Charity or ‘Sadaqah’ (صدقة) and ‘Infaq’ (إنفاق) is about purifying our souls, strengthening our communities, and expressing our gratitude for the countless blessings Allah has bestowed upon us. 

The Quran speaks extensively about charity, its virtues, its rewards, and the spirit in which it should be given.

Let us explore some of the most inspiring Quranic verses on charity & Quranic verses on Zakat in Arabic and in English. 

1. A Quranic Verse on the Boundless Reward of Charity

One of the most beautiful descriptions of charity in the Quran paints a vivid picture of how Allah (SWT) multiplies the reward for those who give sincerely for His sake.

Before we look at the verse itself, just reflect on the concept of a seed. A tiny, seemingly insignificant thing, yet it holds the potential for a magnificent plant yielding countless fruits. This is the power of giving in the path of Allah.

“مَّثَلُ الَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَالَهُمْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ كَمَثَلِ حَبَّةٍ أَنبَتَتْ سَبْعَ سَنَابِلَ فِي كُلِّ سُنبُلَةٍ مِّائَةُ حَبَّةٍ ۗ وَاللَّهُ يُضَاعِفُ لِمَن يَشَاءُ ۗ وَاللَّهُ وَاسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ”

Mathalu allatheena yunfiqoona amwalahum fee sabeeli Allahi kamathali habbatin anbatat sab’a sanabila fee kulli sunbulatin mi-atu habbatin wallahu yudaAAifu liman yashao wallahu wasiAAun AAaleem

“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:261)

Look at the sheer generosity of our Creator. The word ‘يُضَاعِفُ’ (yudaa’ifu) doesn’t just mean double; it implies manifold, abundant, and continuous multiplication. 

Notice also how Allah connects this act to His attributes: ‘وَاسِعٌ’ (Wasi’un) – All-Encompassing, meaning His bounty is limitless, and ‘عَلِيمٌ’ (Alimun) – All-Knowing, meaning He knows the intention and sincerity behind every act of giving, no matter how small it may seem to us. 

Understanding the depth of such Arabic words truly enriches one’s connection to the Quran. For those keen to explore the nuances of Quranic Arabic, our “Learn Quranic Arabic“ course at Quranica can be a wonderful gateway to these deeper meanings.

2. A Quranic Verse on Zakat for Purification and Growth 

Charity in Islam isn’t just about helping others; it’s also a profound act of self-purification. The very concept of Zakat (الزكاة), one of the five pillars of Islam, comes from the root word ‘ز ك و’ (za-ka-wa), which carries meanings of purification, growth, and blessing. 

This verse beautifully highlights this spiritual dimension. It reminds us that in giving, we are not only cleansing our wealth but also our hearts from miserliness and attachment to worldly possessions.

“خُذْ مِنْ أَمْوَالِهِمْ صَدَقَةً تُطَهِّرُهُمْ وَتُزَكِّيهِم بِهَا وَصَلِّ عَلَيْهِمْ ۖ إِنَّ صَلَاتَكَ سَكَنٌ لَّهُمْ ۗ وَاللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ”

Khuth min amwalihim sadaqatan tutahhiruhum watuzakkeehim biha wasalli AAalayhim inna salataka sakanun lahum wallahu sameeAAun AAaleem

“Take, [O, Muhammad], from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase, and invoke [Allah’s blessings] upon them. Indeed, your invocations are reassurance for them. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.” (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:103)

The words ‘تُطَهِّرُهُمْ’ (tutahhiruhum) – you purify them – and ‘تُزَكِّيهِم’ (tuzakkeehim) – you cause them increase (or sanctify them) – are key here. 

It shows that charity is a means of spiritual cleansing and growth for the giver. It’s a divine mechanism for fostering a healthier soul and a blessed life. Imagine the peace (‘سَكَنٌ’ – sakanun) that descends upon a believer when they fulfill this duty with a sincere heart. 

3. A Quranic Verse on Sincerity The Quality of Giving 

The Quran doesn’t just tell us to give; it also guides us on how to give. The spirit and intention behind our charity are paramount. 

