The Quran repeatedly calls upon believers to extend a helping hand, reminding us that wealth is a trust from Allah, and sharing it is a means of purification, gratitude, and drawing closer to Him. 

Let’s check out some Quranic verses that speak about giving the needy and why it’s so important to support the poor and what good things can come from it for a Muslim.

We will look at the beautiful Arabic text, understand its meaning, and reflect on the deep guidance these Quranic quotes offer. 

1. A Quranic Quote Establishing the Needy’s Share in Wealth

This next ayah shifts our perspective wonderfully. It reminds us that the wealth we have is a trust from Allah, and within that trust, there is a designated portion that rightfully belongs to those less fortunate.

“وَفِي أَمْوَالِهِمْ حَقٌّ لِّلسَّائِلِ وَالْمَحْرُومِ”

“Wafee amwalihim haqqun lilssa-ili walmahroom”

“And in their wealth there was a right for the one who asks and for the one who is deprived.” (Surah Adh-Dhariyat, Ayah 19)

The key word here is “Haqq” – which means a right, a due share, not just optional charity. This teaches us humility; the giver shouldn’t feel superior, as they are merely distributing a portion that Allah allocated for the needy through them. 

Also, notice it mentions both the “Sa’il” (the one who asks) and the “Mahroom” (the deprived one who doesn’t ask, perhaps out of dignity or inability). 

This implies we shouldn’t just wait to be asked; we should actively seek out those who are in need but are hidden from view. 

2. A Quranic Quote Linking Giving to the Needy with Being Righteous 

True piety in Islam isn’t about rituals alone. It’s about selflessness especially towards those who need us most.

“لَّيْسَ ٱلْبِرَّ أَن تُوَلُّوا۟ وُجُوهَكُمْ قِبَلَ ٱلْمَشْرِقِ وَٱلْمَغْرِبِ وَلَـٰكِنَّ ٱلْبِرَّ مَنْ ءَامَنَ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلْيَوْمِ ٱلْءَاخِرِ… وَءَاتَى ٱلْمَالَ عَلَىٰ حُبِّهِۦ ذَوِى ٱلْقُرْبَىٰ وَٱلْيَتَـٰمَىٰ وَٱلْمَسَـٰكِينَ”

“ Laysa al-birra an tuwallū wujūhakum qibala al-mashriqi wal-maghrib, walākinna al-birra man āmana billāhi wal-yawmi al-ākhiri… wa ātā al-māla ‘alā ḥubbihi dhawi al-qurbā wal-yatāmā wal-masākīn”

“Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day… and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy…”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:177)

Notice how Allah mentions giving wealth even though we love it. True charity isn’t just about spare change. It’s about giving from what we cherish. 

And see how the needy (masākīn) are placed alongside orphans and relatives? It shows the high station they have in the sight of Allah.

When you understand even just the word masākīn—from sukoon, meaning stillness—you realize these are people whose lives have become still from hardship. What a gentle description.

Understanding these beautiful nuances truly comes alive when you begin to learn Quranic Arabic. Our Learn Quranic Arabic course at Quranica is designed especially for beginners like you.

3. A Quranic Command to Care for the Orphan and Needy

In Surah Ad-Dhuha, revealed during a time when the Prophet (peace be upon him) sought comfort, Allah gives direct instructions regarding the vulnerable:

“فَأَمَّا الْيَتِيمَ فَلَا تَقْهَرْ ‎ وَأَمَّا السَّائِلَ فَلَا تَنْهَرْ”

“Fa ammal yateema falaa taqhar Wa ammas saa’ila falaa tanhar”

“So as for the orphan, do not oppress [him]. And as for the petitioner, do not repel [him].” (Surah Ad-Dhuha 93:9-10)

The structure here is emphatic: Fa amma… fa la… (As for… then do not…). It’s a clear prohibition against harshness. 

Do not overpower or be unjust to the yateem (orphan), who lacks a primary protector. And do not harshly turn away the saa’il (the one who asks, the petitioner, the needy).

This speaks volumes about the Islamic teachings on helping the poor and vulnerable.

It reminds us to recall Allah’s favours upon us and translate that gratitude into kindness towards those less fortunate. 

Read more about: Top 8 Quranic Verses on Anger Management

4. A Quranic Warning Against Neglecting the Needy

The Quran doesn’t only encourage; it also warns against neglecting our duty towards the less fortunate, linking it to a denial of faith itself. Allah asks rhetorically:

“أَرَأَيْتَ الَّذِي يُكَذِّبُ بِالدِّينِ ‎‏ فَذَٰلِكَ الَّذِي يَدُعُّ الْيَتِيمَ ‏ وَلَا يَحُضُّ عَلَىٰ طَعَامِ الْمِسْكِينِ”

Ara’aytal-ladhee yukadhdhibu bid-deen? Fadhaalikal-ladhee yadu’-‘ul-yateem  Wa laa yahuddu ‘alaa ta’aamil-miskeen 

“Have you seen the one who denies the Recompense? For that is the one who drives away the orphan  And does not encourage the feeding of the poor [al-miskeen].” (Surah Al-Ma’un 107:1-3)  

This is a powerful and sobering set of verses. Allah connects denying the Day of Judgment (ad-Deen) directly with repulsive behaviour towards the orphan (yadu’-‘ul-yateem – pushes away harshly) and apathy towards the suffering of the poor (al-miskeen – the one in utter need).

 It shows that true belief must manifest in compassion and action. 

Neglecting the needy in Islam isn’t just a social failing; it’s presented here as a symptom of a deeper spiritual sickness. Contemplating these verses underscores the practical, real-world implications of our faith.

