وَأَمَّا مَنۢ بَخِلَ وَٱسْتَغْنَىٰ 8
Translations
But as for he who withholds and considers himself free of need
Transliteration
Wa-amma man bakhila wa-stagnaa
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the person who is stingy and withholds charity, and who considers himself self-sufficient and independent of Allah's help. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this describes someone who refuses to acknowledge their need for Allah and denies the obligation of spending in His way, exemplifying spiritual arrogance alongside material miserliness. The verse contrasts with the previous ayah (92:5-7) which praises the one who spends freely in charity and acknowledges Allah's guidance.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Layl is a Meccan surah that contrasts two paths: one of righteousness and generosity, and one of stinginess and spiritual heedlessness. This ayah continues the surah's theme of presenting humanity with two clear choices—between those who strive toward good and those who turn away. The context reflects the early Meccan period's emphasis on fundamental moral choices between belief and rejection.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best charity is that given when one is in need, yet still gives' (related to generosity overcoming stinginess). Additionally, Surah Al-Layl's themes align with the hadith in Sahih Bukhari where the Prophet warned against greed and stinginess as destructive traits.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us that denying our dependence on Allah and refusing to help others through charity reflects a fundamental spiritual sickness. True prosperity comes not from hoarding wealth, but from recognizing our absolute need for Allah and fulfilling our obligations to those in need.