ٱلَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَٰلَهُم بِٱلَّيْلِ وَٱلنَّهَارِ سِرًّا وَعَلَانِيَةً فَلَهُمْ أَجْرُهُمْ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ وَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ 274
Translations
Those who spend their wealth [in Allāh's way] by night and by day, secretly and publicly - they will have their reward with their Lord. And no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.
Transliteration
Alladhīna yunfiqūna amwālahum bil-layli wan-nahāri sirran wa-'alāniyatan falahum ajruhum 'inda rabbihim wa-lā khawfun 'alayhim wa-lā hum yahzanūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah praises those who spend their wealth in charity at all times—whether by night or day, in secret or openly—assuring them of their reward with Allah and that they will experience neither fear nor grief on the Day of Judgment. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi, the comprehensive nature of this spending (encompassing all times and methods) demonstrates a character of continuous generosity and sincere devotion, free from ostentation, which guarantees divine reward and protection from spiritual anguish.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the Medinan section of Surah Al-Baqarah, which extensively discusses financial ethics and charitable obligations in the Muslim community. It contextually follows discussions of zakat and sadaqah, emphasizing that righteous spending transcends obligatory alms and reflects a believer's voluntary commitment to supporting others at all times.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The best charity is that given when one is in need yet still gives' (related in various collections). Additionally, the hadith in Sahih Bukhari states: 'Seven will be shaded by Allah's Shade on the Day of Judgment, including a man who gives charity so secretly that his left hand does not know what his right hand gives.'
Themes
Key Lesson
True charitable giving should be consistent and selfless, motivated by devotion to Allah rather than social recognition or timing. Such sincere generosity becomes a source of spiritual comfort and divine assurance, protecting the believer from existential fear and sorrow both in this life and the next.