Comprehensive Understanding of “Thumma Lā Yutbi'ūna Mā Anfaqū Mannan Walā Adhan” Mentioned in Verse 2:262 of Al-Qur’an

Abstract

Abstract

Spending wealth in the way of Allah (SWT) is a significant act, enjoined for the Muslim people, that brings blessings and great rewards from Allah (SWT). However, as stated in verse 2:262 of Al-Qur’an, the reward of spending would be ensured if we don’t follow up the spending with “Mannan (favor)” and not with “Adhan (hurt/injury).” The clause “thumma lā yutbi'ūna mā anfaqū mannan walā adhan” of this verse has been interpreted as, “then (they) do not publicize (tell) their favor after having spent, nor cause any hurt (injury or distress) to those on whom they have spent.” This interpretation refers to the recipients of spending as needy people, such as relatives, orphans, beggars, etc. who are usually within the reach of the donors. However, as narrated in the first part of verse 2:262, “those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah (SWT),” the spending should refer to a wide range of recipients. Some examples of recipients of spending, other than the needy people, are Masjids, educational institutions, charitable institutions, logistic supports for Jihad, orphanage centers, etc. which are out of direct reach of the donors. In these cases, it is not possible to tell any recipient about this favor or to incur any injury by hurtful words. Therefore, it may be expected to have an updated interpretation applicable to all the recipients of spending in the way of Allah (SWT). This research aims to find a comprehensive interpretation and understanding of the clause “thumma lā yutbi'ūna mā anfaqū mannan walā adhan,” as mentioned in verse 2:262 of Al-Qur’an. For this purpose, some notable areas of spending in the way of Allah (SWT) and the limitations of the existing interpretations of this clause have been identified. Finally, an updated interpretation of the mentioned clause has been perceived. The updated interpretation provides us with a comprehensive understanding of “thumma lā yutbi'ūna mā anfaqū mannan walā adhan" mentioned in verse 2:262 of Al-Qur’an.