Surah Al-Israa
Chapter 17 · Verse 28 · Revealed in Makkah
“And if you [must] turn away from the needy awaiting mercy from your Lord which you expect, then speak to them a gentle word.”
Translation: Saheeh International
Listen to recitation
Mishary Rashid Alafasy
Reflection — Ibn Kathir
The Command to maintain the Ties of Kinship and the Prohibition of Extravagance
When Allah mentions honoring one's parents, He follows this with the command to treat one's relatives well and to maintain the ties of kinship. According to the Hadith:
«أُمَّكَ وَأَبَاكَ، ثُمَّ أَدْنَاكَ أَدْنَاك»
Reflection — Maarif ul Quran
Commentary
What an unusual moral training is being given here in this verse through the Holy Prophet ﷺ to the entire Muslim community! It is being said to them: If people needing help come to you and you have nothing to give to them, and for that reason you are compelled to turn away from them, even then, this act of turning away or excusing yourself should not be with an air of indifference, or with an attitude that could be insulting for the addressee. In fact, this turning away or seeking of excuse should be coupled with an expression of your inability or constraint.
What does this verse bring up for you today?