Charity and Care for the Needy
الصدقة ورعاية المحتاجين
Charity and care for the needy (ṣadaqah and riʿāyat al-muḥtājīn) stand as foundational pillars in Islamic faith and practice, reflecting a deep spiritual commitment to compassion and social justice. Islam teaches that wealth is a trust from Allah, and a believer's responsibility extends to sharing a portion of it with those less fortunate. This isn't merely an act of kindness, but a fundamental ethical imperative and a path to spiritual purification and divine blessings. The Quran frequently emphasizes the importance of looking after the vulnerable, particularly [the poor who have been restricted for the cause of Allah] and may appear self-sufficient due to their restraint. Believers are commanded to provide [for the petitioner and the deprived], ensuring that no one suffers from hunger or destitution. Indeed, a sign of true righteousness includes those who [encourage the feeding of the poor], and Muslims are explicitly taught, [as for the petitioner, do not repel [him]]. This unwavering commitment to generosity and supporting the vulnerable is seen as a cornerstone of a righteous society and a profound means of earning Allah's pleasure and immense reward in the hereafter.
Quran 4 verses
لِلْفُقَرَآءِ ٱلَّذِينَ أُحْصِرُوا۟ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ لَا يَسْتَطِيعُونَ ضَرْبًا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ يَحْسَبُهُمُ ٱلْجَاهِلُ أَغْنِيَآءَ مِنَ ٱلتَّعَفُّفِ تَعْرِفُهُم بِسِيمَٰهُمْ لَا يَسْـَٔلُونَ ٱلنَّاسَ إِلْحَافًا وَمَا تُنفِقُوا۟ مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ بِهِۦ عَلِيمٌ
Lilfuqaraaa'il lazeena uhsiroo fee sabeelil laahi laa yastatee'oona darban fil ardi yah sabuhumul jaahilu aghniyaaa'a minat ta'affufi ta'rifuhum biseemaahum laa yas'aloonan naasa ilhaafaa; wa maa tunfiqoo min khairin fa innal laaha bihee 'Aleem
[Charity is] for the poor who have been restricted for the cause of Allah, unable to move about in the land. An ignorant [person] would think them self-sufficient because of their restraint, but you will know them by their [characteristic] sign. They do not ask people persistently [or at all]. And whatever you spend of good - indeed, Allah is Knowing of it.
(اور ہاں تم جو خرچ کرو گے تو) ان حاجتمندوں کے لئے جو خدا کی راہ میں رکے بیٹھے ہیں اور ملک میں کسی طرف جانے کی طاقت نہیں رکھتے (اور مانگنے سے عار رکھتے ہیں) یہاں تک کہ نہ مانگنے کی وجہ سے ناواقف شخص ان کو غنی خیال کرتا ہے اور تم قیافے سے ان کو صاف پہچان لو (کہ حاجتمند ہیں اور شرم کے سبب) لوگوں سے (منہ پھوڑ کر اور) لپٹ کر نہیں مانگ سکتے اور تم جو مال خرچ کرو گے کچھ شک نہیں کہ خدا اس کو جانتا ہے
Commentary
وَلَا يَحُضُّ عَلَىٰ طَعَامِ ٱلْمِسْكِينِ
wa laa yahuddu 'alaa ta'aamil miskeen
Nor did he encourage the feeding of the poor.
اور نہ فقیر کے کھانا کھلانے پر آمادہ کرتا تھا
Commentary
لِّلسَّآئِلِ وَٱلْمَحْرُومِ
Lissaaa 'ili walmahroom
For the petitioner and the deprived -
(یعنی) مانگنے والے کا۔ اور نہ مانگے والے والا کا
Commentary
وَأَمَّا ٱلسَّآئِلَ فَلَا تَنْهَرْ
Wa am mas saa-ila fala tanhar
And as for the petitioner, do not repel [him].
اور مانگنے والے کو جھڑکی نہ دینا
Commentary
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