Surah Al-Layl — Verse 18

Word Meanings:

• يُؤْتِي مَالَهُ — gives his wealth (spends it freely in the cause of Allah).
• يَتَزَكَّىٰ — seeking purification; i.e., to grow in spiritual purity and righteousness, and to be cleansed from sins.

Tafsir (Explanation):

This verse describes the most righteous person who will be kept far away from the blazing Fire. He is the one who gives his wealth purely for the sake of Allah, not as a reward to anyone who had done him a favor, nor out of show or reputation. Rather, his sole intention is to purify himself — to cleanse his soul from the stains of sin and to elevate his rank with his Lord. This is the essence of true charity: spending not to gain something from people, but to gain closeness to Allah and His pleasure. The verse points to the noble companion Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him), who spent his entire wealth in the path of Allah, seeking only His acceptance. Such a person does not give to receive; he gives to become pure, and Allah, in His infinite generosity, promises him in Paradise what will satisfy him completely.

A Da'wah Reflection:

Dear believer, look at the beauty of this verse — it teaches us that our wealth is not truly ours, but a trust from Allah, and the way we spend it can either purify us or burden us. When you give for Allah's sake alone, your heart is cleansed of greed, your soul is lifted from attachment to this world, and your deeds become a means of drawing nearer to your Creator. This is the path of the righteous — those who race to goodness not for applause, but for the pleasure of the One who sees all. Let your giving be a bridge to Paradise, not a transaction with people. Remember, the hand that gives for Allah never loses; it only gains — in this life through peace of heart, and in the Hereafter through eternal bliss. So open your hand generously, purify your soul, and taste the sweetness of true faith.