"Those Who Slander the Voluntary Givers" — Hypocrites Mocking the Charitable
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ٱلَّذِينَ يَلۡمِزُونَ ٱلۡمُطَّوِّعِينَ مِنَ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ فِي ٱلصَّدَقَٰتِ
— التوبة 79
Verse: "Those who slander the voluntary givers among the believers in charity and those who find nothing except their effort." (9:79)
Occasion (Sahih): Abu Masud Al-Ansari narrated: Abd Al-Rahman ibn Awf brought half his wealth — four thousand dirhams — as charity for the Battle of Tabuk. Another man brought one sa' of dates, all he owned. The hypocrites said: "Ibn Awf is showing off; this poor man's sa' is worthless to Allah." The verse was then revealed.
Lesson: Mocking a believer's giving — whether little or much — is a sign of hypocrisy.
Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari (4668); Lubab Al-Nuqul by Al-Suyuti
Question: How did the hypocrites criticize the charities of Ibn Awf and the poor man?
Answer: They said Ibn Awf was showing off because he gave much, and the poor man's sa' was worthless. The Quran responded: slander is hypocrisy — sincerity to Allah judges both the much and the little.