Spend day and night, secretly and publicly, for reward
Verse: 2:274
Arabic Text
الَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَالَهُم بِاللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ سِرًّا وَعَلَانِيَةً
Translation
Those who spend their wealth by night and by day, secretly and publicly—they will have their reward with their Lord.
Description
This verse encourages Muslims to give generously, both in private and in public, to attain reward from Allah.
Detailed Explanation
This verse from the Quran teaches us the importance of generosity in Islam. Allah encourages you to give to those in need, whether it is during the day or night, in secret or in a way that is visible to others. The key lesson here is that the act of giving should be done sincerely and without expecting anything in return from people. By doing so, you will earn a reward from Allah, which is far greater than any recognition from people.
Furthermore, spending in Allah's way is not limited to just financial help. It can also mean giving your time, effort, or skills to benefit others. According to Tafsir Ibn Kathir, the act of giving in different ways - both secretly and publicly - covers various scenarios and conditions. Spending during the night and day shows continuous effort and dedication, while giving secretly protects the giver from pride and shows sincerity, and giving publicly can inspire others to do the same. Authentic Hadiths also emphasize the importance of charity; Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "The upper hand (the giver) is better than the lower hand (the receiver)" (Sahih Bukhari).
In essence, this verse encourages a balanced approach to charity. Whether you give openly or in secret, what matters most is that your intention is pure, and you seek to please Allah above all. This practice not only helps those in need but also strengthens your own faith and reliance on Allah, reminding you of the blessings you have been given. As you continue this practice, know that your efforts are acknowledged and valued by Allah, something truly rewarding both in this life and the Hereafter.