Double Measurement

Double Measurement T he chapter of the Quran entitled Al-Mutaffifin (Those who Give Short Measure) deals with hypocritical behaviour. The Quran calls it ‘double measurement’. The relevant verses are as follows: Woe to those who give short measure, who demand of other people full measure for themselves, but when they give by measurement or weight to others, they give them less. Do such people not realize that they will be raised up, on a fateful Day. The Day when mankind will stand before the Lord of the Universe? (83:1-6) ‘Double measurement’—giving less to others and taking more from them—applies not only to giving short measure or short weight in commercial terms, but also to all other social activities. Not only does it vitiate commercial dealings, but it also undermines social and moral relationships. All things considered, it is a reprehensible practice and those who stoop to it are evil in character. A true believer is one who never stoops to ‘double measurement’. The next verses of this chapter make it clear that what is, in fact, being condemned is the spirit of injustice, that is, giving too little and asking too much. This appears in commercial dealings, where a person exacts a higher standard in his own favour than he is willing to concede to others. In domestic or social matters