Al-Humazah | The Traducer
[104:1] Woe to every backbiter, derider.
[104:2] who accumulates wealth and counts it.
[104:3] He thinks that his wealth has made him eternal.
[104:4] Never! He will certainly be thrown into the Crushing Fire.
[104:5] And what may let you know what the Crushing Fire is?
[104:6] It is Allah‘s kindled fire.
[104:7] that will peep into the hearts.
[104:8] It will be closed on them,
[104:9] in outstretched columns.
[104:1] Woe to every backbiter, derider.
[104:2] who accumulates wealth and counts it.
[104:3] He thinks that his wealth has made him eternal.
[104:4] Never! He will certainly be thrown into the Crushing Fire.
[104:5] And what may let you know what the Crushing Fire is?
[104:6] It is Allah‘s kindled fire.
[104:7] that will peep into the hearts.
[104:8] It will be closed on them,
[104:9] in outstretched columns.
Tafsir
Overview of Surah Al-Humazah
- Title and Position: Surah Al-Humazah is the 104th chapter of the Quran. The title “Al-Humazah” translates to “The Slanderer” or “The Backbiter,” referring to those who engage in slander and mockery, a behavior condemned in the surah.
- Verses and Structure: This surah contains 9 verses. It is known for its strong condemnation of two major vices: slander and the hoarding of wealth.
- Themes and Messages: Major themes include the denunciation of malicious behavior like backbiting and scoffing, the warning against the accumulation of wealth with arrogance, and the vivid description of the punishment awaiting those who indulge in these sins.
- Significance in Islamic Thought: Surah Al-Humazah is significant for its clear moral guidance, highlighting the ethical standards expected in interpersonal behavior and financial dealings, and underscoring the spiritual dangers of neglecting these standards.
Detailed Explanation
- Condemnation of Slander and Mockery: The surah begins by condemning those who slander others and mock them, emphasizing the moral corruption and spiritual bankruptcy of such behavior.
- Warning Against Wealth Hoarding: It highlights the folly of accumulating wealth without regard for its proper use and the false sense of security it provides, warning that such wealth will not protect one from divine judgment.
- Vivid Description of Punishment: The surah describes the severe punishment awaiting the slanderers and wealth hoarders in the hereafter, particularly emphasizing the crushing nature of the torment.
- Moral and Spiritual Lessons: The surah serves as a stern reminder of the consequences of unethical behavior, urging believers to maintain integrity in speech and to use their resources responsibly and charitably.
FAQs
- Why is Surah Al-Humazah named “The Slanderer”?
- The surah is named “Al-Humazah” because it addresses and condemns the behaviors of slandering, backbiting, and mocking others, emphasizing the moral reprehensibility of such actions.
- What does the surah indicate about the accumulation of wealth?
- It indicates that the mere accumulation of wealth, without mindful and ethical utilization, is futile and leads to a false sense of security. Wealth should be used responsibly, with consideration for the well-being of society and one’s spiritual health.
- How does Surah Al-Humazah describe the afterlife consequences for the condemned behaviors?
- It describes the afterlife consequences in vivid terms, using the imagery of a crushing torment in a fire that symbolizes the intense and severe punishment awaiting those who engage in slander and hoard wealth.
- What can believers learn from Surah Al-Humazah?
- Believers can learn the importance of ethical conduct, particularly in speech and financial matters. The surah teaches that true success lies in righteousness, charity, and maintaining a strong moral character in all aspects of life.
- The surah is named “Al-Humazah” because it addresses and condemns the behaviors of slandering, backbiting, and mocking others, emphasizing the moral reprehensibility of such actions.
- It indicates that the mere accumulation of wealth, without mindful and ethical utilization, is futile and leads to a false sense of security. Wealth should be used responsibly, with consideration for the well-being of society and one’s spiritual health.
- It describes the afterlife consequences in vivid terms, using the imagery of a crushing torment in a fire that symbolizes the intense and severe punishment awaiting those who engage in slander and hoard wealth.
- Believers can learn the importance of ethical conduct, particularly in speech and financial matters. The surah teaches that true success lies in righteousness, charity, and maintaining a strong moral character in all aspects of life.
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