DAY 492: Baqarah 261-274

•  The example of those who spend their wealth in the cause of Allah is that of a grain that sprouts into seven ears, each bearing one hundred grains. And Allah multiplies ˹the reward even more˺ to whoever He wills. For Allah is All-Bountiful, All-Knowing. Those who spend their wealth in the cause of Allah and do not follow their charity with reminders of their generosity or hurtful words—they will get their reward from their Lord, and there will be no fear for them, nor will they grieve. Kind words and forgiveness are better than charity followed by injury. And Allah is Self-Sufficient, Most Forbearing. O believers! Do not waste your charity with reminders ˹of your generosity˺ or hurtful words, like those who donate their wealth just to show off and do not believe in Allah or the Last Day. Their example is that of a hard barren rock covered with a thin layer of soil hit by a strong rain—leaving it just a bare stone. Such people are unable to preserve the reward of their charity. Allah does not guide ˹such˺ disbelieving people. And the example of those who donate their wealth, seeking Allah’s pleasure and believing the reward is certain,¹ is that of a garden on a fertile hill: when heavy rain falls, it yields up twice its normal produce. If no heavy rain falls, a drizzle is sufficient. And Allah is All-Seeing of what you do. Would any of you wish to have a garden with palm trees, grapevines, and all kinds of fruits with rivers flowing underneath and as they grow very old with dependent children, a fiery whirlwind hits the garden, burning it all up? This is how Allah makes His revelations clear to you, so perhaps you will reflect. O believers! Donate from the best of what you have earned and of what We have produced for you from the earth. Do not pick out worthless things for donation, which you yourselves would only accept with closed eyes. And know that Allah is Self-Sufficient, Praiseworthy. The Devil threatens you with ˹the prospect of˺ poverty and bids you to the shameful deed ˹of stinginess˺, while Allah promises you forgiveness and ˹great˺ bounties from Him. And Allah is All-Bountiful, All-Knowing. He grants wisdom to whoever He wills. And whoever is granted wisdom is certainly blessed with a great privilege. But none will be mindful ˹of this˺ except people of reason. Whatever charities you give or vows you make are surely known to Allah. And the wrongdoers will have no helpers. To give charity publicly is good, but to give to the poor privately is better for you, and will absolve you of your sins. And Allah is All-Aware of what you do. You are not responsible for people’s guidance ˹O Prophet˺—it is Allah Who guides whoever He wills. Whatever you ˹believers˺ spend in charity, it is for your own good—as long as you do so seeking the pleasure of Allah.¹ Whatever you donate will be paid back to you in full, and you will not be wronged. ˹Charity is˺ for the needy who are too engaged in the cause of Allah to move about in the land ˹for work˺. Those unfamiliar with their situation will think they are not in need ˹of charity˺ because they do not beg. You can recognize them by their appearance. They do not beg people persistently. Whatever you give in charity is certainly well known to Allah. Those who spend their wealth in charity day and night, secretly and openly—their reward is with their Lord, and there will be no fear for them, nor will they grieve. 
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  After the stories of resurrection and divine power (258–260), Allah now turns to charity — how to give, how not to give, and the immense reward for those who spend sincerely. These verses contain some of the most famous parables in the Quran: a grain that grows seven ears, each with a hundred grains; a garden on a hilltop destroyed by a storm; and the promise that Allah knows what is in your hearts even if you give secretly.
  This section is about investment — not in stocks or property, but in the Hereafter. And the return is beyond imagination.
  You can build a perfect life — wealth, family, security. Then, in a moment — a fire, a flood, a market crash, a sudden death — it is gone. And you are old, too weak to start over. The lesson: do not rely on your garden. Plant something that no whirlwind can burn. Plant for the Hereafter.
  Do not give what you would throw away. Do not give expired food, broken items, worthless things — and think you have done charity. You would not accept such a gift. Allah is not a beggar. He does not need your trash. Give what is good. Give what you would want for yourself.
  ---You cannot truly give until you believe in resurrection. If this is the only life, giving is loss. If there is another life, giving is investment. Verses 258–260 proved resurrection. Now: give.
  ---You cannot give until you trust Allah's provision. The same God who raised birds from scattered parts (260) can replace what you spend. Verse 268 says: Satan threatens poverty — Allah promises bounty. Choose.
  ---You cannot truly give until you know what giving means. It is not a percentage. It is not a tax. It is spending what you love, what you need, trusting the Provider, purifying your soul, and proving your truth.
  The example of those who spend in the way of Allah is like a grain that grows 700 grains — so give from good things, not garbage, without reminders or injury, not for show, but with sincerity; Satan threatens poverty while Allah promises forgiveness and bounty; secret charity is best, and constant giving by night and day removes fear and grief — for their reward is with their Lord.
  
  
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