God says
….and [truly virtuous are they] who give food -- however great be their own want of it* -- unto the needy, and the orphans, and the captive** [saying, in their hearts]: we feed you for the sake of God alone: we desire no recompense from you, nor thanks: behold, we stand in awe of our Lord’s judgment*** on the distressful fateful Day! Q.76: 8-10
*Or, as in 2:177, “however much they themselves may cherish [i.e., “need”] it; cf. also 90: 14-16. It is to be noted that in this context the concept of “giving food” comprises every kind of help and care, both material and moral.
** The term asir denotes anyone who is “captive” either literally (e.g. a prisoner) or figuratively, i.e., a captive of circumstances which render him helpless; thus, the Prophet said, “Thy debtor is thy captive; be, therefore, truly kind to thy captive” (Zamakhshri, Razi, so on so forth). The injunction of kindness towards all who are in need of help – and therefore “captive” in one sense or another – applies to believers and non believers alike (Tabari, Zamakhshri), and apparently also to animals dependant on man.
….and [truly virtuous are they] who give food -- however great be their own want of it* -- unto the needy, and the orphans, and the captive** [saying, in their hearts]: we feed you for the sake of God alone: we desire no recompense from you, nor thanks: behold, we stand in awe of our Lord’s judgment*** on the distressful fateful Day! Q.76: 8-10
*Or, as in 2:177, “however much they themselves may cherish [i.e., “need”] it; cf. also 90: 14-16. It is to be noted that in this context the concept of “giving food” comprises every kind of help and care, both material and moral.
** The term asir denotes anyone who is “captive” either literally (e.g. a prisoner) or figuratively, i.e., a captive of circumstances which render him helpless; thus, the Prophet said, “Thy debtor is thy captive; be, therefore, truly kind to thy captive” (Zamakhshri, Razi, so on so forth). The injunction of kindness towards all who are in need of help – and therefore “captive” in one sense or another – applies to believers and non believers alike (Tabari, Zamakhshri), and apparently also to animals dependant on man.
Prophet said
“Feed the hungry, visit the sick, and free the captive.” - H: Bukhari. N: Abu Musa
“The best charity is to satisfy a hungry belly.” -- H: Baihaqi. N: Anas.
A man complained about his hard-heartedness to the Prophet. He advised (the cure): “(Affectionately) pass thy hand over orphans’ head and give food to the poor’ – H: Ahmed. N: Abu Hurairah.
“Feed the hungry, visit the sick, and free the captive.” - H: Bukhari. N: Abu Musa
“The best charity is to satisfy a hungry belly.” -- H: Baihaqi. N: Anas.
A man complained about his hard-heartedness to the Prophet. He advised (the cure): “(Affectionately) pass thy hand over orphans’ head and give food to the poor’ – H: Ahmed. N: Abu Hurairah.
