Meaning:
The quote you have provided seems to be a combination of a religious reference and a quote by Kin Hubbard, an American cartoonist, humorist, and journalist. The first part of the quote appears to be a reference to a passage from the Quran, while the second part is attributed to Kin Hubbard. Let's unpack the quote and provide some context.
The first part of the quote, "As to those who hoard gold and silver and spend it not in God's path, give them, then, the tidings of a painful agony," appears to be a reference to a verse from the Quran, the holy book of Islam. The verse is from Surah At-Tawbah (Chapter 9), verse 34, and it addresses the issue of hoarding wealth and not using it for charitable or righteous purposes. In this context, the verse serves as a reminder to believers about the responsibilities of wealth and the consequences of not using it for good.
The second part of the quote, "on a day when these things shall be heated in hell-fire, and their foreheads, and their sides, and their backs shall be branded therewith," is a continuation of the Quranic verse and describes the consequences for those who hoard their wealth and do not use it for good. The imagery of hell-fire and branding emphasizes the severity of the punishment for this behavior.
The attribution to Kin Hubbard, the American journalist, adds an interesting layer to the quote. Hubbard was known for his wit and humor, often commenting on human behavior and society. It's possible that this quote is intended to draw a parallel between the religious warning about hoarding wealth and the consequences, and Hubbard's commentary on human behavior and the potential outcomes of such actions.
In the context of Hubbard's work, this quote could be seen as a satirical or critical commentary on the behavior of those who hoard wealth and do not use it for benevolent purposes. It's a reminder of the potential consequences of greed and selfishness, drawing on religious imagery to emphasize the severity of the issue.
From a broader perspective, the quote raises important questions about the ethical and moral responsibilities that come with wealth. It prompts reflection on the purpose of accumulating wealth and the impact of not using it for the betterment of society.
In summary, the quote combines a verse from the Quran addressing the consequences of hoarding wealth with a commentary attributed to Kin Hubbard, highlighting the potential consequences of such behavior. It serves as a reminder of the ethical considerations surrounding wealth and the responsibilities that come with it.