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li-l-fuqarāʾi lladhīna ʾuḥṣirū fī sabīli llāhi lā yastaṭīʿūna ḍarban fī l-ʾarḍi yaḥsabuhumu l-jāhilu ʾaghniyāʾa mina t-taʿaffufi taʿrifuhum bi-sīmāhum lā yasʾalūna n-nāsa ʾilḥāfan wa-mā tunfiqū min khayrin fa-ʾinna llāha bihī ʿalīmun-i
[The charities are] for the poor who are straitened in the way of Allah, not capable of moving about in the land [for trade]. The unaware suppose them to be well-off because of their reserve. You recognize them by their mark; they do not ask the people importunately. And whatever wealth you may spend, Allah indeed knows it.
— Ali Quli Qarai
Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 273
273. "(Charity is) for the poor who are restrained in the way of Allah, and are unable to move about in the land. The unaware consider them wealthy because of their restraint (from begging). You shall recognize them by their countenance - they do not beg people importunately. And whatever of good things you give, then Allah is All-Knowing of it."
In some books such as: Tafsir-Kabir by Fakhr Razi: Majma'-ul-Bayan, and Tafsir-il-Gurtubi, it is cited that this verse has been revealed about the Companions of the Ledge. They were about four hundred people who had emigrated to Medina. Since they had not any house and familiars there, they used to live on a large platform in a corner of the Prophet's Mosque. They were always ready for (Jihad), struggle in the way of Allah.
Explanations
1. There is a portion for the indigents in the wealth of the rich.
2. The martial-blow groups, devotees in force bases, shelter less emigrants and, on the whole, all those who are besieged in the way of Allah and have not the opportunity of trying to earn the living should be taken into necessary consideration. The scientific missions, diplomatic corps, and research centers are in the similar condition, too.
3. Those who are able to earn their living by travelling about should not stay and abide in one land waiting for the charity of others.
4. The immaculate, pious and respectable poor ones are praised by Allah (s.w.t).
5. The gentle-looking and undistinguished needy ones have priority.
6. They do not insist on begging from other people even when there comes forth a necessity for them.
7. The feature of the indigent persons is illustrated, in this verse; and in the final sentence, people are encouraged to spending out good things.
8. It is not just that some people devote their selves and what they have in the cause of Allah while some others impose insularity even in giving charity in that way.