AYAT-E-SADQAH
In Surah Mujaadilah, verse 12, the Holy Qur’an declares:
يَأَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِذَا نَجَيْتُمُ الرَّسُوْلَ فَقَدِّمُوا بَيْنَ يَدَى نَجْوبِكُمْ صَدَقَةً ذَلِكَ
خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ وَ أَطْهَرُ فَإِن لَّمْ تَجِدُوا فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ .
“O believers! When you desire to say anything secretly to the Messenger, then give some alms before your submission. This is better for you and purer. But if you are unable to give anything then Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.”
It is reported that certain rich and influential people used to visit the Holy Prophet Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam and used to speak about unnecessary things. In this manner, other people especially the poor did not get the opportunity to speak to the Holy Prophet Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam. When Hadrat Sayyiduna ‘Ali Radi Allahu ‘Anhu noticed this, he was extremely displeased and mentioned to the Holy Prophet Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam, “O Prophet of Allah! If there was a law which made it necessary upon these rich people to give Sadqah first before they spoke to you, in this way, this Sadqah will also be able to help the poor and needy. In like manner, since they are given less opportunity to speak to you (through this Sadqah given to them, these poor people) will also become happier.”
The Holy Prophet Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam replied, ‘O ‘Ali! You have spoken the truth. However, I cannot place such an instruction upon these people because I do not want to hurt their feeling.”
However, a little while later, the above verse was revealed and the same command was given in this verse as per the wishes of Hadrat Sayyiduna ‘Ali Radi Allahu ‘Anhu.
When this verse was revealed, the Holy Prophet Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam stated, “O ‘Ali! Allah azza wajal has fulfilled your wishes and had placed a restriction that without giving Sadqah, they should not present themselves so that this can help the poor”.
When Hadrat Ali Radi Allahu Anhu heard this, he also immediately gave Sadqah and began speaking to the Holy Prophet Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam. He also inquired about ten issues. Thereafter, this command was abrogated because certain poor people could not manage to give anything. This is the reason that later Hadrat Sayyiduna ‘Ali Radi Allahu Anhu is reported to have stated, “There is a verse in the Holy Qur’an who no one practised upon except for me and after me, no one could fulfil (this command).” (Tafseer Madaarik, Tafseer Khaazin)
