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The verses of Surah At-Tawbah (92–93) highlight the contrasting attitudes of two groups during the time of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
They remind us that true success lies not in wealth or means, but in sincerity, effort, and the willingness to respond to Allah’s call.
The Verses of Reflection
Surah At-Tawbah: 92–93
“Nor is there any blame on those who came to you (O Prophet ﷺ) for mounts, then when you said, ‘I can find no mounts for you,’ they left with eyes overflowing with tears out of grief that they had nothing to contribute.
Blame is only on those who seek exemption from you although they have the means. They preferred to stay behind with the helpless, and Allah has sealed their hearts so they do not realize (the consequences).”
(Surah At-Tawbah: 92–93)
Two Groups, Two Outcomes
When the Prophet ﷺ prepared for jihad, two distinct groups of companions emerged:
The Yearning but Helpless Group
They desperately wanted to join the Prophet ﷺ.
They lacked resources — no mounts, no wealth, nothing to contribute.
They left with eyes filled with tears, grieving that they couldn’t participate.
Yet, Allah honored their intention. In a hadith, the Prophet ﷺ said that whenever he and his companions crossed a valley or river, these weeping companions would also share in the reward, even though they had not physically joined.
Lesson: They lost nothing, rather they gained Allah’s pleasure and the reward of sincere intention.
The Wealthy but Reluctant Group
They had the means, yet sought excuses.
They were satisfied to stay behind with the weak and helpless.
As a result, Allah sealed their hearts, depriving them of guidance and the ability to do good.
Lesson: By turning away from Allah’s command, they achieved nothing but His anger and wrath.
Life Lessons for Us Today
- The Gift of Tawfeeq
Having the ability (tawfeeq) to do good or abstain from sin is one of the greatest blessings of Allah. It should never be taken for granted. If ignored, the chance to act upon good may be snatched away, leaving the heart sealed from guidance.
- Say “Labbaik” to Allah’s Call
Whenever Allah asks us to contribute — whether it’s through charity, prayer, or helping someone — we should respond immediately. Delays, excuses, and procrastination risk putting us among those who lag behind.
- Sincerity Over Wealth
Allah does not look at the amount, but at the intention. Even a small act of charity, prayer, or kindness can outweigh mountains of wealth when it is done sincerely.
- Charity Is Worship, Not a Transaction
The Qur’an reminds us:
“Do you consider giving water to pilgrims and maintaining the Sacred Mosque the same as believing in Allah and the Last Day and striving in Allah’s path? They are not equal in Allah’s sight. Allah does not guide the unjust people.”
(Surah At-Tawbah: 19)
This ayah teaches us that charity and service are acts of worship — but they must be rooted in faith and sincerity. They are not a substitute for belief or striving in Allah’s path.
- Avoid Stinginess After Blessings
Another verse warns us:
“Among them are those who promised Allah: ‘If He gives us of His bounty, we will donate and be among the upright.’ But when He has given them of His bounty, they became stingy with it and turned away in aversion.”
(Surah At-Tawbah: 75–76)
Many of us make promises to Allah in times of difficulty — but when we are blessed, we forget. True believers honor their promises and give from what they have been entrusted with.
Practical
Give Whatever You Can: Whether big or small, Allah accepts sincere charity. Even a date, a glass of water, or a kind smile counts.
Intention Matters Most: If you lack means, your yearning and intention alone can earn you reward.
Don’t Delay Good Deeds: Opportunities don’t last forever. What you can do today, do not postpone.
Balance Charity with Faith: Charity without belief or sincerity is empty. Root your giving in love for Allah.
Value Tawfeeq: If you find yourself praying, giving, or helping — thank Allah, for it’s His gift to you.
The verses from Surah At-Tawbah remind us that sincerity is the true currency of faith. Those who yearn but cannot give are still rewarded, while those who have but refuse risk losing Allah’s guidance altogether.
Allah is Ash-Shakoor — The Most Appreciative. Whatever little we do with clean intentions, He multiplies and rewards far beyond our imagination.
👉 So spend in His way, pray with sincerity, and serve His creation — for in the end, it’s not about what we give, but how we give it and why.
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