The surah Al-Humazah (“The Slanderer”) is a Meccan surah consisting of 9 verses. It was revealed at a time when Meccan elites mocked and verbally attacked the Prophet ﷺ and the early Muslims. Its message delivers a powerful condemnation of slander, mockery, and greed.
According to Ibn Kathīr, it was revealed concerning Al-Akhnas ibn Shurayq or Walīd ibn al-Mughīrah, both known opponents of the Prophet ﷺ. However, its warning applies broadly to anyone who harms others through ridicule, gossip, or arrogance.
Main Teachings and Key Insights
Al-Humazah denounces three destructive traits of the human soul: mockery, slander, and material obsession. Its core lessons are:
- Condemnation of the slanderer and mocker: “Woe to every backbiter and slanderer.” (verse 1)
- Critique of greed: those who hoard wealth and believe it grants immortality are deluded. (verses 2–3)
- Warning of divine punishment: the “kindled Fire” will burn into hearts, symbolizing both physical and spiritual torment. (verses 4–7)
- Final image of confinement: the arrogant will be trapped within a “pillar of fire.” (verses 8–9)
The surah highlights the moral weight of speech and the importance of purity of heart, reminding believers that arrogance and mockery lead to spiritual ruin.
Structure and Main Themes
- Verse 1: Curse upon the mocker and slanderer.
- Verses 2–3: Condemnation of greed and false security in wealth.
- Verses 4–7: Depiction of the blazing fire that reaches the hearts of the arrogant.
- Verses 8–9: Image of complete confinement within a pillar of flame.
The tone is sharp and admonishing: it aims to awaken moral awareness about the danger of gossip, pride, and material obsession.
Key Verse
The key verse of the surah is verse 1:
وَيْلٌ لِّكُلِّ هُمَزَةٍ لُّمَزَةٍ
Woe to every backbiter and slanderer.
Why is this verse key?
- It introduces the central theme of the surah: the moral condemnation of destructive speech and arrogance.
- It shows that mockery and slander are not minor social faults but major sins with grave spiritual consequences.
- The word humazah refers to one who mocks through gestures or insinuations, while lumazah refers to one who attacks directly through words — a reminder of the believer’s responsibility for every utterance.
In summary, Al-Humazah condemns arrogance and slander that corrupt the soul. It teaches that words should serve truth and kindness, and that wealth without humility or faith will never save a person on the Day of Judgment.