Sūrah al-Humazah (The Slanderer) is a short sūrah, said to be revealed early in the mission of the Messenger ﷺ. The sūrah is a harsh critique of what wealth and corruption can do to someone and the consequences of indulging in such vices.
When observed more broadly, it appears that the sūrah may be organized into a mirror composition:
Connections
[A/A’] - The sūrah begins by condemning two very hurtful verbal affronts; slandering and mocking. Though not a physical assault on the victim, these crimes cut deep into the psyche and heart of the one attacked. Therefore, it is appropriate that the corresponding section outlines the crime for this punishment, where it specifically mentions that the fire climbs up to “the hearts” of the offender. This is the only place in the Quran where this particular punishment is mentioned.
[B/B’] - The center focuses on the test of wealth. Being wealthy is not a crime in it of itself, but when one obsesses over it and believes that it can replace the eternal abode of the hereafter, that is when it becomes a major offense.
والله أعلم - And Allah knows best
Sources
Personal notes and reflection