation a sign, amusing yourselves? And take for yourselves palaces and fortresses that you might abide eternally?” [Quran, 26: 128-129]It is for them that a "fire which leapeth over the hearts" is promised. Some scholars like Ibn Kathir, Muhammad bin Ka`b interpret this verse believe that the Fire will devour every part of his body until it reaches his heart and comes to the level of his throat, then it will return to his body." [3]
So be warned, cautioned and watchful for what you do lest wrath of Allah falls both in this world and hereafter.
You may now listen to the recitation of Sūrat al-Humazah in Arabic with English subtitles
You may refer to our post "114 Chapters (Sūrahs) of the Holy Qur'an" for translation, meaning and summary of other chapters (Though not complete but building up from 30th Part backwards for chapters in 30th Part are shorter and easier to understand)
Photo | References: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
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