وَلَا يَحُضُّ عَلَىٰ طَعَامِ ٱلْمِسْكِينِ 34
Translations
Nor did he encourage the feeding of the poor.
Transliteration
Wa lā yaḥuḍḍu ʿalā ṭaʿāmi al-miskīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes one of the characteristics of those destined for punishment on the Day of Judgment—specifically, those who do not encourage feeding the poor. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi interpret this as a sign of spiritual corruption and lack of compassion, highlighting that true faith should manifest in concern for the vulnerable and needy. The negation (lā yaḥuḍḍu) emphasizes the deliberate withholding of encouragement toward charitable acts, indicating a heart devoid of mercy.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the broader context of Surah Al-Haqqah, which describes the Day of Judgment and the fate of the righteous versus the wicked. The surah was revealed in Mecca and emphasizes the certainty of the Day of Resurrection (al-Haqqah). This particular ayah is part of a passage describing the characteristics of the people of the left hand (those destined for Hell), serving as a stark warning about the consequences of neglecting the poor.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ṣallallāhu ʿalayhi wa-sallam) said: 'The best charity is that given when one is in need yet still gives' (related in various collections). Additionally, the hadith in Sahih Muslim states: 'Whoever does not show mercy will not be shown mercy' (man lam yarḥam lam yurlham), directly reflecting the spirit of this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that faith is incomplete without active concern for the poor and vulnerable; negligence toward those in need is a serious spiritual failing that invites divine punishment. In modern times, this emphasizes that true piety requires both internal faith and external actions of mercy, encouraging communities to actively promote charitable giving and care for the marginalized.