وَجَمَعَ فَأَوْعَىٰٓ 18
Translations
And collected [wealth] and hoarded.
Transliteration
wa jama'a fa awʿā
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes a person who gathers wealth and hoards it tightly, refusing to spend in charity or obedience to Allah. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, the verb 'awʿā' (أوعى) means to store up or preserve, emphasizing the miserly attitude of withholding wealth. This ayah is part of a passage describing the characteristics of those who are heedless of the Day of Judgment and their punishment for such behavior.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Al-Ma'arij, which is a Meccan surah focusing on the reality of the Day of Judgment and the contrasting attitudes of believers and disbelievers toward wealth and the afterlife. The broader context discusses those who deny the Day of Judgment and their preoccupation with worldly possessions rather than spiritual preparation.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Wealth and children are adornments of this worldly life, but the everlasting good deeds are better...' (Surah Al-Kahf 18:46, often referenced with hadiths on hoarding, such as in Sahih Muslim regarding the prohibition of withholding charity). Also relevant: 'The best charity is that given when one is in need' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah warns believers that accumulating wealth without spending it in obedience to Allah and service to others is a sign of spiritual heedlessness and will lead to punishment. It serves as a reminder that true richness lies in generosity, charity, and preparing for the afterlife rather than hoarding material possessions.