Surah Al-Humazah 104:2
سُورَةُ الهُمَزَةِ · Meccan · Verse 2 of 9
ٱلَّذِى جَمَعَ مَالًۭا وَعَدَّدَهُۥ
Translation
who amasses riches, counting them over,
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
This verse continues the description of the person introduced in the previous ayah, the "backbiter, slanderer." It describes their defining preoccupation. Allah Himself is speaking here, unveiling the inner world and actions of such an individual, setting a tone of clear observation and subtle condemnation.
The Obsession with Gathering
The verse begins with `ٱلَّذِى جَمَعَ مَالًۭا` (alladhī jama'a mālan), "the one who gathers wealth." The word `جَمَعَ` (jama'a) means to collect or bring together. Some recitations use the intensified form `جَمَّعَ` (jamma'a). As al-Razi and Ibn Ashur explain, this intensification suggests a meticulous, persistent gathering from various sources, not just a casual accumulation. It implies a significant effort and an ongoing preoccupation with amassing riches. The word `مالًۭا` (malan), or "wealth," is left indefinite, not specifying what kind of wealth. Al-Razi suggests this indefiniteness could imply either that the wealth, in the grand scheme of the universe, is trivial, or conversely, that it has reached an extreme in its corrupt or problematic nature. Regardless, it signifies all that a person acquires in this world.
The Act of Counting
Following the gathering, the verse states `وَعَدَّدَهُۥ` (wa 'addadahu), "and counts it." This word too carries a profound meaning. The scholars, like al-Razi and al-Jalalayn, offer two main interpretations for `عَدَّدَهُۥ`. First, it can mean that he "counted" or "enumerated" his wealth. The intensified form of `عَدَّدَهُۥ` suggests repeated, obsessive counting, perhaps due to the sheer quantity of the wealth or the person's deep attachment to it. He counts it over and over, finding pleasure and pride in the growing numbers. Second, it can mean he "made it a provision" (`عدّة` , 'uddah), safeguarding it as a reserve for future events or simply hoarding it. Both interpretations point to a possessive and highly materialistic mindset. Ibn Ashur emphasizes that the intensification implies a constant, anxious preoccupation with his riches, counting them to ensure their security and perhaps to marvel at their accumulation.
A Deeper Meaning
In essence, this verse paints a vivid picture of a person consumed by wealth. Their life revolves around two things: the endless pursuit of accumulation and the meticulous, almost ritualistic, counting of what they have acquired. This detailed wording highlights not just the action of gathering wealth, which is permissible in itself, but the *obsession* with it, indicating that this wealth becomes the sole focus and a source of arrogant self-importance. This inner state is intricately linked to the outward actions of backbiting and slandering mentioned in the previous verse, as their attachment to wealth often makes them look down upon others or use their riches to belittle those they perceive as beneath them.
Sources: al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jalalayn, Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Al-Humazah 104:2 is discussed in 3 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
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