n-f-q

Description

The Arabic root نفق (n-f-q) carries two primary meanings in the Quran: spending or expending (particularly of wealth in charity or for God's cause), and hypocrisy or concealment. These meanings are semantically connected through the concept of something going out or passing through—whether wealth leaving one's possession or hidden intentions beneath an outward appearance. In the Quranic context, this root is highly significant as it addresses both the essential Islamic practice of charitable giving (infaq) and warns against the munafiqun (hypocrites) who outwardly profess faith while concealing disbelief, making it central to discussions of sincerity in both financial and spiritual devotion.