Due to people's boundless greed and dishonesty, cheating in weight and measurement often occurs. However, the Holy Quran and Hadith have issued stern warnings against such deception.
Allah the Almighty says,
"Woe to those who give less [in measure]. Those who, when they take a measure from people, take it fully, but when they give measure or weight to them, they give less. Do they not think that they will be resurrected? On a Great Day, the Day when mankind will stand before the Lord of the worlds?"
— (Surah Al-Mutaffifin: 1-6)
In another verse, Allah the Almighty says,
"And establish weight with justice and do not give less in the balance."
— (Surah Ar-Rahman: 7-9)
It is further commanded,
"And give full measure and weight with justice. We do not burden any soul beyond its capacity."
— (Surah Al-An'am: 152)
These Quranic instructions make it clear that maintaining honesty in measurement and weight is an important requirement of faith.
Strict warnings have also come in the Hadith regarding this matter. Once, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) addressed the merchants who measure and weigh, saying,
"Two duties have been entrusted to you, due to the neglect of which many nations before you were destroyed."
— (Jami' at-Tirmidhi)
In another Hadith, he said,
"On the Day of Resurrection, dishonest merchants will be raised as transgressors and sinners, except those who are God-fearing, truthful, and honest."
— (Mishkat al-Masabih)
Islamic teachings state that when cheating in weight and measurement becomes widespread in a society, Allah the Almighty removes blessings from that society. As a result, production decreases, and economic crises and various hardships descend.
Business is not just a means of profit; it is a trust. The identity of a Muslim businessman should be through truthfulness, justice, and trustworthiness. Deceiving people for the sake of small profits brings disgrace in this world and will also lead to severe accountability in the Hereafter.
Therefore, every businessman and seller should maintain the utmost honesty in measure, weight, and quantity. Because in lawful and fair earnings lies Allah's pleasure, blessings in sustenance, and success in this world and the Hereafter.
