وَٱلَّذِينَ إِذَآ أَنفَقُوا۟ لَمْ يُسْرِفُوا۟ وَلَمْ يَقْتُرُوا۟ وَكَانَ بَيْنَ ذَٰلِكَ قَوَامًا 67
Translations
And [they are] those who, when they spend, do so not excessively or sparingly but are ever, between that, [justly] moderate
Transliteration
Wa alladhīna idhā anfaqū lam yusrifū wa lam yaqturū wa kāna bayna dhāalika qawāmā
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the characteristics of the servants of the Most Merciful who practice moderation (wasatiyyah) in their spending—neither extravagant nor stingy. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi, this middle path reflects the Islamic principle of balanced living, where believers spend according to their means and genuine needs without excess or miserliness. The term 'qawāmā' (standing firm/balanced) emphasizes that this moderate approach is the established and proper way of conducting one's affairs.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Furqan, which describes the qualities and attributes of the righteous servants of Allah ('ibād ar-Rahmān). The surah was revealed in Mecca during a period when Muslims faced economic hardship, making the guidance on balanced spending particularly relevant for the early Muslim community managing limited resources.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family' (Tirmidhi 3895), reflecting moderation in family provision. Additionally, 'The best charity is that given when one is in need yet still gives' (authenticated in various collections), illustrating balanced generosity.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that true virtue lies in maintaining balance in all matters of life—spending wisely according to one's capacity without pride or deprivation. For modern readers, it provides guidance against both consumerism and unhealthy frugality, encouraging conscious, intentional financial decisions rooted in Islamic values.