Translation of the meanings Ayah 28 Surah Al-Isrā’ - English Translation - Dr. Waleed Bleyhesh Omary - The Noble Qur'an Encyclopedia

Ayah: 28

وَإِمَّا تُعۡرِضَنَّ عَنۡهُمُ ٱبۡتِغَآءَ رَحۡمَةٖ مِّن رَّبِّكَ تَرۡجُوهَا فَقُل لَّهُمۡ قَوۡلٗا مَّيۡسُورٗا

(28) ^[3558]Should you turn away from them – anticipating mercy from your Lord that you hope for – then say to them something lenient.

[3558] This relates to how one is to deal with the mentioned charity right-owners in case one has nothing to give them, and is still hopeful of God’s favour of good future provision. One should soothe their hearts through good words, extend an apology to them, give a promise of spending on them when things are better and offer a good prayer for better sustenance for them (cf. al-Ṭabarī, al-Qurṭubī, Ibn Kathīr). One should also note that when going through tough times, a true Believer’s heart always swells with hope in what God has to give.