What Do Humaza and Lumaza Mean? Surah Al-Humazah Verse 1 for Kids

Verse 1 continued: What do “Humaza” and “Lumaza” Mean?

“Woe to every scandal monger and slanderer“

In the Quran, there is a special warning for people who are Humaza and Lumaza. These are big words, but they describe something we see every day: being a bully or a gossip.

1. Humaza (The “Break, Shatter or Poking” Word)

The word Humaza comes from an Arabic route word hamz (حمز) that means to break or shatter

• When you combine the word hamz with the word for finger in Arabic it means to poke. Imagine someone poking you with their finger to bother you that’s what this word feels like

• When we say mean things about people behind their backs, it’s like we are “breaking” their their good name or the impression people have of them

• It also means trying to push someone away from doing the what maybe the right thing

2. Lumaza (The “Stabbing or thrusting” Word)

The word Lumaza comes from the root word Lamz (لمز) that means to stab or thrust.

• When someone says something mean right to your face, or makes a rude face at you to make you feel small, it hurts just like a sharp stab

• It’s like using words or gestures as “weapons” to make someone feel bad

What’s the Difference?

While both words describe being unkind, many teachers say:

• Humaza is when you whisper mean things about someone when they aren’t there

• Lumaza is when you make fun of someone while they are watching, like making a mean face or pointing

The Main Point: Whether you are using your voice, your hands, or just a mean look, Allah (swt) wants us to know that looking for mistakes in others is wrong.

Why Is This So Serious?

Think about how much we love the Ka’aba. It is the holiest place on Earth!

Prophet Muhammad (S) once said that a person’s feelings and reputation are even more important to Allah than the Ka’aba. Just like we would never hurt the Ka’aba, we must never “break” another person by being a bully or a gossip.

The Habit Warning

Everyone can make a mistake and say something they shouldn’t once in a while, but a “Humaza” is someone who always looks for the bad in others. We should try our best to be the kind of people who look for the good in others instead!

The words Humaza and Lumaza are used for people who make being mean a habit.