Surah Al-Munafiqun — Verse 10

Word Meanings:

• "Anfiqoo" (وَأَنفِقُوا): Spend in the cause of Allah, in acts of obedience and charity.
• "Ma razaqnakum" (مَا رَزَقْنَاكُمْ): What We have provided you of wealth, sustenance, and blessings.
• "Min qabli an ya'tiya ahadakumul-mawt" (مِن قَبْلِ أَن يَأْتِيَ أَحَدَكُمُ الْمَوْتُ): Before death comes to any of you, or its signs and causes become apparent.
• "Lawla akhkhartani" (لَوْلَا أَخَّرْتَنِي): "Why did You not delay me" or "Would that You had granted me respite."
• "Ila ajalin qareeb" (إِلَىٰ أَجَلٍ قَرِيبٍ): To a short, near term — a brief period of time.
• "Fa-assaddaqa" (فَأَصَّدَّقَ): So that I may give charity and purify my wealth.
• "Wa akun minas-saliheen" (وَأَكُن مِّنَ الصَّالِحِينَ): And be among the righteous — those whose deeds are sound and who are devoted to Allah.

Tafsir (Explanation):

O believers who have faith in Allah and His Messenger, spend from the wealth and provisions that Allah has granted you — in charity, in supporting the needy, and in all paths of goodness — and do so before death overtakes any of you, or its signs and causes draw near. Do not delay, for when death arrives, its door closes and no opportunity remains.

For when a person sees the reality of death approaching — when the soul reaches the throat and the final moments come — he will cry out in deep regret and remorse, saying: "My Lord, why did You not grant me a little more time? Why did You not delay my end to a near term, so that I could give charity from my wealth, purify my possessions, and become among the righteous — those whose hearts are devoted to You and whose deeds are pleasing to You?"

But this plea will be in vain, for the time of action has passed. The opportunity that was once before him — during his days of health, strength, and wealth — is gone forever. Allah, in His perfect wisdom, has already warned humanity through His messengers and His revealed books, making the path clear and the consequences known.

A Call to the Reader:

Dear brother and sister in humanity — here is a profound lesson that touches the heart of every soul. The Qur'an presents this scene not to frighten you, but to awaken you with mercy and love. Allah, the Most Merciful, is telling you: *"I have given you wealth, health, and time. Now, before the door closes, open your hand in giving. Do not wait for the moment when you will beg for more time — for that moment will not come."*

The Prophet ﷺ said: *"The son of Adam says: 'My wealth, my wealth!' But is there anything of your wealth that is truly yours except what you ate and consumed, what you wore and wore out, or what you gave in charity and thus preserved for the Hereafter?"* (Sahih Muslim)

So seize this blessed moment today. Give from what Allah has given you — even a small amount — with a sincere heart. For the one who spends in Allah's path does not lose; rather, he invests in a treasure that never perishes. The Prophet ﷺ assured us: *"Charity does not decrease wealth"* (Sahih Muslim). And Allah Himself promises: *"Whatever you spend in good, He will repay it in full, and you will not be wronged"* (Al-Baqarah 2:272).

Do not be like those who postpone goodness until tomorrow, only to find that tomorrow never comes. Be among the wise who prepare for the journey ahead, who send forth good deeds before them, and who meet their Lord with a heart full of generosity and faith. The doors of mercy are open now — enter them with your giving, and you will find peace in this life and eternal joy in the next.