ٱلَّذِينَ يُقِيمُونَ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنَـٰهُمْ يُنفِقُونَ 3
Translations
The ones who establish prayer, and from what We have provided them, they spend.
Transliteration
Alladhīna yuqīmūna as-salāta wa-mimmā razaqnāhum yunfiqūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the characteristics of true believers (mentioned in verse 8:2) by highlighting two fundamental pillars of faith: the establishment of prayer and charitable spending from their sustenance. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that these two qualities—salah and zakah/charity—are interconnected practices that demonstrate sincere devotion to Allah and concern for others, forming the bridge between a believer's relationship with Allah and with society.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Anfal's opening section describing the qualities of the believers, revealed in Medina during the early Islamic period. It contextualizes the spiritual preparation and moral character required of Muslims, particularly in the volatile period following the Battle of Badr, emphasizing that military victory comes to those who establish righteous practices rather than material advantage alone.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet ﷺ said: 'The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family' (Tirmidhi), and 'Prayer is the pillar of religion' (Tirmidhi), both reinforcing the ayah's emphasis on salah as foundational. Additionally, 'Charity does not decrease wealth' (Sahih Muslim) supports the theme of spending from one's provisions.
Themes
Key Lesson
True faith is demonstrated not merely through belief in the heart, but through consistent action—both in maintaining one's relationship with Allah through prayer and in fulfilling social obligations through charity. This ayah teaches modern Muslims that spiritual development and material generosity are inseparable aspects of a complete Islamic life.
Related Ayahs
وَلَا يَحْسَبَنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ سَبَقُوٓا۟ ۚ إِنَّهُمْ لَا يُعْجِزُونَ
And let not those who disbelieve think they will escape. Indeed, they will not cause failure [to Allāh].
يَسْـَٔلُونَكَ عَنِ ٱلْأَنفَالِ ۖ قُلِ ٱلْأَنفَالُ لِلَّهِ وَٱلرَّسُولِ ۖ فَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَأَصْلِحُوا۟ ذَاتَ بَيْنِكُمْ ۖ وَأَطِيعُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُۥٓ إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ
They ask you, [O Muḥammad], about the bounties [of war]. Say, "The [decision concerning] bounties is for Allāh and the Messenger." So fear Allāh and amend that which is between you and obey Allāh and His Messenger, if you should be believers.
إِنَّ شَرَّ ٱلدَّوَآبِّ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ فَهُمْ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ
Indeed, the worst of living creatures in the sight of Allāh are those who have disbelieved, and they will not [ever] believe-
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّبِىُّ حَرِّضِ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ عَلَى ٱلْقِتَالِ ۚ إِن يَكُن مِّنكُمْ عِشْرُونَ صَـٰبِرُونَ يَغْلِبُوا۟ مِا۟ئَتَيْنِ ۚ وَإِن يَكُن مِّنكُم مِّا۟ئَةٌ يَغْلِبُوٓا۟ أَلْفًا مِّنَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ بِأَنَّهُمْ قَوْمٌ لَّا يَفْقَهُونَ
O Prophet, urge the believers to battle. If there are among you twenty [who are] steadfast, they will overcome two hundred. And if there are among you one hundred [who are steadfast], they will overcome a thousand of those who have disbelieved because they are a people who do not understand.