– S. Bilal Abdul Hai Hasani Nadwi*

One of the main reasons of embezzlement and dishonesty is short weighing  in commercial dealings. This is such a fatal curse  that Hazrat Shuaib (AS) was sent for its reformation. And when  his adherents did not pay heed to his words, they were destroyed. Today, this menace has gained momentum like common epidemic. Even pious persons are involved in it. Allah says, “Woe to those that deal in fraud,- those who,when they have to receive by measure from men, exact full measure, but when they have to give by measure or weight to men, give less than due. Do they think that they will be raised up? – on  Mighty Day, a  Day when all mankind will stand before the Lord of the Worlds? Nay! Surely the record of the wicked is preserved in Sijjin.” (S.83.A.1-7). It further said, “To the Madyan people We sent Shuaib, one one of their own brethren: he said: “O my people! worship Allah; ye have no other god but Him.Now hath come unto you a clear sign from your Lord! give just measure and weight.” (S.7, A.85) And again “And O my people! give just measure and weight, nor withhold from the people the things that are their due: commit not evil in the land with intent to do mischief.” (S.11,A.85).

These verses vividly describe some people’s destruction and dub some as sinful and debouched ones. Obviously, the  hell would be  the real place for such people. It is reiterated that believers  must show justice and honesty in weighing and measuring. The Holy Qur’an says, “Give full measure when ye measure, and weigh with a balance that is straight: That is better and fairer in the final determination.” (S.17.A.35)

It is clear from the last part of the verse that short weight may seem profitable in the beginning but its result would  not prove  good in this world as well as in the Hereafter.

In short, Islam always motivates and urges its followers to lead pious and righteous life in which there should  be no  embezzlement, no dishonesty, no illegal right for other property. And such essence brings  about when the sense of accountability may always be in the mind and this is the basis of righteousness in real sense.

(English Rendering:

Obaidur Rahman Nadwi)