أَوْ مِسْكِينًا ذَا مَتْرَبَةٍ 16
Translations
Or a needy person in misery
Transliteration
Aw miskinan dha matrabah
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to feeding or helping a poor person who is in extreme poverty, described as being covered with dust (matrabah), indicating someone destitute and neglected. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi explain that 'dha matrabah' emphasizes the severity of the person's poverty and desolation, highlighting the importance of extending charity to those in the most desperate circumstances. This verse is part of the discussion of righteous deeds that characterize those who believe and do good works.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Balad is a Meccan surah that emphasizes the obligations of those who claim to believe in Allah. This ayah appears in the latter part of the surah where Allah enumerates the practical expressions of faith, particularly through charitable acts and compassion toward the vulnerable. The broader context discusses whether humans recognize their blessings and fulfill their responsibilities toward society's most vulnerable members.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, 'The best charity is to give when you are in need yourself' (related to the spirit of this verse). Additionally, Sahih Muslim records that the Prophet emphasized visiting and helping the sick and poor as expressions of faith.
Themes
Key Lesson
True faith (iman) is measured not merely by belief but by concrete actions of compassion toward the poorest and most marginalized members of society. This ayah challenges believers to look beyond their own comfort and actively seek out those in extreme need, making charitable action an inseparable component of genuine religiosity.