Philanthropy in the Perspective of the Qur'an

Emi Suhemi Suhemi (Suhemi)

El-Sunan: Journal of Hadith and Religious Studies
Vol. 4 No. 1 (2026): April

This study aims to re-examine the concept of philanthropy in the Quran to shift the paradigm from charity-based giving toward rights-based social welfare redistribution. This qualitative study employs a thematic exegesis (tafsīr maūḍū‘ī) approach integrated with semantic analysis. The dataset comprises 34 verses from 19 surahs systematically inventoried, with a hermeneutic focus on 8 primary verses representing both Makki and Madani contexts. The findings demonstrate that the Quran meticulously delineates the criteria for aid recipients: first, Al-Faqīr, depicting severe physical or material deprivation that impairs the ability to meet basic needs; second, Al-Miskīn, reflecting economic limitations where an individual earns an income that remains insufficient for a decent standard of living; and third, Al-Sā’il, referring to individuals soliciting assistance due to pressing needs. A synthesis of semantic analysis, context of revelation (asbāb al-nuzūl), classical and contemporary scholarly interpretations, and relevant Hadiths confirms that Quranic concern for marginalized groups is not merely a voluntary act, but a fundamental social structure and collective right. Exegeses of verses such as QS. At-Tawbah [9]: 60, QS. Adh-Dhariyat [51]: 19, and QS. Al-Ma'un [107]: 1–3 directly correlate ritual piety with social responsibility. This research concludes that Islamic philanthropic instruments position beneficiaries not as objects of charity, but as legal subjects entitled to welfare and the preservation of human dignity. Keywords: Keywords: Islamic Philanthropy, Thematic Exegesis (Tafsīr Maūḍū‘ī), Al-Faqīr, Al-Miskīn, Al-Sā’il   ABSTRAK Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji ulang konsep filantropi dalam Al-Qur'an guna menggeser paradigma dari kedermawanan karitatif (charity-based) menuju redistribusi kesejahteraan berbasis hak sosial (rights-based philanthropy). Studi kualitatif ini menggunakan pendekatan tafsīr maūḍū‘ī (tematik) yang dipadukan dengan analisis semantik. Korpus data mencakup 34 ayat dari 19 surah yang diinventarisasi secara sistematis, dengan fokus analisis hermeneutik pada 8 ayat utama yang mewakili konteks Makkiyah dan Madaniyah. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Al-Qur'an secara cermat membedakan kriteria penerima bantuan, pertama, Al-Faqīr yang Menggambarkan kondisi kekurangan fisik/materi yang berat hingga kehilangan kemampuan memenuhi kebutuhan pokok. Kedua, Al-Miskīn yang Menggambarkan keterbatasan ekonomi di mana seseorang memiliki penghasilan namun belum mencukupi kehidupan secara layak. Ketiga, Al-Sā’il yang Mengacu pada pihak yang meminta bantuan karena desakan kebutuhan tertentu. Sintesis atas analisis semantik, asbāb al-nuzūl, penafsiran mufasir (klasik hingga kontemporer), serta hadis-hadis terkait menegaskan bahwa perhatian Al-Qur'an terhadap kelompok marginal bukan sekadar aksi sukarela, melainkan fondasi struktur sosial dan hak kolektif. Penafsiran atas ayat-ayat seperti QS. At-Taubah [9]: 60, QS. Adz-Dzariyat [51]: 19, dan QS. Al-Ma'un [107]: 1–3 mengorelasikan kesalehan ritual secara langsung dengan tanggung jawab sosial. Penelitian ini menyimpulkan bahwa instrumen filantropi Islam mendudukkan penerima manfaat bukan sebagai objek belas kasihan, melainkan subjek hukum yang memiliki hak atas kesejahteraan dan penghormatan martabat kemanusiaan (human dignity). Kata kunci: Filantropi Islam, Tafsir Maudhu'i, Fakir, Miskin, Al-Sā'il