Tafsir of Al-Baqarah 2:195

"And spend in the way of Allah..."

The ba in bi-aydikum (with your hands): It is an augmentative particle, similar to its usage in the phrase a‘ṭā bi-yadihi (he gave by his hand) for one who is submissive. The meaning is: "Do not seize destruction with your hands," meaning: do not let it take hold of your hands or gain mastery over you.

Alternative interpretations:

• It is said that bi-aydikum means "with your own selves."
• It is said the estimation is: "Do not cast yourselves with your own hands [into destruction]," just as it is said, "So-and-so destroyed himself with his own hand," when he is the cause of his own ruin.
• The meaning is a prohibition against abandoning spending in the way of Allah, as that is a cause of ruin; or a prohibition against extravagance in spending until one becomes impoverished and neglects his dependents.
• Or, it is a prohibition against seeking death in battle and risking one's life, or against abandoning the ghazw (military expedition), which strengthens the enemy.

The Narration: It is reported that a man from the Emigrants (Muhajirun) charged into the enemy ranks. The people shouted at him, "He has cast himself into destruction!" Abu Ayyub al-Ansari said, "We know this verse better; it was revealed concerning us. We accompanied the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), supported him, witnessed the battles with him, and preferred him over our families, wealth, and children. When Islam spread, its people increased, and war laid down its burdens, we returned to our families, children, and wealth to mend them and reside among them."

Conclusion: Thus, "destruction" was [interpreted as] remaining with family and wealth and abandoning Jihad.

Linguistic Notes:

• Abu Ali narrated in al-Ḥalabiyyāt from Abu Ubaydah that tahluka, halāk, and hulk are all one [in meaning].
• He said: This indicates, according to Abu Ubaydah, that tahluka is a verbal noun (maṣdar). Similar to this is what Sibawayh narrated regarding forms like taḍarrah and tasarrah, and in concrete nouns, tanḍabah and tanfalah.
• It is permissible to say its origin is tahluka, like tajribah (experience) and tabṣirah (insight), as a verbal noun from halaka. The kasra was changed to a ḍamma, just as al-jiwār came from al-jiwār.

"And complete the Hajj and 'Umrah for Allah. But if you are prevented, then [offer] what can be obtained with ease of sacrificial animals. And do not shave your heads until the sacrificial animal has reached its place of slaughter. And whoever among you is ill or has an ailment of the head [making shaving necessary must offer] a ransom of fasting [three days] or charity or sacrifice. And when you are secure, then whoever performs 'Umrah [during the Hajj months] followed by Hajj [offers] what can be obtained with ease of sacrificial animals. But whoever cannot find [or afford such an animal] - then a fast of three days during Hajj and seven when you have returned [home]. Those are ten complete [days]. This is for those whose family is not in the area of al-Masjid al-Haram. And fear Allah and know that Allah is severe in penalty." (196)