الهُمَزَة
A short surah that warns against two habits that hurt everyone: mocking other people, and loving money more than kindness. It teaches us to guard our tongues and our hearts.
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In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
A warning to every person who mocks and backbites others,
who piles up wealth and keeps counting it,
thinking his money will make him live forever.
No! He will surely be thrown into the Crusher.
And what can tell you what the Crusher is?
It is the Fire of Allah, kindled,
which rises over the hearts.
It will close over them,
in columns stretched out.
About Al-Humazah
Al-Humazah means "the slanderer" or "the backbiter." In nine short verses, this surah warns us about a person with two bad habits: he mocks and gossips about other people, and he loves piling up money so much that he thinks it will make him live forever.
The surah reminds us that this is not true. Nothing we own lasts forever, and hurting people with our words is very serious to Allah. The person who lives this way is warned about a fire called Al-Hutamah, "the Crusher."
For children, Al-Humazah teaches two simple, powerful lessons: never make fun of others, and never love things more than people. Kind words and a generous heart are worth far more than money.
Al-Humazah warns against two things at once: hurting people with our tongues (mocking and backbiting), and hoarding wealth greedily. The Quran places them side by side to show that both come from the same place: forgetting Allah and caring only about ourselves.
See how kindness looks in the lessons →Surahs paired with Al-Humazah
Al-Humazah is about good character, guarding our words, and caring for others. These short surahs teach the same beautiful lessons:
For Parents
What does Al-Humazah mean?
Al-Humazah (الهمزة) means "the slanderer" or "the backbiter." It comes from an Arabic word for someone who mocks, insults, and talks badly about others behind their backs.
The surah is named after the very habit it warns us to stay away from.
What is Surah Al-Humazah about?
It warns against two harmful habits: mocking and backbiting other people, and greedily piling up money while thinking wealth will make you live forever.
It reminds us that nothing we own lasts forever, and that Allah sees how we treat others and what is in our hearts.
How long is Surah Al-Humazah?
Al-Humazah is nine short verses long and takes about 30 seconds to recite. It is the 104th surah of the Quran and was revealed in Mecca.
With daily listening, most children can memorize it within a couple of weeks.
What is the Hutamah in Surah Al-Humazah?
Al-Hutamah (الحطمة) is a name for the Fire in the Hereafter, described in this surah as a consequence for those who mock others and hoard wealth without caring for anyone. The word means "the Crusher."
For young children, the gentle way to explain it is that being unkind and greedy has real consequences, and that Allah wants us to choose kindness instead.
When was Surah Al-Humazah revealed?
Al-Humazah was revealed in Mecca, in the early years of Islam. At that time, some wealthy people mocked the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the believers, and were proud of their riches.
This surah was a clear warning against that behavior.
What does Al-Humazah teach children?
It teaches two simple lessons children can live every day: never mock, tease, or talk badly about other people, and never love money and things more than people.
Words can hurt, and possessions do not last, but kindness is remembered by Allah forever.
How can my child memorize Al-Humazah?
Play the recitation often, especially in the car or before bed. Because many verses in Al-Humazah end with a similar rhyming sound, children pick up the rhythm quickly.
Recite one verse and let your child complete it. Most kids can memorize all nine verses within one to two weeks of regular listening.