أَمْ تَسْـَٔلُهُمْ خَرْجًا فَخَرَاجُ رَبِّكَ خَيْرٌ ۖ وَهُوَ خَيْرُ ٱلرَّٰزِقِينَ 72
Translations
Or do you, [O Muḥammad], ask them for payment? But the reward of your Lord is best, and He is the best of providers.
Transliteration
Am tas'aluhum kharjan fa-kharaju rabbika khayrun wa-huwa khayru ar-raziqin
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah addresses the Prophet Muhammad, rejecting the notion that he should demand payment (kharj) from people for delivering Allah's message. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir explain that the provision (khiraj) from Allah is superior to any worldly compensation, emphasizing that the Prophet's sustenance comes directly from Allah, the Best of Providers. The ayah affirms that true wealth and provision come from obedience to Allah's commands, not from material demands placed upon the believers.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Al-Mu'minun, which discusses the characteristics of true believers and the rejection of false deities. It addresses accusations by the Quraysh that the Prophet was seeking personal gain through his message, refuting such claims and establishing that the Prophet's reliance is solely upon Allah's provision, not on extracting payment from those he preaches to.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best charity is that given when one is in need yet gives,' (Tirmidhi). Additionally, the hadith in Sahih Bukhari confirms that the Prophet never accepted gifts or payment for his preaching, embodying the principle stated in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers should seek their sustenance from Allah alone and not pursue worldly gain through compromising their faith or religious obligations. This teaches us that true wealth lies in relying upon Allah's provision and maintaining spiritual integrity, rather than in material accumulation or worldly transactions.