يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ لَا تُبْطِلُوا۟ صَدَقَـٰتِكُم بِٱلْمَنِّ وَٱلْأَذَىٰ كَٱلَّذِى يُنفِقُ مَالَهُۥ رِئَآءَ ٱلنَّاسِ وَلَا يُؤْمِنُ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلْيَوْمِ ٱلْـَٔاخِرِ ۖ فَمَثَلُهُۥ كَمَثَلِ صَفْوَانٍ عَلَيْهِ تُرَابٌ فَأَصَابَهُۥ وَابِلٌ فَتَرَكَهُۥ صَلْدًا ۖ لَّا يَقْدِرُونَ عَلَىٰ شَىْءٍ مِّمَّا كَسَبُوا۟ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يَهْدِى ٱلْقَوْمَ ٱلْكَـٰفِرِينَ 264
Translations
O you who have believed, do not invalidate your charities with reminders [of it] or injury as does one who spends his wealth [only] to be seen by the people and does not believe in Allāh and the Last Day. His example is like that of a [large] smooth stone upon which is dust and is hit by a downpour that leaves it bare. They are unable [to keep] anything of what they have earned. And Allāh does not guide the disbelieving people.
Transliteration
Ya ayyuha alladhina amanu la tubtiluwa sadaqatikum bil-manni wa-al-adha ka-alladhee yunfiqu malahu riaa al-nasi wa la yuminu billahi wa-al-yawmi al-akhiri fathalaluhu kamathali safwanin alayhi turabun fa-asabahu wabilun fatarakahu saldan la yaqdiruna ala shay-in mimma kasabu wallahu la yahdee al-qawma al-kafireen
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah warns believers against invalidating their charitable acts through reminders of their gift (al-mann) and harm (al-adha) to the recipient, comparing such behavior to one who spends only for show without faith in Allah and the Last Day. The vivid parable of hard rock with a thin layer of soil washed away by heavy rain illustrates how such deeds become fruitless and worthless, as their intention was corrupted from the start. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that sincere intention (niyyah) is essential for charity to be accepted, and that boasting or causing discomfort to recipients nullifies the spiritual reward entirely.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Al-Baqarah's detailed rulings on charity (sadaqah) and righteous conduct. It was revealed in Medina to address issues that arose in the Muslim community regarding the proper etiquette and spiritual dimensions of charitable giving, distinguishing true charity from ostentation and harm.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The best charity is that given when one is in need yet gives' (Tirmidhi). Also relevant: 'Every deed is by its intention, and a person will have only what they intended' (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim), emphasizing that purity of intention is foundational to all righteous acts including charity.
Themes
Key Lesson
True charity transcends the material gift—it requires pure intention, respect for the recipient's dignity, and freedom from ulterior motives such as praise or recognition. Modern believers should examine whether their charitable acts stem from genuine compassion and faith or from desire for social standing, ensuring their good deeds bear lasting spiritual fruit rather than becoming hollow gestures.