This next verse reminds us of the importance of giving from what is good and beloved to us, not from what we deem worthless or would dislike receiving ourselves.

“يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَنفِقُوا مِن طَيِّبَاتِ مَا كَسَبْتُمْ وَمِمَّا أَخْرَجْنَا لَكُم مِّنَ الْأَرْضِ ۖ وَلَا تَيَمَّمُوا الْخَبِيثَ مِنْهُ تُنفِقُونَ وَلَسْتُم بِآخِذِيهِ إِلَّا أَن تُغْمِضُوا فِيهِ ۚ وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ غَنِيٌّ حَمِيدٌ”

Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoo anfiqoo min tayyibati ma kasabtum wamimma akhrajna lakum mina al-ardi wala tayammamoo alkhabeetha minhu tunfiqoona walastum bi-akhitheehi illa an tughmidoo feehi waAAlamoo anna Allaha ghaniyyun hameed

“O you who have believed, spend from the good things which you have earned and from that which We have produced for you from the earth. And do not aim toward the defective therefrom, spending [from aiu t] while you would not take it [yourself] except with closed eyes. And know that Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:267)

‘طَيِّبَاتِ’ (tayyibat) – good things – signifies not just lawful earnings but also things of quality. 

The phrase “while you would not take it [yourself] except with closed eyes” – is a very poignant image. It urges us to give what we ourselves value. 

This verse also reminds us that Allah is ‘غَنِيٌّ’ (Ghaniyyun) – Free of need. He doesn’t need our charity; rather, we need it for our own spiritual well-being and reward. 

He is also ‘حَمِيدٌ’ (Hameedun) – Praiseworthy, deserving of all praise for His generosity and for guiding us to what benefits us. 

Reflecting deeply on such verses is a core part of Tafseer (Quranic exegesis). If you wish to delve into the meanings behind the verses, Quranica’s “Online Quran Tafseer Course“ can offer you structured learning with experienced teachers.

4. A Quranic Verse on Secret Giving The Unseen Charity and Its Mighty Reward 

While giving openly can sometimes encourage others, there’s a special place in Islam for charity given in secret, purely for the sake of Allah, away from the eyes of men. This safeguards the intention and often reflects a deeper level of sincerity.

This beautiful verse speaks to the different ways of giving and the assurance of reward from our Lord.

“إِن تُبْدُوا الصَّدَقَاتِ فَنِعِمَّا هِيَ ۖ وَإِن تُخْفُوهَا وَتُؤْتُوهَا الْفُقَرَاءَ فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ ۚ وَيُكَفِّرُ عَنكُم مِّن سَيِّئَاتِكُمْ ۗ وَاللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌ”

In tubdoo alssadaqati faniAAimma hiya wa-in tukhfooha watu/tooha alfuqaraa fahuwa khayrun lakum wayukaffiru AAankum min sayyi-atikum wallahu bima taAAmaloona khabeer

“If you disclose your charitable expenditures, they are good; but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, it is better for you, and He will remove from you some of your misdeeds. And Allah, with what you do, is [fully] Acquainted.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:271)

Giving openly (‘تُبْدُوا الصَّدَقَاتِ’ – tubdoo as-sadaqat) can be good, perhaps to set an example or encourage others. 

However, concealing it (‘تُخْفُوهَا’ – tukhfooha) and giving directly to the needy is described as ‘خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ’ (khayrun lakum) – “better for you.” Why? Perhaps because it guards against any desire for praise or recognition, making the act purely for Allah. 

And look at the reward: “He will remove from you some of your misdeeds.” SubhanAllah, charity becomes a means of purification from sins! 

Read more about: Quranic verses

5. A Quranic Quote on Giving What You Love

This verse ties the attainment of ‘Al-Birr’ (الْبِرَّ) – which encompasses righteousness, piety, and every act of goodness – to spending from that which we genuinely love and cherish. 

