Infāq fī Sabīlillāh An Analytical Study of Its Meaning, Scope, and Socio-Spiritual Impact in Islamic Thought

انفاق فی سبیل اللہ: اسلامی فکر میں مفہوم، دائرۂ کار اور سماجی اثرات کا تحقیقی جائزہ

Abstract

The term Infāq fī Sabīlillāh, a deeply rooted concept in Islamic theology, literally means “spending in the way of Allah.” Derived from the Arabic root nafaqa, it conveys the act of disbursing or expending wealth or resources. In the Islamic juristic and spiritual framework, Infāq fī Sabīlillāh encompasses both voluntary and obligatory acts of giving whether of wealth, time, or effort solely for the purpose of seeking divine pleasure. This concept is especially significant in contexts such as charitable relief, propagation of Islamic teachings, and the establishment of social justice. This study aims to investigate the dual dimensions of Infāq fī Sabīlillāh: its linguistic origins and its broader terminological and theological significance in Islamic scholarship. It further explores closely related terms such as Ṣadaqah, Zakāt, Khairāt, Iḥsān, and ʿAṭāʾ, elucidating their subtle distinctions and diverse applications across classical and contemporary Islamic discourse. By examining Qur’anic verses, Prophetic traditions, and scholarly interpretations, the paper highlights the ethical, spiritual, and socioeconomic functions of altruistic giving in Islam. It also emphasizes how the practice of Infāq fī Sabīlillāh serves as a vehicle for personal purification (tazkiyah), societal equity, and communal solidarity. In doing so, this research offers a comprehensive understanding of Islamic economic ethics and the transformative role of charity in nurturing compassion, reducing inequality, and promoting justice within Muslim societies. Ultimately, Infāq fī Sabīlillāh emerges as a foundational principle in the Qur’anic vision of a morally upright and socially responsible community.