Ten Points from Quran about Infaq
The phrase “Ghardh-al-hasana” (good loan) point to the fact that there are different kinds of loans, some of which have low value or no value at all while some are good loans. The Holy Quran has introduced the conditions of a good loan, or in the words a valuable Infaq, in different verses.
Quran interpreters, including Ayatollah Nasser Makarem Shirazi, have used those verses to point to ten conditions for Infaq.
Infaq is an Arabic word meaning spending and disbursement, but it also carries the sense of doing so simply to please God without asking for any favor or hoping for a return.
Here are the ten conditions for good Infaq:
1- Infaq should be from the best part of what one has, not from low value possessions. The Quran says: “Believers, spend for the cause of God from the good things that you earn and from what we have made the earth yield for you. Do not even think of spending for the cause of God worthless things that you yourselves would be reluctant to accept. Know that God is Self-sufficient and Glorious.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 267)
2- It should be what people need, as God says in verse 9 of Surah Al-Hashr: “… and prefer (others) above themselves, even though they themselves have a need.”
3- Infaq should be given to those who really need it and have priority (to receive it): “(Charity is) for the poor who are restrained in the way of Allah, and are unable to journey in the land.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 273)
4- It would be better to do Infaq secretly: “It is not bad to give alms in public. However if you give them privately to the poor, it would be better for you and an expiation for some of your sins. God is Well-Aware of what you do.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 271)
5- It should never include reproach and insult: “Believers, do not annul your charitable giving with reproach and hurt, like he who spends his wealth to show off to the people and believes neither in Allah nor in the Last Day.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 264)
6- Infaq should be done with Ikhlas (purity of intention): “The example of those who spend their property to please God out of their firm and sincere intention is as the garden on a fertile land which, after a heavy rainfall or even a drizzle, yields double produce. God is Well-Aware of what you do.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 265)
7- One should consider his Infaq as insignificant and small no matter how big it seems to be: “… and do not think that by doing such deeds, you have done a great favor to God.” (Surah Al-Muddaththir, verse 6)
8- Infaq should be from the possessions one likes very much and is attached to: “You can never have extended virtue and righteousness unless you spend part of what you dearly love for the cause of God. God knows very well whatever you spend for His cause.” (Surah Al-Imran, verse 92)
9- One should never consider himself the true owner of anything: “Believe in Allah and His Messenger and spend (in charity) of that which He has made you successors. Whosoever of you believes and spends shall have a mighty wage.” (Surah Al-Hadid, verse 7)
10- Most importantly, Infaq must be from what has been earned through Halal means to be accepted by God: “God only accepts the offerings of the pious ones.” (Surah Al-Ma’idah, verse 27)
These are some, but not all, of the major conditions for Infaq to be accepted by God. Among the conditions mentioned some are Wajib (obligatory) such as avoiding reproach and insult, while others will make it more perfect, such as giving Infaq when one needs it himself.