“لَن تَنَالُوا الْبِرَّ حَتَّىٰ تُنفِقُوا مِمَّا تُحِبُّونَ ۚ وَمَا تُنفِقُوا مِن شَيْءٍ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ بِهِ عَلِيمٌ”

Lan tanaloo albirra hatta tunfiqoo mimma tuhibboona wama tunfiqoo min shay-in fa-inna Allaha bihi AAaleem

“Never will you attain the good [reward] until you spend [in the way of Allah] from that which you love. And whatever you spend – indeed, Allah is Knowing of it.” (Surah Aal-i-Imran, 3:92)

The condition for attaining Al-Birr is ‘حَتَّىٰ تُنفِقُوا مِمَّا تُحِبُّونَ’ (hatta tunfiqoo mimma tuhibboon) – “until you spend from that which you love.” This moves us from the realm of obligatory charity to the realm of excellence in faith (Ihsan). 

What is truly beloved to you? This verse asks us to consider offering even that for the sake of Allah.

The verse concludes with ‘فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ بِهِ عَلِيمٌ’ (fa-inna Allaha bihi ‘Aleem) – “indeed, Allah is Knowing of it,” assuring us that no act of genuine sacrifice, no matter how hidden from the world, goes unnoticed by Him. 

6. A Quranic Verse on True Success through Generosity

The Quran often speaks about the internal struggle against our own lower selves, and one aspect of this is the battle against miserliness or stinginess (‘الشُّحَّ’ – ash-shuhh). 

This next verses connects Taqwa (God-consciousness), obedience, spending in His cause, and the ultimate success that comes from overcoming the selfishness of the soul.

“فَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُمْ وَاسْمَعُوا وَأَطِيعُوا وَأَنفِقُوا خَيْرًا لِّأَنفُسِكُمْ ۗ وَمَن يُوقَ شُحَّ نَفْسِهِ فَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ إِن تُقْرِضُوا اللَّهَ قَرْضًا حَسَنًا يُضَاعِفْهُ لَكُمْ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ۚ وَاللَّهُ شَكُورٌ حَلِيمٌ”

Fattaqoo Allaha ma istataAAtum wasmaAAoo waateeAAoo waanfiqoo khayran li-anfusikum waman yooqa shuhha nafsihi faola-ika humu almuflihoon. In tuqridoo Allaha qardan hasanan yudaAAifhu lakum wayaghfir lakum wallahu shakoorun haleem.

“So fear Allah as much as you are able and listen and obey and spend [in the way of Allah]; it is better for your selves. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul – it is those who will be the successful. If you loan Allah a goodly loan, He will multiply it for you and forgive you. And Allah is Most Appreciative and Forbearing.” (Surah At-Taghabun, 64:16-17)

“So fear Allah as much as you are able,” acknowledges our human capacity while urging us to strive. 

This is followed by commands to listen, obey, and spend, with the crucial reminder: ‘خَيْرًا لِّأَنفُسِكُمْ’ (khayran li-anfusikum) – “it is better for your selves.” The act of giving benefits us foremost! 

Then comes the key: “And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul – it is those who will be the successful.” Success (‘الْمُفْلِحُونَ’ – al-muflihoon) here is not just worldly success, but ultimate success in the Hereafter. 

The imagery of ‘قَرْضًا حَسَنًا’ (qardan hasanan) – a “goodly loan” to Allah – is also profoundly beautiful. Allah, the Owner of all wealth, describes our charity as a loan to Him, which He will not only repay manifold (‘يُضَاعِفْهُ لَكُمْ’ – yudaa’ifhu lakum) but will also grant forgiveness alongside it. 

Carrying these verses in one’s heart, understanding their meaning, and living by them is a true blessing. For those aspiring to memorize such beautiful portions of the Quran, our “Quran Memorization and Hifz“ programs at Quranica offer structured support for adults and children alike.

7. A Quranic Verse on the Reward of Unwavering Charity Consistent Giving, Day and Night 

This next ayah speaks to the beauty of consistency in our charitable acts. It highlights those who don’t just give sporadically, but make it a regular part of their lives, whether in the quiet of the night or the bustle of the day, whether openly or in secret. 

There’s a special peace promised to such souls.

“الَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَالَهُم بِاللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ سِرًّا وَعَلَانِيَةً فَلَهُمْ أَجْرُهُمْ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ وَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ”

Allatheena yunfiqoona amwalahum billayli wannahari sirran waAAalaniyatan falahum ajruhum AAinda rabbihim wala khawfun AAalayhim wala hum yahzanoon

“Those who spend their wealth [in Allah’s way] by night and by day, secretly and publicly – they will have their reward with their Lord. And no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:274)

This describes a state of constant remembrance and action, where giving becomes a natural part of one’s existence. 

And the reward? “they will have their reward with their Lord.” This is a divine assurance. 

But perhaps even more touchingly for our worldly anxieties, Allah adds: “And no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.” This is the ultimate peace, the sakina that descends upon a heart connected to Allah through sincere and consistent generosity. 

8. A Quranic Verse on the Noble Reward for Charitable Souls

Islam calls both men and women to righteousness and good deeds, and charity is no exception. 

This following verse specifically mentions both believing men and women who practice charity, emphasizing their equal standing in earning Allah’s pleasure and magnificent rewards.

“إِنَّ الْمُصَّدِّقِينَ وَالْمُصَّدِّقَاتِ وَأَقْرَضُوا اللَّهَ قَرْضًا حَسَنًا يُضَاعَفُ لَهُمْ وَلَهُمْ أَجْرٌ كَرِيمٌ”

Inna almussaddiqeena walmussaddiqati waaqradoo Allaha qardan hasanan yudaAAafu lahum walahum ajrun kareem

“Indeed, the men who practice charity and the women who practice charity and [they who] have loaned Allah a goodly loan – it will be multiplied for them, and they will have a noble reward.” (Surah Al-Hadid, 57:18)

The concept of ‘قَرْضًا حَسَنًا’ (qardan hasanan) – a “goodly loan” to Allah – reappears here, reinforcing the idea that what we give is an investment with Allah Himself, one that He guarantees to multiply (‘يُضَاعَفُ لَهُمْ’ – yudaa’afu lahum). 

And the promised outcome? ‘وَلَهُمْ أَجْرٌ كَرِيمٌ’ (walahum ajrun kareem) – “and they will have a noble reward.” The word ‘كَرِيمٌ’ (kareem) signifies something that is not just plentiful, but also honorable, excellent, and of high value. It hints at a reward that surpasses our worldly understanding of value. 

Learning to recite such verses with proper Tajweed truly enhances this feeling of peace and connection. Many of our students at Quranica share how our “Learn Quran with Tajweed“ courses have transformed their recitation and deepened their appreciation for these divine messages.

9. A Quranic Verse on Avoiding Harm and Show

It is one thing to give, but it is another to ensure that our giving remains pure in the sight of Allah (SWT). 

Think of charity as a delicate plant; these actions are like pests that can destroy its beauty and fruit.

“يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تُبْطِلُوا صَدَقَاتِكُم بِالْمَنِّ وَالْأَذَىٰ كَالَّذِي يُنفِقُ مَالَهُ رِئَاءَ النَّاسِ وَلَا يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ ۖ فَمَثَلُهُ كَمَثَلِ صَفْوَانٍ عَلَيْهِ تُرَابٌ فَأَصَابَهُ وَابِلٌ فَتَرَكَهُ صَلْدًا ۖ لَّا يَقْدِرُونَ عَلَىٰ شَيْءٍ مِّمَّا كَسَبُوا ۗ وَاللَّهُ لَا يَهْدِي الْقَوْمَ الْكَافِرِينَ”

Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoo la tubtiloo sadaqatikum bilmanni wal-atha kallathee yunfiqu malahu ri-aa annasi wala yu/minu billahi walyawmi al-akhiri famathaluhu kamathali safwanin AAalayhi turabun faasabahu wabilun fatarakahu saldan la yaqdiroona AAala shay-in mimma kasaboo wallahu la yahdee alqawma alkafireen

“O you who have believed, do not invalidate your charities with reminders [of it] or injury as does one who spends his wealth [only] to be seen by the people and does not believe in Allah and the Last Day. His example is like that of a [smooth] rock upon which is dust and is struck by a heavy rain and left bare. They are unable [to keep] anything of what they have earned. And Allah does not guide the disbelieving people.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:264)

The ‘مَنٌّ’ (mann) – reminding of favors – and ‘أَذَىٰ’ (adha) – causing harm (which can be verbal, emotional, or otherwise) – are poisons to our good deeds. 

