- "Donate from the best of what you have earned and of what We have produced for you from the earth":
- This part of the verse emphasizes that when giving in charity (sadaqah), it should come from the best of what you own, both in terms of earnings (income) and what Allah has provided from the earth (such as crops, livestock, etc.). It encourages believers to give from their wealth in a way that reflects their sincere gratitude and devotion to Allah.
- The idea is that the donation should be something that costs the giver. It should not be from excess or leftover resources, but from the best and most valuable things you have, demonstrating true generosity and sacrifice.
- "Do not pick out worthless things for donation, which you yourselves would only accept with closed eyes":
- This part warns against giving items that are of poor quality or worthless, which you would not accept for yourself. It stresses that the sincerity and quality of the donation are important, and one should not donate things that are not of value or that they themselves would not appreciate or accept.
- The phrase "accept with closed eyes" refers to items that are unworthy, things you would avoid or reject if they were offered to you. It suggests that when giving in charity, the donor should reflect on the dignity of the recipients and give in a way that shows respect for them.
- "And know that Allah is Self-Sufficient, Praiseworthy":
- This final part of the verse reminds the believers that Allah does not need their charity. Allah is Self-Sufficient (Ghani), meaning He has no need for anyone’s wealth or donations. Everything belongs to Allah, and He is not dependent on His creation.
- The phrase "Praiseworthy" (Hameed) signifies that Allah is worthy of all praise and has all qualities of perfection. The reminder here is that, despite His self-sufficiency, Allah rewards acts of charity and will compensate the donors in a way that is far beyond their expectations, so long as their intention is sincere and their donation is made with a good heart.
- The Importance of Giving with Excellence: Giving charity is not just about the quantity, but also about the quality of the donation. It should come from the best of your wealth, representing sincerity and true sacrifice. Giving what costs you or what you hold dear is a sign of genuine devotion to Allah.
- Purity of Intentions: This verse teaches that giving charity should be done with a pure heart, free from any ulterior motives. It should not be done for recognition or out of a sense of obligation, but as an act of worship and humility, with the goal of pleasing Allah.
- The Dignity of the Recipient: The verse also emphasizes treating those who receive charity with respect. The giver should not donate things that are not worthy, as this would reflect disrespect for the recipients. Sometimes, the charity giver makes it a photo session to publish in the print and electric media. This unwanted advertisement badly hurts the recipient for such acts undermine their dignity.
- Allah’s Self-Sufficiency: Finally, it reminds the believers that charity is not for Allah’s benefit, but for the benefit of those in need and the benefit of the giver. Allah is in no need of material offerings but rewards those who give in charity for the sake of pleasing Him.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.