Give from the good you have earned

Verse: 2:267
Arabic Text

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَنفِقُوا مِّن طَيِّبَاتِ مَا كَسَبْتُمْ

Translation

O you who have believed, spend from the good things which you have earned and from that which We have produced for you from the earth.

Description

This verse encourages Muslims to give charity from the best of what they have earned, not from bad or undesirable things.

Detailed Explanation

Islam emphasizes the importance of giving, and this verse reminds us to offer others from the best of what we have—not from leftovers or undesirable items. By spending from the 'good things,' it means you should offer in charity those things that you would be happy to receive yourself. This not only reflects sincerity but also gratitude towards Allah for the blessings He has provided. When you give from your wealth, it should be with a heart full of generosity and thankfulness. According to Tafsir Ibn Kathir, this verse was revealed at a time when people used to give in charity the worst of their products, which they wouldn't consume themselves. The verse reminds us to avoid such attitudes. Instead, we should be as generous and sincere as possible, sharing the best of what we have. This behavior helps to purify our hearts from greed and attachment to material possessions, fostering a caring and compassionate community. Furthermore, in a Hadith by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), as reported in Sahih Muslim, he said: "The best charity is that which is given when one is healthy and grudging, and when he fears poverty and hopes for richness." This serves as a reminder that true charity involves sacrifice and should be done when it is most meaningful, not when it is most convenient. Reflecting on this verse and the accompanying explanations helps nurture a sincere charitable spirit, essential to fulfilling our duty as compassionate believers.