لَنۡ تَنَالُوۡا الۡبِرَّ حَتّٰى تُنۡفِقُوۡا مِمَّا تُحِبُّوۡنَؕ وَمَا تُنۡفِقُوۡا مِنۡ شَىۡءٍ فَاِنَّ اللّٰهَ بِهٖ عَلِيۡمٌ
Word By Word —
Word By Word —
Lan tanaloo albirra hattatunfiqoo mimma tuhibboona wama tunfiqoo minshay-in fa-inna Allaha bihi AAaleem
What Does Surah Aal-i-Imraan Ayah 92 Mean? - Common Questions & Answers
Explore the meaning, interpretation, and Islamic explanation of Surah Aal-i-Imraan Ayah 92 from the Holy Quran. Find answers to frequently asked questions about this verse, its context, and significance in Islamic teachings.
❓What is the meaning and significance of Ali 'Imran 3:92 about attaining righteousness?
Ali 'Imran 3:92 establishes that true righteousness (birr) cannot be achieved until believers spend from what they love most. The Arabic term 'birr' means the perfect fulfillment of all rights due to Allah and creation. This verse teaches that authentic charity requires sacrificing cherished possessions, not merely giving away surplus items. It emphasizes that spiritual excellence comes through proving our love for Allah supersedes worldly attachments.
❓What is the story of Abu Talhah's garden sacrifice in response to this verse?
When this verse was revealed, Abu Talhah, the wealthiest among the Ansar of Madinah, immediately responded by offering his most beloved possession - the Bayruha garden located directly across from the Prophet's mosque. He told the Prophet (peace be upon him): 'The most beloved of all my property to me is Bayruha garden, so I want to give it in charity in Allah's cause.' The Prophet commended him saying it was 'profitable property' and advised him to distribute it among his relatives and cousins, which Abu Talhah did.
❓How did other companions respond to the command to give from what they love?
Umar ibn al-Khattab offered his most precious property - his share in Khaybar - and the Prophet advised him to retain the land and give its fruits in charity, establishing the first Islamic endowment (waqf). Zayd ibn Haritha gave his beloved horse, and Abdullah ibn Umar freed his most cherished bondmaid. Each companion identified what they loved most and immediately sought to spend it in Allah's way, demonstrating their eagerness to attain true righteousness.
❓What does 'birr' (righteousness) mean in the Islamic context of this verse?
In Islamic theology, 'birr' represents the perfect fulfillment of all rights due to Allah and His creation. It encompasses complete righteousness, spiritual excellence, and moral perfection. The word derives from the root meaning 'fulfillment' and is used to describe those who completely satisfy their obligations. In Quranic context, 'abrar' (righteous ones) are those who achieve this level of spiritual excellence, as mentioned in verses about paradise dwellers.
❓Why does the verse specifically require giving from 'what you love' rather than general charity?
The verse emphasizes giving from beloved possessions because true spiritual development requires genuine sacrifice, not convenience. Classical scholars explain that giving away surplus or unwanted items lacks the transformative power needed for spiritual purification. When believers sacrifice what they cherish most, they demonstrate that their love for Allah supersedes material attachments, thereby achieving the spiritual detachment necessary for righteousness. This principle applies to both obligatory and voluntary charity.
❓What does 'Allah is fully aware of it' signify in the context of charitable giving?
The phrase 'Allah is fully aware' (Allah bihi aleem) indicates that Allah knows the true quality, sincerity, and sacrifice involved in every charitable act. It means Allah recognizes whether something is truly dear to the giver, whether the giving is done for Allah's pleasure or for show, and the genuine cost of the sacrifice to the individual. This divine knowledge encompasses both the material value and the spiritual significance of the charity, ensuring that authentic sacrifice is rewarded while mere formality is recognized for what it is.
❓How does this verse relate to both obligatory and voluntary charity in Islam?
According to Islamic scholars, this verse encompasses both obligatory charity (zakah) and voluntary charity (sadaqah). The principle teaches that perfect righteousness and spiritual excellence are achieved when believers give from their cherished possessions in both contexts. For obligatory charity, it means fulfilling zakah from one's best wealth rather than seeking the minimum acceptable quality. For voluntary charity, it encourages giving what one truly values rather than disposing of unwanted items.
❓What practical guidance does this verse offer for modern Muslim charitable giving?
This verse guides modern Muslims to evaluate their charitable giving by asking whether they are truly sacrificing something meaningful or merely giving conveniences. It encourages giving high-quality items, donating from current income rather than only surplus, and supporting causes that require genuine commitment. The verse also teaches that charity should involve emotional attachment - giving away something that costs the heart, not just the wallet. This transforms charity from obligation to spiritual purification.
❓How does this verse address those who have little material wealth to give?
Islamic scholars explain that 'what you love' is not limited to expensive items. Hassan al-Basri noted that even giving a single date-fruit sincerely for Allah's pleasure can achieve the righteousness promised in this verse. The principle focuses on sincerity and sacrifice relative to one's means rather than absolute value. Poor people can attain this righteousness through other forms of worship like prayer, remembrance of Allah, and Quranic recitation, as authentic hadith clarifies that spiritual excellence has multiple pathways.
Loading...
© QuranGallery.App - Original Islamic Art. Free for personal & educational use with attribution.View License Details