When I started reading the Quran in English, I was struck by this word “niggardly.” I thought to myself, surely, God would not discriminate among his own creations in such a derogatory manner.  Quickly, however, after looking up the definition, I was relieved.  This, however, reminded me that the “n” word that IS offensive is a creation of mankind to debase each other; something that people who are or were, in fact, niggardly, had/have created such a device to demean another’s life. Anyway, this post isn’t about such foul things.

I want to focus on the word “niggardly” and what it means and what the guidance provided in the Quran may mean , Allah knows best.

First, the definition of this word is (according to Webster/Oxford dictionaries): not generous or being stingy.  God cautions against this trait:

The Shaitan (devil) threatens you with poverty and enjoins you to be niggardly, and Allah promises you forgiveness from Himself and abundance; and Allah is Ample-giving, Knowing. [2:268]

 But when He gave them out of His grace, they became niggardly of it and they turned back and they withdrew. [9:76]

Behold! you are those who are called upon to spend in Allah’s way, but among you are those who are niggardly, and whoever is niggardly is niggardly against his own soul; and Allah is Self-sufficient and you have need (of Him). [47:38]

And niggardly when good befalls him [70:21]

To me, it is a warning for being too stingy, for hoarding and not giving to charity. As a result, I have started going through my things to give things away that I do not need instead of keeping them for myself even when I do not use it. For example, I keep clothes just to keep them hoping they will make a comeback one day, but all they do is just sit there year after year when I could have donate them to someone in need. As for charity, I always felt so judgmental when homeless people and other beggars asked for money. I looked down on them thinking “you will just buy alcohol or drugs.” There was something else I would feel in my heart when I would decide to hold on to my abundance, a sort of constriction or a tightening.

Luckily, I am reminded that there is only one true Judge and that He has required me to give charity, so I must give to those in need.  I have decided that it is the intent of giving that must count and not what the person receiving does with it. I have to be willing to part with the loose change and dollar bills from time to time, for God. For me, this has resulted in a feeling of open heartedness and a closeness with God.

Stay blessed xoxo