English Translation of Al-Quran
[33].Surah Al-Ahzab [The Confederates]
Ayat 19. Being miserly towards you (as regards help and aid in Allah’s Cause). Then when fear comes, you will see them looking to you, their eyes revolving like (those of) one over whom hovers death, but when the fear departs, they will smite you with sharp tongues, miserly towards (spending anything in any) good (and only covetous of booty and wealth). Such have not been believed. Therefore, Allah makes their deeds fruitless, and that is ever easy for Allah.
Tafseer of Surah Al Ahzab (The Confederates) Ayat 19. Covetous over you. Then when fear comes, thou wilt see them looking to thee, their eyes revolving, like (those of) one over whom hovers death: but when the fear is past, they will smite you with sharp tongues, covetous of goods. Such men have no faith, and so Allah has made their deeds of no effect: and that is easy for Allah. Ashihhah: covetous, grasping, and miserly. Here the meaning is twofold: (1) they spare themselves in the fight as compared with you; they are miserly with themselves as against you; they contribute little either in personal effort or with their money and resources; and (2) they covet any gains made or booty won, on the part of the real fighters. In times of danger; they would look to the Prophet for protection, and keep themselves snugly from the fight. When the danger is past, they will come and brag and wrangle and show their covetousness or greed for gain though they gave of themselves but sparingly. Even any good they may have done becomes vain because of their motives of envy, greed, and covetousness and their cowardice. It is not surprising that men’s deeds fall as they were dead because there is no pure motive behind them. For men it may be difficult to probe motives, but it is easy for Allah, Whom hypocrisy or false show can never deceive.
Hazrat Abu Umamah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ [SAWW](PBUH) said, “The best of charities is to provide canopy in the Cause of Allah, to pay wages to a servant in the way of Allah, and to provide a camel in the way of Allah (to be used by a Mujahid).”
[At-Tirmidhi Hadith # 1627].
Lesson: as mentioned above in Surah Al-Ahzab Ayat 19. “Miserly towards (spending anything in any) good” Here, the word canopy (tent) stands for a covered canopy tent which can provide a Mujahid with shade for peace and comfort, and “pay wages” means to provide a servant who can help and serve him. “Fahl” literally means camel and “Taruqah” is that young she-camel which can bear offspring that is a young healthy she-camel which can be of service to the Mujahid. What all this means is that such work is highly meritorious which can provide a Mujahid with comfort, power and food. Allah holds promise of a rich reward for it.
