Tafsir of Al-Ma'aarij 70:20

Al-Ma'arij: (20) When evil touches him...

The intended meaning of "evil" (ash-sharr) and "good" (al-khayr) here is poverty and wealth, or sickness and health.

Thus, the meaning is:

• When he becomes poor or sick, he begins to show impatience and complaint.
• When he becomes wealthy or healthy, he starts withholding charity and becomes stingy with his wealth, paying no heed to people.

Objection: The essence of this statement is that he shuns harm and seeks comfort. This is what is appropriate for an intelligent person, so why did God condemn him for it?

Answer: He was condemned because his vision is limited only to immediate, physical conditions. It was incumbent upon him to be preoccupied with the matters of the Hereafter.

Therefore:

1. If he is afflicted with sickness or poverty, and he knows that this is an action of God Almighty, he should be content with it, knowing that God does what He wills and decrees what He intends.
2. If he finds wealth and health, he should spend them in pursuit of eternal happiness (the rewards of the Hereafter).

Know that those described by the following eight characteristics are excepted from this blameworthy state:

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