22. Sura al_Hajj [Medina 103]

The Quranic text and Ali’s version

وَالْبُدْنَ جَعَلْنَاهَا لَكُم مِّن شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ لَكُمْ فِيهَا خَيْرٌ...

22:36. The sacrificial camels we have made for you as among the Symbols from Allah:

in them is (much) good for you:

...فَاذْكُرُوا اسْمَ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهَا صَوَافَّ...

then pronounce the name of Allah over them as they line up (for sacrifice):

C2813. See n. 2808 to 22:33 above.

What was expressed in general terms is applied here more particularly to camels, the most precious and useful animals of Arabia, whose mode of slaughter for sacrifice is different from that of smaller animals:

the special word for such sacrifice is Nahr (108:2).

...فَإِذَا وَجَبَتْ جُنُوبُهَا فَكُلُوا مِنْهَا وَأَطْعِمُوا الْقَانِعَ وَالْمُعْتَرَّ...

when they are down on their sides (after slaughter), eat ye thereof, and feed such as (beg not but) live in contentment, and such as beg with due humility:

C2814. There are ethics in begging, as in charity. No approval is given to arrogant and insolent begging, though the relief of distress of all kinds, deserved and undeserved, is included in charity.

But those who beg with humility and those who receive gifts with gratitude and contentment are both mentioned for special attention.

Charity should not be given for show, or to get rid of importunate demands. It should find out real needs and meet them.

...كَذَلِكَ سَخَّرْنَاهَا لَكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ ﴿٣٦﴾

thus have we made animals subject to you, that ye may be grateful.