إِن تُبْدُوا۟ ٱلصَّدَقَـٰتِ فَنِعِمَّا هِىَ ۖ وَإِن تُخْفُوهَا وَتُؤْتُوهَا ٱلْفُقَرَآءَ فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ ۚ وَيُكَفِّرُ عَنكُم مِّن سَيِّـَٔاتِكُمْ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌ 271
Translations
If you disclose your charitable expenditures, they are good; but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, it is better for you, and He will remove from you some of your misdeeds [thereby]. And Allāh, of what you do, is [fully] Aware.
Transliteration
In tubdu as-sadaqati faniAAimma hiya wa-in tukhfuha wa-tu'tuha al-fuqara'a fahuwa khayrun lakum wa-yukaffiru AAankum min sayyiatikum wa-Allahu bima taAAmalun khabir
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah presents two approaches to giving charity: public and private, with emphasis that concealing charity while giving to the poor is superior. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi, while open charity is praiseworthy as it encourages others, hidden charity is greater because it prevents ostentation (riya) and is motivated purely by seeking Allah's pleasure. The ayah concludes that charity expands the giver's provisions, expiates sins, and Allah is fully aware of all actions.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the comprehensive teachings on charity (Surah Al-Baqarah, verses 262-276), revealed in Medina during the establishment of Islamic social welfare practices. The context emphasizes the balance between public encouragement of charitable giving and the spiritual superiority of sincere, hidden charity performed solely for Allah's approval.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: 'Seven people will be shaded under the Shade of Allah on the Day when there is no shade except His: ...and a man who gave charity so secretly that his left hand did not know what his right hand gave' (Sahih Bukhari 660). Also relevant: 'The best of charity is that given in times of poverty' (Tirmidhi).
Themes
Key Lesson
True charity transcends seeking recognition; the greatest acts of generosity are those performed with pure intention, away from public view, motivated solely by obedience to Allah and compassion for the needy. This ayah invites believers to examine their intentions and prioritize spiritual purification through sincere giving over worldly acknowledgment.