Al-Humazah (الهمزة)
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ وَيْلٌ لِكُلِّ هُمَزَةٍ لُمَزَةٍ
Wai lul-li kulli hu mazatil-lumaza
WOE unto every slanderer, fault-finder!
الَّذِي جَمَعَ مَالًا وَعَدَّدَهُ
Al-lazi jama'a maalaw wa'addadah
[Woe unto him who amasses wealth and counts it a safeguard,
يَحْسَبُ أَنَّ مَالَهُ أَخْلَدَهُ
Yahsabu anna maalahu akhladah
thinking that his wealth will make him live forever!
كَلَّا ۖ لَيُنْبَذَنَّ فِي الْحُطَمَةِ
Kalla layum ba zanna fil hutamah
Nay, but [in the life to come such as] he shall indeed be abandoned to crushing torment!
وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا الْحُطَمَةُ
Wa maa adraaka mal-hutamah
And what could make thee conceive what that crushing torment will be?
نَارُ اللَّهِ الْمُوقَدَةُ
Narul laahil-mooqada
A fire kindled by God,
الَّتِي تَطَّلِعُ عَلَى الْأَفْئِدَةِ
Al latee tat tali'u 'alalafidah
which will rise over the [guilty] hearts:
إِنَّهَا عَلَيْهِمْ مُؤْصَدَةٌ
Innaha 'alaihim moosada
verily, it will close in upon them
فِي عَمَدٍ مُمَدَّدَةٍ
Fee 'amadim-mu mad dadah
in endless columns!
Meaning
The Slanderer
Ayas
9
Revelation
| Meccan |
Surah No
104
Condemnation of Slander and Backbiting: Surah Al-Humazah addresses the destructive nature of slander, backbiting, and verbal abuse. It warns against individuals who use their words to harm others, gossip, or criticize maliciously.
Greed and Arrogance: The Surah also critiques those who are consumed by greed and arrogance, as they often engage in these harmful behaviors to elevate themselves or bring others down.
The Consequences of Sin: The Surah warns that those who engage in such behaviors will face severe punishment in the Hereafter, specifically a blazing fire of Hell.
Social Harmony: The Surah was revealed to warn against the harmful effects of slander and negative speech, which disrupt social harmony and breed division within communities.
Warning Against Arrogance: It emphasizes the negative traits of arrogance, materialism, and the destructive consequences they have on an individual’s spiritual and social well-being.
A Reminder of Accountability: The Surah serves as a reminder of the consequences of such actions in the afterlife, urging believers to avoid actions that lead to the anger of Allah.
Spiritual Cleansing: Reciting this Surah regularly serves as a reminder to avoid negative speech, backbiting, and arrogance. It helps purify the heart and strengthens moral conduct.
Protection Against Gossip and Slander: The Surah encourages mindfulness in speech, helping believers avoid engaging in harmful gossip or slander that can damage relationships and trust within the community.
Awareness of Accountability: The Surah promotes reflection on one’s behavior and words, reminding believers that they will be held accountable for every action, including their words.
The Harm of Slander:
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “Do you know what backbiting is? It is when you mention your brother in a way he would dislike.” (Sahih Muslim)
This Hadith underscores the prohibition of slander and gossip, which is the central message of Surah Al-Humazah.
On Protecting the Tongue:
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) also said: “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak good or remain silent.” (Sahih Bukhari)
This teaching aligns with the message of Surah Al-Humazah, which encourages believers to speak only good words and avoid harmful speech.
“If you find any mistakes in this, please let us know. For a more accurate translation, please refer to the English version. May Allah forgive us for any unintentional mistakes.”
