Surah Aal-Imran — Verse 161

Word Meanings:

• Yaghull (يَغُلَّ): To betray or act treacherously, specifically by unlawfully taking from the war spoils (ghanimah) or concealing something from it.
• Yaghlul (يَغْلُلْ): Whoever commits such betrayal.
• Tu waffa (تُوَفَّىٰ): Will be fully repaid or given in complete measure.
• Lā yuzlamūn (لَا يُظْلَمُونَ): They will not be wronged or treated unjustly.

Tafsir (Explanation):

It is utterly inconceivable and far removed from the character of any Prophet of Allah to betray his followers or to take anything from the war spoils beyond what Allah has specifically allocated to him. The Prophets are the most purified of Allah's creation—protected from such lowly acts of treachery and dishonesty. This verse was revealed to clear the Prophets of any such accusation and to firmly establish their absolute integrity and trustworthiness.

And whoever among you, O believers, commits such betrayal—taking or concealing anything from the spoils unlawfully—will face a humiliating consequence on the Day of Resurrection: he will come carrying that very thing he took, exposed before all of creation in the great gathering, as a mark of his shame and disgrace. Nothing remains hidden on that Day; every secret is brought to light, and every deed is laid bare.

Then, every soul will be fully repaid for what it earned—whether good or evil. The good deeds will not be diminished, and the evil deeds will not be increased. Allah, in His perfect justice, wrongs no one, not even by the weight of an atom. He is the Most Just, the All-Wise, and His recompense is complete and precise.

A Da'wah Reflection:

This verse carries a profound lesson for every believer: the Prophets, the best of creation, were utterly free from betrayal and dishonesty. How then can we, as their followers, allow ourselves to fall into treachery in any of our affairs—whether in business, in trust, in relationships, or in our duties? The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever cheats us is not one of us." Let this verse be a mirror for our souls: if we wish to be counted among the truthful followers of the Prophets, we must embody honesty, integrity, and trustworthiness in every aspect of our lives. And remember, nothing escapes Allah's knowledge—every secret will be exposed on the Day when all accounts are settled with perfect justice. So purify your earnings, guard your trusts, and deal with people with the same honesty you would wish for yourself. For the one who is honest in this world will be among the truthful on that Day, and the one who betrays will carry his burden of shame. Choose wisely, for your choice today shapes your standing tomorrow.