قُلْ إِنَّ رَبِّى يَبْسُطُ ٱلرِّزْقَ لِمَن يَشَآءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِۦ وَيَقْدِرُ لَهُۥ ۚ وَمَآ أَنفَقْتُم مِّن شَىْءٍ فَهُوَ يُخْلِفُهُۥ ۖ وَهُوَ خَيْرُ ٱلرَّٰزِقِينَ 39
Translations
Say, "Indeed, my Lord extends provision for whom He wills of His servants and restricts [it] for him. But whatever thing you spend [in His cause] - He will compensate it; and He is the best of providers."
Transliteration
Qul inna rabbi yabasutul-rizqa liman yasha'u min 'ibadihi wa yaqdir lahu wa ma anfaqtum min shay'in fahuwa yukhlifuh wa huwa khayrul-raziqin
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms that Allah alone controls the provision (rizq) of His servants, expanding it for whom He wills and restricting it for others according to His wisdom. The verse then emphasizes that whatever one spends in charity or good deeds, Allah will replace and reward it, as He is the Best of Providers. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir note this addresses the misconception that wealth is earned solely through human effort, redirecting focus to Allah's absolute control and the blessing of generous spending.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Saba, which addresses the themes of gratitude, provision, and divine wisdom. The broader context of this passage deals with refuting the polytheists' claims about intermediaries in provision and emphasizing monotheistic reliance on Allah's mercy and sustenance. It was revealed in Mecca during the period of strengthening belief in divine providence.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: 'Wealth and children are adornments of this worldly life, but the everlasting good deeds are far better' (Surah Al-Kahf 18:46, related in Sahih Bukhari). Additionally, the hadith 'The best charity is when one gives while in need' (Tirmidhi) reflects the spirit of spending despite limited means, knowing Allah will replace it.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that true security comes from trusting in Allah's provision rather than hoarding wealth, and that generous spending in the way of Allah is never a loss—it is an investment guaranteed by the Best of Providers. It encourages a mindset of trust and generosity, liberating hearts from anxiety about sustenance.