سُوْرَةُ الْمُؤْمِنُوْنَ

Surah Al-Muminoon (23) — Ayah 4

The Believers · Meccan · Juz 18 · Page 342

وَٱلَّذِينَ هُمْ لِلزَّكَوٰةِ فَـٰعِلُونَ ﴿4﴾
And those who pay the Zakât.
وَٱلَّذِينَ wa-alladhīna Those who
هُمْ hum [they]
لِلزَّكَوٰةِ lilzzakati of purification works
فَـٰعِلُونَ fāʿilūna (are) doers

Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim is a 4-volume Quran commentary by Hafiz Abdus Salam bin Muhammad Bhutvi, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar and Sheikh ul-Hadith from Pakistan. Based on over 45 years of teaching and research, this tafsir follows the methodology of Tafsir bil-Ma'thur — interpreting the Quran through authentic Hadith, statements of the Companions, and the understanding of the early generations (Salaf). It is distinguished by its complete avoidance of Israeliyyat (Judeo-Christian narratives) and unverified reports. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.

(Ayah 4){ وَ الَّذِيْنَ هُمْ لِلزَّكٰوةِ فٰعِلُوْنَ:} The word Zakat is used for purification, as He said: « قَدْ اَفْلَحَ مَنْ تَزَكّٰى» [ الأعلٰی : ۱۴ ] “Indeed, he has succeeded who purifies himself.” And it is also used for the increase of something, as it is said: {’’ زَكَا الزَّرْعُ ‘‘} “The crop increased.” Zakat is also the name of one of the pillars of Islam, which refers to the payment of a specific portion from wealth, because through this act the soul attains purity and the wealth increases as well. According to this meaning, the “lam” in {’’ لِلزَّكٰوةِ ‘‘} will be for emphasis of the active participle. The meaning is that they are those who perform the act of Zakat. (Biqai) In the Quran, the mention of prayer and Zakat generally comes together.

Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan is a well-known Quran commentary by Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. This tafsir explains the meanings of the Quran in accordance with the methodology of the Salaf (early righteous generations), relying on authentic sources and straightforward language. Due to its reliability and adherence to sound Islamic scholarship, the Saudi government publishes and distributes this tafsir among the Hujjaj (pilgrims) visiting the Haramain. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.

4-1 According to some, this refers to the obligatory Zakat, (whose details, i.e., its nisab and the rate of Zakat, were explained in Madinah, however) its ruling was given in Makkah itself, and according to others, it means adopting such actions that purify the soul and morals and character.

Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran (Facilitation of the Quran) is a comprehensive Quran commentary by Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. Known for his eloquent and accessible writing style, Kilani authored this tafsir with a focus on clarity — making Quranic meanings understandable to the common reader. The tafsir provides detailed historical context for verses related to battles and expeditions, and firmly refutes modernist ideologies using strong scriptural evidence. It is widely regarded as an invaluable resource for understanding the Quran and countering deviant interpretations. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.

4. And who continuously give zakat [4],

[4]
The Literal Meaning of Zakat:

Zakat (zaka, zaku) means growth, development, increase, and becoming excellent, and zaki means to make something excellent, to reform it, and to advance it. And tazkiyah al-nafs means to purify the soul from spiritual impurities, diseases, or evil morals and to develop praiseworthy qualities, as Allah says: ﴿قَدْ اَفْلَحَ مَنْ زَكّٰهَا﴾ meaning, whoever purifies his soul has succeeded. All these meanings are included in the concept of zakat, and the two benefits that accrue to the one who pays zakat are the purification of wealth and the purification of the soul [9: 103]. The benefit that society receives from zakat is that it helps the poor and needy. Class divisions are reduced because, through the payment of zakat, wealth flows from the rich to the poor. And by "fa'iloon" is meant that the payment of zakat has become their constant and firm habit. It is not the case that they pay whenever they wish and refrain whenever they do not wish.

Zakat and Its Benefits:

Here, the question also arises that zakat was made obligatory in Madinah, so what is the meaning of ﴿فاعِلُوْنَ﴾ in this Makkan surah? The answer is that the determination of the nisab, the items on which zakat is due, and the rate of zakat—all of this actually took place in Madinah. However, its legislation had already occurred in Makkah. Thus, zakat and charity are also mentioned in most Makkan surahs.