وَيُطْعِمُونَ ٱلطَّعَامَ عَلَىٰ حُبِّهِۦ مِسْكِينًا وَيَتِيمًا وَأَسِيرًا 8
Translations
And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive,
Transliteration
Wa yut'imun at-ta'ama 'ala hubbihi miskinan wa yatiman wa asiiran
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the righteous servants of Allah who feed the poor, orphans, and captives despite their love for food, emphasizing self-sacrifice and generosity. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi explain that 'ala hubbihi (despite their love for it) indicates they give preference to others' needs over their own desires, demonstrating the highest level of charity and devotion. This ayah is part of a broader description of the people of Paradise (Ashab al-Jannah) in Surah Al-Insan.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Insan is a Medinan surah that addresses the reality of human nature and the contrast between those who follow divine guidance and those who reject it. This particular ayah falls within verses 5-22 which describe the characteristics of the righteous believers who will inherit Paradise, establishing the moral and ethical standards expected of the Muslim community in Medina.
Related Hadiths
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: 'The best charity is that given when one is in need yet gives' (related to the spirit of the ayah). Also relevant is the hadith in Sahih Bukhari where the Prophet emphasizes feeding the hungry and visiting the sick as acts of kindness that draw one close to Allah.
Themes
Key Lesson
True charity requires overcoming our natural inclination to prioritize ourselves; by placing others' needs before our own desires, we purify our souls and draw nearer to Allah's mercy and Paradise. This ayah calls Muslims to develop a spirit of sacrifice and compassion that transcends mere material giving.