Surah 1-2 - YasSarNal QuR'aN

Al-Baqarah (The Cow) | WORSE THAN MURDERavoided. This sensitivity is second nature to every true Muslim.Questions were raised as a result of hostile propaganda spread by some ArabianJews, hypocrites, and unbelievers among the Arabs. Muslims would then put thosequestions to the Prophet Muĥammad, either to seek clarification or to dispel doubtsstirred by that poisonous propaganda. Revelation would often be received by theProphet giving comprehensive and final answers. This process informs and educatesthe Muslims about their religion and pre-empts any hostile schemes or designs beingcontemplated against them.This illustrates the dynamics of the battles the Qur’ān was fighting to enlightenindividual Muslims and to reinforce the Muslim community in combating outsidethreats.This passage covers questions relating to charity: what and how much should begiven and to whom. There are questions on fighting during the sacred months,drinking and gambling, and the treatment of orphans. We will discuss the reasonsthat gave rise to these questions as we discuss the relevant verses.Balancing Kindness and Personal PreferencesThey ask you what they should spend [in charity]. Say, Anything good you spend ofyour wealth should go to parents and the near of kin, to orphans and the needy, and totravellers in need. God is well aware of whatever good you do. (Verse 215)The subject of charity had already been dealt with in several Qur’ānic passagesthat preceded the revelation of the present verse. The circumstances that witnessedthe birth of Islam made voluntary financial contributions by Muslims absolutelyessential in order for the community to emerge and consolidate its position,considering the great difficulties and threat of war it was facing. It was also essentialas an expression of solidarity and cohesion within the community, and to eliminateinequality and reinforce loyalty and self-sufficiency. All these are indispensablequalities for building up a true and practical sense of community among theMuslims.At this point we are told that some Muslims asked “what they should spend [incharily].” (Verse 215) The question is about the type of money Muslims may give incharity. The reply speaks of the nature of charitable spending and defines the mostimportant beneficiaries. The phraseology of the answer, “Say, ‘Anything good youspend of your wealth,’“ indicates, first of all, that whatever is given in charity is goodfor the donor, the recipient and the community as a whole. It is good in itself and it isdone for good reasons. It also implies that people should give from the best of whatthey have and share it with others. As well as benefitting the needy, this would272