وَٱلَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَٰلَهُمْ رِئَآءَ ٱلنَّاسِ وَلَا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِٱللَّهِ وَلَا بِٱلْيَوْمِ ٱلْـَٔاخِرِ ۗ وَمَن يَكُنِ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنُ لَهُۥ قَرِينًا فَسَآءَ قَرِينًا 38
Translations
And [also] those who spend of their wealth to be seen by the people and believe not in Allāh nor in the Last Day. And he to whom Satan is a companion - then evil is he as a companion.
Transliteration
Wa-alladhīna yunfiqūna amwālahum riyā'a an-nāsi wa-lā yu'minūna bi-llāhi wa-lā bi-al-yawm al-ākhir. Wa-man yakun ash-shaytānu lahu qarīnan fa-sā'a qarīnan.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah condemns those who spend their wealth for show and ostentation before people while lacking true belief in Allah and the Day of Judgment. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir emphasize that such spending is worthless and devoid of spiritual merit, as the intention (niyyah) is corrupted. The verse then adds that whoever takes Satan as a companion in this practice has indeed chosen an evil companion, highlighting the spiritual danger and consequence of such ostentation.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah An-Nisa (revealed in Medina) and addresses the characteristics of hypocrites and those with defective faith. It contextually follows discussions about hypocrisy and precedes guidance on proper conduct, reflecting the Medinan focus on internal sincerity versus external display within the Muslim community.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet ﷺ said: 'Whoever does a deed for show, Allah will expose him on the Day of Judgment' (Sahih Muslim 2985). Additionally, the hadith 'The best charity is that given when one is in need yet gives' (Tirmidhi) emphasizes sincere intention over public display.
Themes
Key Lesson
True worship and charity derive their value entirely from sincere intention for Allah's pleasure; acts performed to impress others or gain worldly reputation are spiritually empty and may lead one toward Satan's path. Muslims must constantly examine their hearts to ensure their good deeds are motivated by devotion to Allah alone, not by the praise or approval of people.
Related Ayahs
وَٱللَّهُ أَعْلَمُ بِأَعْدَآئِكُمْ ۚ وَكَفَىٰ بِٱللَّهِ وَلِيًّا وَكَفَىٰ بِٱللَّهِ نَصِيرًا
And Allāh is most knowing of your enemies; and sufficient is Allāh as an ally, and sufficient is Allāh as a helper.
وَلْيَخْشَ ٱلَّذِينَ لَوْ تَرَكُوا۟ مِنْ خَلْفِهِمْ ذُرِّيَّةً ضِعَـٰفًا خَافُوا۟ عَلَيْهِمْ فَلْيَتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَلْيَقُولُوا۟ قَوْلًا سَدِيدًا
And let those [executors and guardians] fear [injustice] as if they [themselves] had left weak offspring behind and feared for them. So let them fear Allāh and speak words of appropriate justice.
وَٱبْتَلُوا۟ ٱلْيَتَـٰمَىٰ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا بَلَغُوا۟ ٱلنِّكَاحَ فَإِنْ ءَانَسْتُم مِّنْهُمْ رُشْدًا فَٱدْفَعُوٓا۟ إِلَيْهِمْ أَمْوَٰلَهُمْ ۖ وَلَا تَأْكُلُوهَآ إِسْرَافًا وَبِدَارًا أَن يَكْبَرُوا۟ ۚ وَمَن كَانَ غَنِيًّا فَلْيَسْتَعْفِفْ ۖ وَمَن كَانَ فَقِيرًا فَلْيَأْكُلْ بِٱلْمَعْرُوفِ ۚ فَإِذَا دَفَعْتُمْ إِلَيْهِمْ أَمْوَٰلَهُمْ فَأَشْهِدُوا۟ عَلَيْهِمْ ۚ وَكَفَىٰ بِٱللَّهِ حَسِيبًا
And test the orphans [in their abilities] until they reach marriageable age. Then if you perceive in them sound judgement, release their property to them. And do not consume it excessively and quickly, [anticipating] that they will grow up. And whoever, [when acting as guardian], is self-sufficient should refrain [from taking a fee]; and whoever is poor - let him take according to what is acceptable. Then when you release their property to them, bring witnesses upon them. And sufficient is Allāh as Accountant.
ذَٰلِكَ ٱلْفَضْلُ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ ۚ وَكَفَىٰ بِٱللَّهِ عَلِيمًا
That is the bounty from Allāh, and sufficient is Allāh as Knower.