Ayat 268 Of Surat Baqarat Considered.

[Abu Fauzi]

Assalam alaikum,

In Ayat 268 of Surat Baqarat of the Holy Qur'an (2:268), Allah, Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala says:--

"SHAYTAN (SATAN) THREATENS YOU WITH POVERTY AND ORDERS YOU TO
COMMIT FAHSHA' (evil deeds, illegal sexual intercourse, sins); WHEREAS ALLAH
PROMISES YOU FORGIVENESS FROM HIMSELF AND BOUNTY, AND ALLAH IS
ALL-SUFFICIENT FOR HIS CREATURES NEEDS, ALL-KNOWING".

Satan uses the fear tactic of becoming poor on the human being. Thus he pushes him to refrain from paying Zakkat/charity for the pleasure of Allah. Satan whispers to man that spending will only push him towards poverty and need. Allah, Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala, however, gives man the good news of rewarding the generous one, saying, "WHEREAS ALLAH PROMISES YOU FORGIVENESS FROM HIMSELF AND BOUNTY...." This verse or Ayat shows that His Bounty, Azza Wa Jallah, is infinite, His sustenance is abundant and that His Treasures are full and will never be depleted. Spend freely and cheerfully in the Way of Allah, Most High.

[ardianto]

Wa'alaikumsalam

"Fahsha" in this ayah can be translated into "evil deed". However, evil deed in this matter is not zina, or drunk, or other sins, but stingy, miserly, or feel hesitate to give charity.

Al-Baqarah 286 actually is about shaytan temptation to make us do not pay zakat or give sadaqah. I can feel this temptation. When I saw interesting stuff, I bought without hesitate and easily I could say "It's okay, I have money". However, in the time when I must pay zakat or giving sadaqah, suddenly I felt like a poor man, and I got a feeling "If I give my money, then how can I fulfill my family needs?". This is what "Shaytan threaten you with poverty" mean.

But I think everyone here have ever felt this temptation too.