Transliteration:( Laisal birra an tuwalloo wujoohakum qibalal mashriqi walmaghribi wa laakinnal birra man aamana billaahi wal yawmil aakhiri wal malaaa 'ikati wal kitaabi wan nabiyyeena wa aatalmaala 'alaa hubbihee zawilqurbaa walyataa maa walmasaakeena wabnas sabeeli wassaaa'ileena wa firriqaabi wa aqaamas salaata wa aataz zakaata walmoofoona bi ahdihim izaa 'aahadoo wasaabireena fil baasaaa'i waddarraaa'i wa heenal baas; ulaaa'ikal lazeena sadaqoo wa ulaaa 'ika humul muttaqoon )
"True righteousness [376] is not that you turn your faces to the east or to the west, but true righteousness is that a person who has faith [377] in Allah and in the Last Day and the angels and the Scripture and the Prophets [378] and gives from his dear wealth [379] out of love for Allah to relatives and to orphans and the needy and to travelers [380] and the beggars [381] and for freeing slaves and establishes prayer [382] and gives Zakat [383]. And those who fulfill their promise when they make a promise [384] and are patient in adversity and hardship and in times of crusade (Jihad) [385]. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are God-fearing [386]." (Kanzul Imaan Translation)
Righteousness is not defined by mere physical actions such as facing a certain direction in prayer (the Qibla), but by having faith in Allah and doing good deeds in accordance with His commandments. The verse emphasizes that true righteousness involves faith, good deeds, and a correct belief system. For the believers, it is not enough to simply face the Qibla, but faith must also reside in the heart.
Faith (Iman) comes before good deeds. Belief in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Scripture, and the Prophets is the foundation upon which righteous actions are built. Faith is the base, and good deeds are its branches.
Iman Mufassil: The verse teaches the fundamental elements of faith (like belief in Allah, His angels, His Books, and His Prophets), which are the core beliefs that every believer must hold. This serves as the foundation of Islam.
Dear wealth refers to giving away what is most precious to oneself—money, possessions, or resources, especially when one is still healthy and in need of these resources. The verse highlights the importance of giving from one's most beloved and cherished possessions, as true charity comes from sacrifice.
Travelers are defined as those who are away from their homes and in need of assistance. Even if a wealthy traveler is stranded, they can receive charity, including Zakat. This verse indicates that those who are temporarily in need should also be aided.
Beggars can be recipients of charity, though begging is not always permissible. The verse highlights that even if a person is mistakenly thought to be a beggar, their Zakat is valid if given. It is not necessary to investigate their financial status.
The verse emphasizes that establishing prayer goes beyond just performing it; it means offering it regularly, with sincerity and humility. Salaah is a fundamental act of worship that should be done with devotion and correctness.
The verse stresses the importance of giving Zakat and charity. Zakat is specifically mentioned, but charity goes beyond just obligatory giving; it includes voluntary acts of kindness and generosity.
This refers to keeping all types of promises, whether they are to Allah, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, one’s spouse, or anyone else. A promise must be kept as long as it is lawful and just. Breaking promises that are lawful is a sin.
Patience during adversity and hardship is emphasized, as well as during Jihad (holy war). Whether it's facing challenges in life or fighting in the way of Allah, steadfastness and endurance in the face of hardship will be rewarded by Allah.
God-fearing (Taqwa) is a key attribute of the truly righteous. True piety is shown through actions that reflect good deeds and a consistent commitment to faith in Allah. Those who are God-fearing will find that their deeds are aligned with Allah's will and will receive His mercy and reward.
The tafsir of Surah Baqarah verse 176 by Ibn Kathir is unavailable here.
Please refer to Surah Baqarah ayat 174 which provides the complete commentary from verse 174 through 176.
(2:177) Righteousness does not consist in turning your faces towards the east or towards the west;[175] true righteousness consists in believing in Allah and the Last Day, the angels, the Book and the Prophets, and in giving away one’s property in love of Him to one’s kinsmen, the orphans, the poor and the wayfarer, and to those who ask for help, and in freeing the necks of slaves, and in establishing Prayer and dispensing the Zakah. True righteousness is attained by those who are faithful to their promise once they have made it and by those who remain steadfast in adversity and affliction and at the time of battle (between Truth and falsehood). Such are the truthful ones; such are the God-fearing.
175. Turning one’s face towards the east or the west is mentioned here only by way of illustration. The actual purpose of the verse is to emphasize that the observance of certain outward religious rites, the performance of certain formal religious acts out of conformism, and the manifestation of certain familiar forms of piety do not constitute that essential righteousness which alone carries weight with God and earns His recognition and approval.
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