"They ask you about what they should spend. Tell them: 'Whatever you spend is for your parents, kinsfolk, the orphan, the destitute, and the traveler. And [rest assured] whatever good you do [will never go waste] because God is fully aware of it.'" (Quran 2:215)
Explanation
This verse addresses the question of how believers should allocate their wealth for charitable purposes. It presents a comprehensive list of deserving categories for spending, encompassing both immediate family and broader society.
Spending on parents and relatives reflects the importance of maintaining strong family bonds and fulfilling the duty of caring for close ones. It is a reminder of the value of honoring one's kinship ties and being mindful of the needs of family members.
Supporting orphans and the destitute demonstrates compassion and empathy for the most vulnerable members of society. These acts of kindness contribute to uplifting those who are deprived and providing them with the necessary support.
Furthermore, helping travelers indicates the virtue of extending hospitality and assistance to those in need, especially those away from their homes. This aspect emphasizes the significance of empathy and care for fellow human beings, regardless of their background or origin.
The verse concludes with the reassurance that all good deeds, including spending in the path of goodness, are known to God and will be rewarded accordingly. It encourages believers to have faith that their efforts will never go in vain, as God is fully aware of their intentions and actions.
Key Points
- Comprehensive Spending: The verse provides guidance on various deserving categories for spending, including family, orphans, the destitute, and travelers.
- Family and Society: Spending on family members and broader society reflects the importance of both kinship ties and compassionate care for others.
- Compassion and Empathy: Supporting orphans, the destitute, and travelers demonstrates empathy and care for the most vulnerable members of society.
- Reward from God: The verse reassures believers that all good deeds are known to God and will be rewarded accordingly.
Application
As believers, we should be mindful of how we allocate our resources and strive to fulfill the duties of both family care and broader social responsibility. By spending in the path of goodness, we can contribute to the betterment of society and the well-being of those in need.
In the context of religious tolerance, the virtue of spending for charitable purposes is shared among various faith traditions. By recognizing the importance of compassion and empathy, we can find common ground and work together to address the needs of our communities.
As individuals, let us be generous in our spending for noble causes, seeking the pleasure of God and caring for those who are less fortunate. By doing so, we can strengthen the bonds of humanity and live up to the teachings of our respective religious traditions.