وَٱلَّذِينَ فِىٓ أَمْوَٰلِهِمْ حَقٌّ مَّعْلُومٌ 24
Translations
And those within whose wealth is a known right
Transliteration
Wa allatheena fee amwaalihim haqqun ma'aloom
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to those who recognize and fulfill the obligatory right (zakat and other dues) that is clearly established in their wealth. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi, this ayah emphasizes that wealthy believers must acknowledge that a specific, known portion of their wealth belongs to the poor and needy as a divine obligation, not merely voluntary charity. The phrase 'haqqun ma'aloom' (a known right) specifically alludes to Zakat, which has determined rates and recipients as prescribed in Islamic law.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Al-Ma'arij, a Meccan surah that describes the Day of Judgment and the characteristics of righteous believers. Within this context, it forms part of a list of virtuous qualities (verses 22-35) that describe those who will succeed on the Day of Resurrection, emphasizing that social responsibility and charitable obligation are integral to piety.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Wealth and children are adornments of worldly life, but the everlasting good deeds are better' (Surah Al-Kahf 18:46). Additionally, the hadith in Sahih Bukhari states that the Prophet emphasized Zakat as one of the five pillars, with specific obligations on those possessing wealth above the nisab (minimum threshold).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that true faith requires acknowledging our financial obligations to society and the poor as divinely mandated duties, not optional gestures. Recognizing the 'known right' in our wealth cultivates humility, gratitude, and a consciousness that our resources are trusts from Allah to be used righteously.