لِلْفُقَرَآءِ ٱلَّذِينَ أُحْصِرُوا۟ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ لَا يَسْتَطِيعُونَ ضَرْبًا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ يَحْسَبُهُمُ ٱلْجَاهِلُ أَغْنِيَآءَ مِنَ ٱلتَّعَفُّفِ تَعْرِفُهُم بِسِيمَـٰهُمْ لَا يَسْـَٔلُونَ ٱلنَّاسَ إِلْحَافًا ۗ وَمَا تُنفِقُوا۟ مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ بِهِۦ عَلِيمٌ 273
Translations
[Charity is] for the poor who have been restricted for the cause of Allāh, unable to move about in the land. An ignorant [person] would think them self-sufficient because of their restraint, but you will know them by their [characteristic] sign. They do not ask people persistently [or at all]. And whatever you spend of good - indeed, Allāh is Knowing of it.
Transliteration
Lil-fuqaraa alladhina uhsiroo fee sabeel illah la yastateeoon darban fil-ard yahsabuhumu al-jahil aghniyaa mina at-tafaffuf tarifuhum bi-simahim la yas'aloon an-nasa ilhafa wa ma tunfiqoo min khayr fa-inna Allaha bihi aleem
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes a specific category of poor people (al-fuqara) who are devoted to the path of Allah and unable to travel/seek livelihood in the land due to constraint or disability. Their dignity and self-reliance are so evident that the ignorant might mistake them for wealthy people, recognizing them only by certain signs (disheveled appearance, etc.), and they refuse to beg from people insistently. The verse emphasizes that whatever charitable wealth is spent on such people, Allah is fully aware of it and will reward accordingly. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir note this ayah specifically addresses those hindered in Allah's service, establishing their worthiness for zakah and voluntary charity.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the detailed legislation on zakah (alms-giving) in Surah Al-Baqarah, revealed in Madinah. The broader context (2:177-2:282) establishes comprehensive guidelines for Islamic social welfare and charitable giving. The specific mention of those 'constrained in the way of Allah' reflects the early Islamic community's experience, where some believers were unable to earn due to their dedication to religious learning, defense of the faith, or physical disability.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Muslim records that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best charity is when one is in need yet gives,' which aligns with the dignity of those described here. Additionally, Sunan Abu Dawud contains narrations about the Prophet's concern for the poor who do not ask, emphasizing proactive support for the self-reliant needy.
Themes
Key Lesson
Muslims are encouraged to identify and support those in genuine need, especially the dignified poor who refuse to beg, recognizing that sincere charitable giving is an act of worship fully witnessed by Allah. This ayah teaches empathy and proactive compassion, urging believers to look beyond outward appearances to understand others' true circumstances and needs.
Related Ayahs
كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ ٱلْقِتَالُ وَهُوَ كُرْهٌ لَّكُمْ ۖ وَعَسَىٰٓ أَن تَكْرَهُوا۟ شَيْـًٔا وَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ ۖ وَعَسَىٰٓ أَن تُحِبُّوا۟ شَيْـًٔا وَهُوَ شَرٌّ لَّكُمْ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ وَأَنتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ
Battle has been enjoined upon you while it is hateful to you. But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allāh knows, while you know not.
وَلَمَّا بَرَزُوا۟ لِجَالُوتَ وَجُنُودِهِۦ قَالُوا۟ رَبَّنَآ أَفْرِغْ عَلَيْنَا صَبْرًا وَثَبِّتْ أَقْدَامَنَا وَٱنصُرْنَا عَلَى ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلْكَـٰفِرِينَ
And when they went forth to [face] Goliath and his soldiers, they said, "Our Lord, pour upon us patience and plant firmly our feet and give us victory over the disbelieving people."
وَلِلْمُطَلَّقَـٰتِ مَتَـٰعٌۢ بِٱلْمَعْرُوفِ ۖ حَقًّا عَلَى ٱلْمُتَّقِينَ
And for divorced women is a provision according to what is acceptable - a duty upon the righteous.
فَإِن طَلَّقَهَا فَلَا تَحِلُّ لَهُۥ مِنۢ بَعْدُ حَتَّىٰ تَنكِحَ زَوْجًا غَيْرَهُۥ ۗ فَإِن طَلَّقَهَا فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْهِمَآ أَن يَتَرَاجَعَآ إِن ظَنَّآ أَن يُقِيمَا حُدُودَ ٱللَّهِ ۗ وَتِلْكَ حُدُودُ ٱللَّهِ يُبَيِّنُهَا لِقَوْمٍ يَعْلَمُونَ
And if he has divorced her [for the third time], then she is not lawful to him afterward until [after] she marries a husband other than him. And if he [i.e., the latter husband] divorces her [or dies], there is no blame upon them [i.e., the woman and her former husband] for returning to each other if they think that they can keep [within] the limits of Allāh. These are the limits of Allāh, which He makes clear to a people who know [i.e.,understand].