The verse then compares one who gives for show (‘رِئَاءَ النَّاسِ’ – ri’aa an-naas) to a smooth rock covered with a thin layer of dust. A heavy rain (‘وَابِلٌ’ – wabilun) washes it all away, leaving the rock ‘صَلْدًا’ (saldan) – bare, hard, and with nothing to show for it. 

This is the state of deeds done without sincere faith or for worldly recognition; they yield no reward in the Hereafter.

10. A Quranic Quote on Pure Intention in Charity

The following verses paint a vivid picture of those who give food to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, not because it is easy, but often in spite of their own love or need for that very provision. 

Their motivation is purely for the sake of Allah, expecting no reward or even thanks from those they help.

“وَيُطْعِمُونَ الطَّعَامَ عَلَىٰ حُبِّهِ مِسْكِينًا وَيَتِيمًا وَأَسِيرًا إِنَّمَا نُطْعِمُكُمْ لِوَجْهِ اللَّهِ لَا نُرِيدُ مِنكُمْ جَزَاءً وَلَا شُكُورًا”

Wa yutAAimoona alttaAAama AAala hubbihi miskeenan wayateeman waaseera. Innama nutAAimukum liwajhi Allahi la nureedu minkum jazaan wala shukoora.

“And they give food in spite of love for it (or for the love of Him) to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [Saying], ‘We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.'” (Surah Al-Insan, 76:8-9)

What a profound description of sincere charity. ‘عَلَىٰ حُبِّهِ’ (ala hubbihi) – “in spite of love for it.” This can mean in spite of their own love for the food or wealth they are giving, indicating a true sacrifice. Or it can mean giving out of their love for Allah (SWT). Both interpretations point to a deep level of faith and selflessness. 

But the essence of their action is captured in their internal declaration, almost a whisper of the soul: ‘إِنَّمَا نُطْعِمُكُمْ لِوَجْهِ اللَّهِ’ (Innama nut’imukum li-wajhillah) – “We feed you only for the countenance of Allah.” 

The term ‘وَجْهِ اللَّهِ’ (Wajhillah) – the Countenance (Face) of Allah – signifies seeking Allah’s pleasure and His alone. 

It’s a giving that is completely detached from worldly gain or recognition. ‘لَا نُرِيدُ مِنكُمْ جَزَاءً وَلَا شُكُورًا’ (la nureedu minkum jazaa’an wala shukoora) – “We wish not from you reward or gratitude.” This is the pinnacle of ikhlas (sincerity).

Read more about: Quranic Verses On Salah

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As we’ve seen, the Quranic teachings on charity are rich and deeply moving. Understanding these verses in their original Arabic, with proper Tajweed, and with insights from Tafseer can truly elevate your spiritual journey.

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Conclusion:

Our journey through these Quranic verses on charity, in both Arabic and English, has illuminated the profound depth and beauty of Sadaqah, Infaq, and Zakat in Islam. We have seen how Allah (SWT) promises to multiply our sincere offerings like a single seed yielding countless grains (2:261), and how charity serves as a vital means of spiritual purification and growth for the giver (9:103).

The guidance within these verses encourages us to give generously from the good things we have earned and love (2:267, 3:92), with utmost sincerity, seeking only the countenance of Allah (76:9), and without any expectation of worldly praise or causing harm (2:264). 

By striving to embody this spirit of selfless generosity, consistently and sincerely, we not only contribute to the well-being of others but also shield ourselves from stinginess (64:16) and invest in a “noble reward” (57:18) from Allah. 

May these Quranic insights inspire us to make charity a radiant and consistent cornerstone of our lives, bringing blessings and success in this world and the Hereafter.