whether or not it will be received. Likewise, for those seeking the Hereafter, once again it is Allāh who will provide. Now, it is up to the individual to decide what should be sought. The third truth is that the wretched ones (‘illa-l-‘ashqā) who rejected the truth when Muhammad invited them to Islam, have a blazing fire awaiting them (nāran talaźźa, or “a flaming fire”). The term used for them in verse 15 is ‘ashqā (superlative degree). Ibn Kathir includes a hadith related to this type of person: Ahmad ibn Hanbal reported Muhammad as saying “Only wretched people will go to Hell.” When asked, “Who is the wretched,” he said, “One who disobeys and does not refrain from evil out of fear of Allah.” Imam Ahmad recorded from Abu Hurayrah that Muhammad said: “All of my followers will enter Paradise on the Day of Judgement except for whoever refuses.” They (the Companions) said, “Who would refuse, O Messenger of Allah,” He replied, “Whoever obeys me, he will enter Paradise, and whoever disobeys me, then he has refused.” 92:18 الَّذِى يُؤْتِى مَالَهُ يَتَزَكَّى Alladhī yu’tī māla-hū yatazakkā Those who spend their wealth for increase in self-purification The spending may be for charity, or for good works, such as advancing the cause of knowledge or science, or supporting ideals. “Wealth” (māl) must be understood not only for money or material goods, but also any advantage or opportunity which a man happens to enjoy, and which he can place at the service of others. The Arabic root word zakā implies both increase and purification, and both meanings may be understood to be implied here. The word tazkiyah is the transitive verbal noun (masdar) of zakā. Islahi defines it as, purification of something from adulterants, its growth and development to bring it to the height of its perfection. The word zakāt (the obligatory alms) also comes from this same root. Al-Asfahāni states that it is called zakāt because the person who gives it hopes for blessings or he hopes to purify his soul or for both of these aspects. Yusuf Ali adds that wealth (understood both literally and metaphorically) is not for selfish enjoyment or idle show. It is held on trust and may be a trial in itself. The root sidq has several derivatives. The verb saddaqa with respect to statements means to accept and realize. The verb tasaddaqa with respect to funds