Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
"And defraud not people by reducing their things, nor do evil, making corruption and mischief in the land.
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
وَلَاwalāAnd (do) not
تَبْخَسُوا۟tabkhasūdeprive
ٱلنَّاسَl-nāsapeople
أَشْيَآءَهُمْashyāahum(of) their things
وَلَاwalāand (do) not
تَعْثَوْا۟taʿthawcommit evil
فِىfīin
ٱلْأَرْضِl-arḍithe earth
مُفْسِدِينَmuf'sidīnaspreading corruption
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim — Hafiz Abdus Salam Bin Muhammad Bhutvi
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim is a 4-volume Quran commentary by Hafiz Abdus Salam bin Muhammad Bhutvi, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar and Sheikh ul-Hadith from Pakistan. Based on over 45 years of teaching and research, this tafsir follows the methodology of Tafsir bil-Ma'thur — interpreting the Quran through authentic Hadith, statements of the Companions, and the understanding of the early generations (Salaf). It is distinguished by its complete avoidance of Israeliyyat (Judeo-Christian narratives) and unverified reports. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
The tafsir of this verse may be read with the following verses.
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan — Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan is a well-known Quran commentary by Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. This tafsir explains the meanings of the Quran in accordance with the methodology of the Salaf (early righteous generations), relying on authentic sources and straightforward language. Due to its reliability and adherence to sound Islamic scholarship, the Saudi government publishes and distributes this tafsir among the Hujjaj (pilgrims) visiting the Haramain. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
183-1. That is, do not give less in measure or weight when giving to people.
83-2. That is, do not disobey Allah, for it spreads corruption in the land. Some have interpreted this as referring to highway robbery, which this nation also used to commit, as mentioned elsewhere: (وَلَاتَقْعُدُوْابِكُلِّصِرَاطٍتُوْعِدُوْنَ) 7. Al-A'raf:86). Do not sit by the roads to frighten people. Ibn Kathir.
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran — Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran (Facilitation of the Quran) is a comprehensive Quran commentary by Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. Known for his eloquent and accessible writing style, Kilani authored this tafsir with a focus on clarity — making Quranic meanings understandable to the common reader. The tafsir provides detailed historical context for verses related to battles and expeditions, and firmly refutes modernist ideologies using strong scriptural evidence. It is widely regarded as an invaluable resource for understanding the Quran and countering deviant interpretations. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
And do not diminish the goods of the people, nor go about spreading corruption [107] in the land.
[107] These people did not only commit fraud in measure and weight, but were also well-versed in all the tricks and secrets of commercial dishonesty and deceit. They would conceal the defects of faulty goods and sell them, sell goods by lying and swearing false oaths, create such an environment that the owner of an item would be forced to sell his goods at the lowest possible price. Similarly, they would create such an environment to sell their own goods that others would be compelled to pay the highest possible price. In short, they knew every method by which the rights of others could be usurped. And this is what is called "corruption in the land" or a noble form of robbery, from which Shu‘ayb ؑ had forbidden them. And he had advised them that you are all well-off and prosperous people. Therefore, if you abandon such dishonest practices and earn your livelihood through lawful means, then lawful sustenance would be quite sufficient for your needs. So fear Allah and stop usurping the rights of others.