Section

With this understood, some of those who follow the path to Allah are unable to earn a living while fulfilling what Allah has commanded them of jihad, learning, worship, and other duties. They include those whom Allah mentions in His words:

“For the poor who are restricted in Allah’s cause and cannot travel through the land. Those unaware of their circumstances think them wealthy because they refrain from asking. You will recognize them by their appearance; they do not ask people insistently.”

They also include those whom Allah mentions in His words:

“For the poor Emigrants who were driven from their homes and their property, seeking Allah’s bounty and pleasure and supporting Allah and His Messenger. They are the truthful.”

The first group are recipients of charity, while the second are recipients of fay’. Concerning the first group, Allah Most High says:

“If you give charity openly, that is good; but if you conceal it and give it to the poor, that is better for you, and He will expiate some of your sins. Allah is fully aware of what you do.”

The passage continues to His words:

“For the poor who are restricted in Allah’s cause.”

Concerning the “second group,” He says:

“Whatever Allah has bestowed upon His Messenger from the people of the towns belongs to Allah, the Messenger, his close relatives, orphans, the needy, and the traveller.”

The passage continues to His words:

“For the poor Emigrants.”

Then He says:

“And those who had already settled in the city and embraced the faith before them.”

Thus, He mentioned the Emigrants and the Helpers. The Emigrants were predominantly