ٱلَّذِينَ يُقِيمُونَ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنَـٰهُمْ يُنفِقُونَ 3
Translations
The ones who establish prayer, and from what We have provided them, they spend.
Transliteration
Alladhīna yuqīmūna as-salāta wa-mimmā razaqnāhum yunfiqūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the characteristics of true believers (mentioned in verse 8:2) by highlighting two fundamental pillars of faith: the establishment of prayer and charitable spending from their sustenance. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that these two qualities—salah and zakah/charity—are interconnected practices that demonstrate sincere devotion to Allah and concern for others, forming the bridge between a believer's relationship with Allah and with society.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Anfal's opening section describing the qualities of the believers, revealed in Medina during the early Islamic period. It contextualizes the spiritual preparation and moral character required of Muslims, particularly in the volatile period following the Battle of Badr, emphasizing that military victory comes to those who establish righteous practices rather than material advantage alone.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet ﷺ said: 'The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family' (Tirmidhi), and 'Prayer is the pillar of religion' (Tirmidhi), both reinforcing the ayah's emphasis on salah as foundational. Additionally, 'Charity does not decrease wealth' (Sahih Muslim) supports the theme of spending from one's provisions.
Themes
Key Lesson
True faith is demonstrated not merely through belief in the heart, but through consistent action—both in maintaining one's relationship with Allah through prayer and in fulfilling social obligations through charity. This ayah teaches modern Muslims that spiritual development and material generosity are inseparable aspects of a complete Islamic life.
Related Ayahs
وَإِذْ قَالُوا۟ ٱللَّهُمَّ إِن كَانَ هَـٰذَا هُوَ ٱلْحَقَّ مِنْ عِندِكَ فَأَمْطِرْ عَلَيْنَا حِجَارَةً مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ أَوِ ٱئْتِنَا بِعَذَابٍ أَلِيمٍ
And [remember] when they said, "O Allāh, if this should be the truth from You, then rain down upon us stones from the sky or bring us a painful punishment."
وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَهَاجَرُوا۟ وَجَـٰهَدُوا۟ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَاوَوا۟ وَّنَصَرُوٓا۟ أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ حَقًّا ۚ لَّهُم مَّغْفِرَةٌ وَرِزْقٌ كَرِيمٌ
But those who have believed and emigrated and fought in the cause of Allāh and those who gave shelter and aided - it is they who are the believers, truly. For them is forgiveness and noble provision.
وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ مِنۢ بَعْدُ وَهَاجَرُوا۟ وَجَـٰهَدُوا۟ مَعَكُمْ فَأُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ مِنكُمْ ۚ وَأُو۟لُوا۟ ٱلْأَرْحَامِ بَعْضُهُمْ أَوْلَىٰ بِبَعْضٍ فِى كِتَـٰبِ ٱللَّهِ ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ بِكُلِّ شَىْءٍ عَلِيمٌۢ
And those who believed after [the initial emigration] and emigrated and fought with you - they are of you. But those of [blood] relationship are more entitled [to inheritance] in the decree of Allāh. Indeed, Allāh is Knowing of all things.
وَلَوْ تَرَىٰٓ إِذْ يَتَوَفَّى ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ ۙ ٱلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةُ يَضْرِبُونَ وُجُوهَهُمْ وَأَدْبَـٰرَهُمْ وَذُوقُوا۟ عَذَابَ ٱلْحَرِيقِ
And if you could but see when the angels take the souls of those who disbelieved... They are striking their faces and their backs and [saying], "Taste the punishment of the Burning Fire.