The Holy Quran 2:263 — Surah Al-Baqarah

Arabic text

۞ قَوْلٌ مَّعْرُوفٌ وَمَغْفِرَةٌ خَيْرٌ مِّن صَدَقَةٍ يَتْبَعُهَآ أَذًى ۗ وَٱللَّهُ غَنِىٌّ حَلِيمٌ

Translation

A kind word (to the person seeking help when you are unable to give help him) and forgiveness (if he is persistent or begging in an uncultured manner) is better than charity followed by hurt. Allaah is Independent (He does not need people's charity), Tolerant.

Tafsir (excerpt) — Tafsir Usmani

How to answer one who asks: that is, to answer the one who asks gently and to overlook his insistence and bad manners is better than charity after which he is repeatedly put to shame, reminded of the favour or taunted. And Allah is free of need: He has no need of anyone's wealth; whoever gives charity in His way does it for himself.

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