3:180-182
And let not those who covetously withhold of the gifts which Allah Hath given them of His Grace, think that it is good for them: Nay, it will be the worse for them: soon shall the things which they covetously withheld be tied to their necks Like a twisted collar, on the Day of Judgment. To Allah belongs the heritage of the heavens and the earth; and Allah is well- acquainted with all that ye do. Allah hath heard the taunt of those who say: “Truly, Allah is indigent, and we are rich!”- We shall certainly, record their word and (their act) of slaying the prophets in defiance of right, and We shall say: “Taste ye the penalty of the Scorching Fire! “This is because of the (unrighteous deeds) which your hands sent on before ye: For Allah never harms those who serve Him.”
These verses warn believers about the moral weakness associated with hypocrisy, particularly the unwillingness to sacrifice wealth or personal effort in the cause of God. Individuals who withhold resources that have been granted to them through divine favor are cautioned against assuming that such behavior benefits their future. Rather, the Qur’anic imagery describes hoarded wealth as becoming a burden and a source of humiliation in the Hereafter, symbolizing accountability for neglected obligations.
The passage further emphasizes that all possessions ultimately belong to God, who is the Creator and Owner of the heavens and the earth. Material blessings are presented as a test through which individuals demonstrate how they use or misuse divine gifts. Since God possesses complete knowledge of human actions and intentions, all people will be judged according to their conduct and will receive either reward or punishment based on their deeds.
A rhetorical element within the verse highlights the seriousness of mockery directed toward divine teachings. The Qur’an’s statement that such words will be recorded conveys strong condemnation, linking these utterances to other grave offenses, including historical acts of injustice attributed to earlier communities. By aligning hypocritical speech with past transgressions, the text underscores the moral consequences of blasphemy and insincerity. The warning concludes with an affirmation of divine justice, emphasizing that punishment is not arbitrary but a direct result of human actions, as God is never unjust toward His servants.
References:
Islahi, Amin Ahsan. Pondering Over The Qur’an: Surah Ali Imran (p. 309-310). Islamic BookTrust. Kindle Edition.