Charity -as an act of respect and purification, according to the Quran

Quran instructs believers to present charity before seeking a private consultation with the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as an act of respect and purification. The verse emphasizes the importance of giving charity, spending wealth for the benefit of others, and establishing justice and righteousness in society. The verses also remind believers that Allah is Forgiving and Merciful, and that it is not a requirement to give charity before every private consultation with the Prophet.

Quran 58:12-13 says:

"O you who have believed, when you [wish to] privately consult the Messenger, present before your consultation a charity. That is better for you and purer. But if you find not [the means] - then indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful. Is it that you are afraid of spending [from your wealth] before your private consultation [with him]? So when Allah grants you victory and establishes you, make [something] evident. And know that Allah is Hearing and Knowing."

These verses were revealed during the early period of Islam when the Muslims were still in Medina, and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was leading them. The context of these verses is that some of the companions would seek private consultations with the Prophet, but they would not present anything as a charity before their consultation, which was considered improper etiquette.

Therefore, Allah commanded the believers to give charity before seeking a private consultation with the Prophet. The act of giving charity would serve as a purification for the believers and would also show their respect and gratitude towards the Prophet.

The verse also makes it clear that if someone is unable to give charity before their consultation, then Allah is Forgiving and Merciful. It is not a requirement to give charity before every private consultation, but it is a recommended act of etiquette.

Additionally, the verse encourages the believers to spend from their wealth when they attain victory and become established. This is a reminder that wealth should not be hoarded or saved for oneself, but rather, it should be spent in ways that benefit others and bring about the establishment of justice and righteousness in society.

Overall, Quran 58:12-13 teaches us the importance of giving charity, showing respect and gratitude towards the Prophet, and spending our wealth in ways that benefit others and bring about positive change in society.