The Qura’n has laid a great stress on this great sin and has named a Surah for it which in verses 1, 4, 5 and 7 says:

“Woe unto the defrauders in measures. Do they think they shall not be raised on a Great Day? No! The record of the sinners has been preserved in the archives.”

Some commentators have taken the word “Wayl” to mean the severity of the punishment on the Day of Judgment and according to some this word denotes a specific abyss in Hell. (1)

In one hadith Imam Sadiq is reported to have said:

“The word “Wayl” denotes the disbelievers.”(2)

The Holy Messenger is reported to have said:

““Wayl” is a specific abyss in Hell in which the disbelievers will fall.” (3)

So we understand that cheating in trade is disbelief or a kind of disbelief.

But the word in the dictionaries has many meanings like mischief, sadness, destruction and painful torment and what ever has been said is a part of these meanings.

The notable point is that though the words of the verse speak about those who cheat in trade by giving less then what is paid for but the verse may include those neglect in fulfilling their spiritual, social and moral duties because who ever neglect fulfilling his duties is one who cheats or gives less. Abdul ibn Masood is reported to have said “He who is neglectful about his daily prayers will be treated the same as those who give less measure what they charge and cheat others.” (4)

1. Tafsir Qartabi vol.1 page 7041

2. Usul Kafi vol.2 page 32 hadith 1

3. Tafsir Ruhul Ma’ani vol.30 page 68

4. Tafsir Majmaul Bayan vol.10 page 452