Establish prayer and give zakah
Verse: 2:110
Arabic Text
وَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ ۗ وَمَا تُقَدِّمُوا لِأَنفُسِكُم مِّنْ خَيْرٍ تَجِدُوهُ عِندَ اللَّهِ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ بَصِيرٌ
Translation
And establish prayer and give zakah, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves—you will find it with Allah. Indeed, Allah is Seeing of what you do.
Description
This verse encourages Muslims to regularly pray and give to those in need, promising that any good deeds will be rewarded by Allah.
Detailed Explanation
Prayer (Salah) and giving charity (Zakah) are two fundamental acts in Islam that every Muslim should practice. They aren't just rituals, but vital acts that help you connect spiritually with Allah and support the well-being of those in need. By praying, you are reminded daily of your faith and responsibilities, nurturing your soul with peace and discipline. Giving Zakah refers to the obligatory charity that purifies your wealth, helping someone less fortunate, and fostering a sense of community and compassion.
As explained in Tafsir Ibn Kathir, this verse in Surah Al-Baqarah calls on Muslims to ensure their prayer and charity are consistent, and whatever good you do will be rewarded by Allah. It reassures believers that Allah is aware of all our actions, and nothing goes unnoticed. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the importance of these deeds in numerous Hadiths, including the one where he said, "The prayer is the pillar of religion" (Al-Bayhaqi). Moreover, the act of giving Zakah is also a means of social justice, reducing poverty and equalizing wealth distribution.
Therefore, when you pray and give zakah, remember that these good deeds contribute to both your individual growth and the betterment of society. Just as your connection to Allah and your empathy for others grow, so does your place in the spiritual community, both in this world and in the hereafter. Allah promises that all the good you do will return to you in one way or another, assuring the believer of Divine oversight and reward.