وَٱلَّذِينَ يُؤْتُونَ مَآ ءَاتَوا۟ وَّقُلُوبُهُمْ وَجِلَةٌ أَنَّهُمْ إِلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ رَٰجِعُونَ 60
Translations
And they who give what they give while their hearts are fearful because they will be returning to their Lord -
Transliteration
Wa-alladhina yu'tuna ma ataw wa-qulubuhum wajilah annahum ila rabbihim raji'un
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the righteous believers who give charity and good deeds while their hearts tremble with fear and awe, knowing they will return to their Lord for accountability. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi interpret this as describing those who perform good deeds not out of arrogance or show, but with humility and awareness of divine judgment, combining both action and sincere internal reverence (khawf). The trembling hearts (wajilah) indicate consciousness of Allah's majesty and concern about whether their deeds are acceptable to Him.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Al-Mu'minun (Chapter 23), which is a Meccan surah describing the characteristics of true believers. This particular verse is part of a passage (verses 57-61) that contrasts believers who give in charity with fear of God against those who are heedless. The thematic context emphasizes that genuine faith combines outward righteous actions with inward spiritual consciousness and humility.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'The best charity is that given when one is in need yet still gives' (Tirmidhi). Additionally, the hadith about the seven whom Allah will shade on the Day of Judgment includes 'a man who gives charity so secretly that his left hand does not know what his right hand gives' (Sahih Bukhari), reflecting the spirit of humble, fearful giving described in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
True righteousness is not merely performing good deeds outwardly, but doing so with a humble, God-conscious heart that recognizes divine accountability. Believers should balance between active charitable service and inner spiritual awareness, giving with the understanding that all actions will be judged by Allah, which should inspire both action and reverent caution.