الَّذينَ إِذَا اكتالوا عَلَى النّاسِ يَستَوفونَ

وَإِذا كالوهُم أَو وَزَنوهُم يُخسِرونَ

Who, when they measure [a commodity bought] from the people, take the full measure,

but diminish when they measure or weigh for them.

EXPOSITION

These verses threaten those who possess double standards when dealing with other people such that in a transaction they ensure that they take their full dues; however, in the same transaction or in another they diminish the right of others. Although the verses use a specific example to illustrate the idea, the lesson can be applied to many other cases.^{‎[1]Amthal, 20/16.} Therefore, some scholars have expanded the borders of taṭfīf to include any diminishing of any job, or shortcomings in providing any service, whether personal, social, or spiritual.^{‎[2]Amthal, 20/19.}

Al-muṭaffifūn demand their full rights; however, they do not respect or observe the full rights of others. Consequently, this malpractice affects the scale of justice in society, which is based on mutual equality of complementary rights.^{‎[3]Mizan, 20/230.} This issue has been further discussed and stressed in the story of the people of Prophet Shuʿayb (a) and in other contexts. The Quran states: And to Madyan [We sent] Shuʿayb, their brother. He said: ‘O my people! Worship Allah. You have no other god besides Him. Do not diminish the measure or the balance. Indeed I see that you are faring well, but I fear for you the punishment of an all-embracing day. O my people! Observe fully the measure and the balance, with justice, and do not cheat the people of their goods, and do not act wickedly on the earth, causing corruption’ (11:84-85); Observe fully the measure, and do not be of those who give short measure. Weigh with an even balance, and do not cheat the people of their goods. Do not act wickedly on the earth, causing corruption (26:181-183). These verses indicate that diminishing measures or balances during trade transactions was very common among the people of Madyan. Furthermore, the verses indicate that there is a relation between diminishing the measures and spreading or causing corruption on earth.^{‎[4]Amthal, 20/18.} Such behaviour may lead to catastrophic consequences and chastisement from God,^{‎[5]Amthal, 20/19.} such as that inflicted on the people of Madyan as described in the Quran (11:94-95). Therefore, people are commanded to measure fully and weigh justly (6:152, 17:37, 26:182, 55:9).

Civil societies are based on the mutual exchange of benefits. Trade and transactions of goods and services is one of the fundamental practices that ensures the survival and growth of civil societies. Cheating and diminishing the rights of others during these transactions results in corruption and causes imbalances in power and wealth. Consequently, this leads to betraying trust in society and causes a lack of security. Such consequences are destructive to any community. Hence, God commands to observe fully the measure to protect societies from the dangerous repercussions of such transgressions:^{‎[6]Mizan, 10/363.} When you measure, observe fully the measure, [and] weigh with an even balance. That is better and fairer in outcome (17:35).

INSIGHTS FROM HADITH

1. It is narrated that many tradesmen in Medina used to deal fraudulently and many of their dealings involved selling without inspecting, by only touching, and taking risks. Then, these verses of Sūrat al-Muṭaffifīn were revealed and the Prophet recited them to the people of Medina. He also added: ‘Five for five.’ They asked him what ‘five for five’ are. He explained they were: 1. No nation broke its covenant but that God set its enemies to rule over its people. 2. If its people rule by other than what God revealed, then poverty will be widespread among them. 3. If fornication becomes common among them then death will be widespread among them. 4. If they diminish the measurement (ṭaffafū), then their vegetation and crops will not grow and they will suffer famine. 5. If they refuse to pay zakat, then rain will be seized from them.^{‎[7]Razi, 31/83.}

REVIEW OF TAFSĪR LITERATURE

Rāzī and Qurṭubī have said that the muṭaffifīn are criticised because they tend to take more than they deserve when they buy, and they give less than what should be given when they sell.^{‎[8]Razi, 31/84; Qurtubi, 20/252.} Therefore, the threat is for both of these cases. However, Makārim Shīrāzī clarifies that this is not correct because the verb yastawfūn (they take the full measure) means they take their full rights, and there is no indication that they used to take more than that.^{‎[9]Amthal, 20/15.} Thus, taking one’s full right is not a problem, rather the double standard in transacting is the problem.

There are two methods of measurement mentioned in the verses: mikyāl and mīzān. Commentators have tried to explain why only mikyāl is mentioned in the second verse, whereas both tools are mentioned in the third verse. Two possible explanations are provided: 1. Mikyāl was used to measure heavy weights, and mīzān was used for lighter weights.^{‎[10]Amthal, 20/16.} Since merchants buy in bulk or in large quantities and sell in individual or small quantities, mikyāl was mostly used for buying, and both mikyāl and mīzān were used for selling.^{‎[11]Mizan, 20/255.} 2. Both tools were used for buying and selling, hence the mention of one of them indicates the other.^{‎[12]Mizan, 20/231.}

[1] Amthal, 20/16.
[2] Amthal, 20/19.
[3] Mizan, 20/230.
[4] Amthal, 20/18.
[5] Amthal, 20/19.
[6] Mizan, 10/363.
[7] Razi, 31/83.
[8] Razi, 31/84; Qurtubi, 20/252.
[9] Amthal, 20/15.
[10] Amthal, 20/16.
[11] Mizan, 20/255.
[12] Mizan, 20/231.