As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters.
Summary
Today’s selection is from Surah 70, Al-Ma‘ãrij or the Ways of Ascent, verses 19-35. These verses describe the characteristics of the practicing believers as opposed to those who are impatient and lose hope easily.
Tafseer for this selection concerns the true nature of charity discussed in verse 25.
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Verses
Bis-millahi ar-rahman, ar-raheem.
In the name of Allah, most gracious, most merciful.Indeed, man has been created impatient,[19] when evil befalls him, he becomes despondent;[20] but when blessed with good fortune, he becomes stingy;[21] with the exception of those who offer Prayers (Salat),[22] remain steadfast in their Prayers,[23] set aside a due share in their wealth[24] for the beggars and the deprived,[25] accept the truth of the Day of Judgment,[26] dread the punishment of their Lord[27] – for none is secure from the punishment of their Lord -[28] and guard their private parts,[29] except from their wives and those whom their right hands possess, for in their case they are not blameworthy.[30] As for those who seek to go beyond this, they are transgressors.[31] Those who keep their trusts and honor their promises,[32] who stand firm in their testimonies[33] and strictly guard their Salah (prayers).[34] It is they who shall live with honor in paradise.[35] 70:[18-35]
Ameen.
Tafseer
On the true nature of charity in verse 25:
True charity consists in finding out those in real need, whether they ask or not. Most frequently those who ask are idle men who insolently wish to live upon others. But all cases of those who ask should be duly investigated, in case a little timely help may set the erring on the way. But the man with wealth or talent or opportunity has the further responsibility of searching out those in need of his assistance, in order to show that he holds all gifts in trust for the service of his fellow creatures.
This concludes today’s episode of the 17 Verses Podcast. I hope that this selection has helped increase your understanding of the holy Qur’an just a little bit.
Thank you and be well.