Commentary
Those who, when they take in measurement, meaning they handle the measuring or weighing, they take in full measure as indicated by what follows. He expressed this with a tool of elevation so that the meaning is: they are elevated or oppressive upon the people, specifically by observing them, regardless of who they are. They do not fear anything nor do they regard anyone. Rather, betrayal and shamelessness have become their habit. This action extends with 'min' and 'ala'. It is said: he took in measurement from the man and upon him. It is permissible that the choice of expression with 'ala' here, along with what has preceded, indicates that if they have a kind of superiority, in that the one from whom they take in measurement is weak, they betray him. Thus, their matter revolves around baseness and a lowly ambition from which there is no lower. They fulfill, meaning they ensure for themselves the full measure with the utmost desire and exaggeration in filling. It is as if he mentioned 'they took in measurement' and did not mention 'they weighed' because what can be achieved in weighing from handling is not the same as what can be achieved in measuring. They are able in taking in measurement to exaggerate in fulfilling what leads to an increase, which they cannot achieve similarly in weighing. This is unlike loss, for the ability due to it is present in both cases; therefore, he mentioned them both in it.
Explore Other Scholars on This Verse
Compare different scholarly perspectives on Surah Al-Mutaffifin verse 2