The Quran

Preface

لَيسَ عَلَى الضُّعَفاءِ وَلا عَلَى المَرضىٰ وَلا عَلَى الَّذينَ لا يَجِدونَ ما يُنفِقونَ حَرَجٌ إِذا نَصَحوا لِلَّهِ وَرَسولِهِ ۚ ما عَلَى المُحسِنينَ مِن سَبيلٍ ۚ وَاللَّهُ غَفورٌ رَحيمٌ

Yusuf Ali

There is no blame¹ on those who are infirm, or ill, or who find no resources to spend (on the cause), if they are sincere (in duty) to God and His Messenger. no ground (of complaint) can there be against such as do right: and God is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.

Though active service in person or by contributing resources is expected in emergencies of every person who believes in the Cause, there are some who must necessarily be exempted without the least blame attached to them. Such would be those who are weak in body on account of age, sex, infirmity, or illness. Personal service in their case is out of the question, but they could contribute towards expenses if they are able. But if they are too poor to afford even such assistance, they are excused. But in all cases the motive must be sincere, and there should be a desire to serve and do such duty as they can. With such motives people are doing good or right in whatever form they express their service: sometimes, in Milton’s words, “they also serve who only stand and wait.” In any case their purity of motive would get God’s grace and forgiveness, and we must not criticise even if we thought they might have done more.