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mathalu lladhīna yunfiqūna ʾamwālahum fī sabīli llāhi ka-mathali ḥabbatin ʾanbatat sabʿa sanābila fī kulli sunbulatin miʾatu ḥabbatin wa-llāhu yuḍāʿifu li-man yashāʾu wa-llāhu wāsiʿun ʿalīmun-i
The parable of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is that of a grain which grows seven ears, in every ear a hundred grains. Allah enhances severalfold whomever He wishes, and Allah is all-bounteous, all-knowing.
— Ali Quli Qarai
Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 261
261. "The likeness of those who spend their property in the way of Allah is as the likeness of a grain (of corn) that grows seven ears, (with) a hundred grains in every ear. And Allah multiplies (in abundance) for whom He wills; and Allah is All-Embracing, All- Knowing."
Enjoining others to giving charity and prohibition from immoderation and extravagance are the best way to solving the problem of the difference of social classes. On the other hand, the appearance and spread of usury is the origin and motive of social classes to be created. That may be why that the necessity of giving charity and prohibition of usury are stated beside each other in the Qur'an.7 By the way, it should be noted it is not so that any grain of corn planted in any land does grow seven ears with a hundred grains. But, the grain should be safe, the land should be susceptible, the time must be appropriate, and the preparation and protection should be complete.
Explanations
1. Applying the natural phenomena will never become out of fashion at any time. They are always comprehensible for all people in any age and in any acceptable conditions.
2. Encouragement and promise of reward are often the most intensive motives for individuals to move forward.
3. The grace of Allah is unlimited.
4. That charity is worthy which is given in the way of Allah.
5. The praise of the Qur'an is upon those who spend in charity as a habit in their current life. The Arabic term /yunfiquna/ (spend their property), which is mentioned in this verse, refers to an action done continually.
6. The best example is that example which has external reality.
7. If spending one's property can be multiplied as much as seven hundred times then what about those who give their lives in charity for the sake of Allah?
Footnotes