يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ إِذَا نَـٰجَيْتُمُ ٱلرَّسُولَ فَقَدِّمُوا۟ بَيْنَ يَدَىْ نَجْوَىٰكُمْ صَدَقَةً ۚ ذَٰلِكَ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ وَأَطْهَرُ ۚ فَإِن لَّمْ تَجِدُوا۟ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ 12
Translations
O you who have believed, when you [wish to] privately consult the Messenger, present before your consultation a charity. That is better for you and purer. But if you find not [the means] - then indeed, Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful.
Transliteration
Ya ayyuha alladhina amanu idha najaytu-mu al-rasul faqaddim-u bayna yady najwakum sadaqah. Dhalika khayrun lakum wa athar. Fa-in lam tajidu fa-inna Allaha ghafurun rahim.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands believers who wish to consult privately (najwa) with the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to give charity beforehand as a condition. Classical scholars like Al-Qurtubi and Ibn Kathir note this was a test of sincerity and a means to prevent trivial consultations, while also encouraging charitable giving. The verse acknowledges the financial capacity of believers by adding that if one cannot give charity, Allah is forgiving and merciful, indicating this command was temporary and contextual to the Prophet's lifetime.
Revelation Context
This surah addresses the etiquette of the Muslim community during the Prophet's era when believers would seek private counsel with him. This ayah specifically establishes a protocol to manage the volume of private consultations and encourage both financial support and sincere intentions, reflecting the practical governance needs of the early Islamic state.
Related Hadiths
Hadith in Sahih Bukhari reports that after this verse was revealed, no companion actually gave charity before speaking with the Prophet due to its burden, and the verse was abrogated by Surah 58:13, which made this condition optional with only ritual prayers mentioned instead.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that seeking guidance from wise leaders should be approached with sincere intention and readiness to contribute to the community's welfare; it also reminds us that Islamic rulings are merciful and accommodate human capacity, with Allah's forgiveness available when we fall short.