وَلَمْ نَكُ نُطْعِمُ ٱلْمِسْكِينَ 44
Translations
Nor did we used to feed the poor.
Transliteration
Wa lam naku nutʿīmu al-miskīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah is part of the speech of the people of Hell describing their failures on earth, specifically their neglect of feeding the poor and needy. The verse expresses their shameful admission that they did not fulfill the obligation of caring for the destitute, a cardinal sin in Islamic ethics. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that this statement highlights the severe consequences of withholding charity and compassion from those in need, as it is counted among the major omissions that lead to punishment.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Muddaththir was revealed in the early Meccan period and addresses the Prophet's mission and the reality of the Day of Judgment. This specific ayah (74:44) appears within the description of the inmates of Hell (verses 39-47), where they recount their sins and failures in the worldly life, emphasizing the importance of social responsibility and charity in Islam.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The best charity is that given when one is in need themselves' (Tirmidhi). Additionally, the hadith in Sahih Muslim states: 'Whoever feeds a hungry person will be fed by Allah on the Day of Judgment.'
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us that the measure of our faith is reflected in how we treat the vulnerable and poor among us; neglecting their needs is a grave sin that will be reckoned on the Day of Judgment. We must actively cultivate compassion and generosity in our hearts and actions toward those in need.