5. A Quranic Quote on Multiplying Charity’s Reward

Allah (SWT) often uses parables to help us grasp profound truths. Here, He illustrates the incredible multiplication of rewards for spending in His cause.

“مَّثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَٰلَهُمْ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ كَمَثَلِ حَبَّةٍ أَنۢبَتَتْ سَبْعَ سَنَابِلَ فِى كُلِّ سُنۢبُلَةٍۢ مِّا۟ئَةُ حَبَّةٍۢ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ يُضَـٰعِفُ لِمَن يَشَآءُ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ وَٰسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ”

“Mathalul-ladheena yunfiqoona amwaalahum fee sabeelil-laahi kamathali ḥabbatin ambatat sab’a sanaabila fee kulli sumbulatim-mi’atu ḥabbah. Wal-laahu yuḍaa’ifu limay-yashaaa’. Wal-laahu Waasi’un ‘Aleem.”

“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)  

Imagine! One act of charity, given sincerely for Allah’s sake, can be multiplied like a single seed yielding seven hundred grains, or even more, as Allah wills. 

This isn’t just about material wealth; it’s about the barakah (blessing) and spiritual growth that comes from giving. 

The beauty of the Quran’s language here is truly moving.

Grasping these nuances, often explored in depth through structured learning like an Online Quran Tafseer Course, makes the verses resonate even more powerfully within our hearts.

6. A Quranic Verse on Avoiding Harm When Helping the Needy

The manner in which charity is given is just as important as the act of giving itself. The Quran warns against nullifying acts of kindness through arrogance or causing emotional injury to the recipient.

“يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تُبْطِلُوا صَدَقَاتِكُم بِالْمَنِّ وَالْأَذَىٰ كَالَّذِي يُنفِقُ مَالَهُ رِئَاءَ النَّاسِ وَلَا يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ”

Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoo la tubtiloo sadaqatikum bilmanni wal-atha kaallathee yunfiqu malahu ri-aa annasi wala yu/minu billahi walyawmi al-akhiri  

“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.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:264)  

This verse warns against two specific actions that nullify the reward of charity: al-mann (reminding beneficiaries of the favour, implying obligation) and al-adha (causing injury, annoyance, or harm, whether verbal or otherwise). 

7. A Quranic Encouragement to Give the Needy from the Best

Building upon the importance of how we give, the Quran also guides us on what we should give. It encourages us to offer charity from the good and wholesome things we possess, not merely leftovers or items we wouldn’t want for 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 [tayyibāt] which you have earned and from that which We have produced for you from the earth. And do not aim toward the defective [al-khabīth] therefrom, spending [from that] 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)  

Allah commands the believers to spend from the “tayyibāt” – the pure, good, wholesome things. This applies whether it’s from wealth we’ve earned or produce from the earth. He then explicitly prohibits us from intending (tayammamū – aiming for, seeking out) the “khabīth” – the bad, defective, or worthless – for charity.

8. A Quranic Praise for Consistent Giving, in Good Times and Bad

True generosity and reliance on Allah shine brightest when they are consistent, demonstrated not only when we have plenty but also during times of difficulty. The Quran praises those who maintain their charitable habits regardless of their financial state.

“الَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ فِي السَّرَّاءِ وَالضَّرَّاءِ وَالْكَاظِمِينَ الْغَيْظَ وَالْعَافِينَ عَنِ النَّاسِ ۗ وَاللَّهُ يُحِبُّ الْمُحْسِنِينَ”  

“Allatheena yunfiqoona fee alssarra-i waalddarra-i waalkathimeena alghaytha waalAAafeena AAani alnnasi waAllahu yuhibbu almuhsineen”  

“Those who spend [in Allah’s Cause] in prosperity [as-sarrā’] and in adversity [aḍ-ḍarrā’], who restrain anger, and who pardon the people – and Allah loves the doers of good [al-muḥsinīn].” (Surah Aal-i-Imran, 3:134)

This beautiful verse describes the characteristics of the Muttaqin (the pious, God-conscious) whom Allah promises Paradise. Right at the forefront is their habit of spending (yunfiqūna) – giving charity, supporting others – both “fis-sarrā'” (in times of ease, prosperity, abundance) and “waḍ-ḍarrā'” (in times of hardship, adversity, scarcity).

9. A Quranic Encouragement for Discreet Charity

While giving charity openly can sometimes serve as a good example for others, the Quran highlights a special virtue in giving discreetly, particularly when giving directly to the poor. This protects sincerity and the dignity of the recipient.

“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 waAllahu bima taAAmaloona khabeer”  

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

Why better? Giving secretly is often closer to pure sincerity, safeguarding the intention from any desire for praise or recognition (riyā’). It also profoundly respects the dignity of the poor (al-fuqarā’), sparing them potential embarrassment in front of others.

10. A Quranic Metaphor on Giving the Needy as a Beautiful Loan to Allah

To elevate the status of giving and encourage believers further, the Quran uses a truly beautiful and profound metaphor: presenting charity given sincerely for His sake as a “goodly loan” made directly to Allah Himself.

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

“Inna almussaddiqeena waalmussaddiqati 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)

What does it mean to “loan” Allah, the Owner of everything? It’s a metaphor highlighting:

• Allah’s Guarantee: Just as a loan implies repayment, Allah guarantees the return for charity given for His pleasure. Who could be more reliable in repayment than Allah?
• The Value He Places on Charity: Allah dignifies the act by portraying Himself figuratively as the recipient of this “loan.”
• The Quality of the “Loan”: The description “ḥasanan” (goodly, beautiful) implies the loan (charity) should be offered with sincerity, from halal (lawful) earnings, and without expectation of worldly return, nor causing harm or reminders (as discussed in 2:264).

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