Translation: (Nor) those who are niggardly or enjoin
niggardliness on others, or hide the bounties which
Allah have bestowed 555 on them; for We have
prepared, for those who resist Faith, a punishment
that steeps 556 them in contempt;-
Commentary:
555 Arrogance is one reason why our deeds of love and kindness do not thrive.
Another is niggardliness or selfishness. Allah does not love either the one or the
other, for they both proceed from want of love of Allah, or faith in Allah. Miserly
is the worldly-wise man who not only refuses to spend himself in service, but by
example and precept prevents others from doing so, as otherwise he would be
made odious by comparison, before his fellow-creatures. So he either makes a
virtue of his caution, or hides the gifts which have been given him-wealth, position,
talent, etc.
556 Note how the punishment fits the crime. The miser holds other people in
contempt, and in doing so, becomes himself contemptible.
555 Arrogance is one reason why our deeds of love and kindness do not thrive. Another is niggardliness or selfishness. Allah does not love either the one or the other, for they both proceed from want of love of Allah, or faith in Allah. Miserly is the worldly-wise man who not only refuses to spend himself in service, but by example and precept prevents others from doing so, as otherwise he would be made odious by comparison, before his fellow-creatures. So he either makes a virtue of his caution, or hides the gifts which have been given him-wealth, position, talent, etc.
556 Note how the punishment fits the crime. The miser holds other people in contempt, and in doing so, becomes himself contemptible.