Surah Al-Layl — Verse 19

Word Meanings:

• عِندَهُ (indahu): with him, i.e., in his account or obligation.
• نِّعْمَةٍ (ni‘mah): a favor or kindness.
• تُجْزَىٰ (tujzā): to be repaid or recompensed.

Explanation of the Verse:

This verse continues to describe the qualities of the most righteous person who will be saved from the blazing Fire. After mentioning that such a person gives his wealth to purify himself, seeking only the pleasure of his Lord, Allah clarifies the pure intention behind this giving: this person does not spend his wealth as a repayment for a favor someone had done for him. He is not returning a kindness or settling a debt of gratitude. His giving is not transactional—it is not motivated by the expectation of receiving something in return from another human being.

Rather, his sole motive is the sincere desire to draw closer to Allah, seeking His noble Face and His pleasure alone. He gives freely, without any worldly strings attached, because his heart is focused on the Hereafter, not on the fleeting rewards of this life.

A Call to Reflection:

This verse teaches us a profound lesson about sincerity. How often do we give, only to expect something back—whether it be praise, gratitude, or a favor in return? The believer who truly understands the nature of worship gives for Allah alone, freeing his heart from the burden of expecting repayment from people. Such a person is like a pure spring that flows continuously, not because it expects the earth to thank it, but because it is its nature to give. When you give for Allah’s sake, your heart becomes light, your soul becomes peaceful, and your reward is guaranteed with the One who never forgets a single deed. This is the path to true happiness—not in collecting favors from people, but in investing in the eternal treasure that Allah has prepared for those who seek His pleasure. Let us train our hearts to give purely, and we will find that Allah, in His infinite generosity, will give us what no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human heart has ever imagined.