parable of spending in the cause of Allah

Sunday, 29 November 2009 04:12 -

parable of spending in the cause of Allah

Tafseer Ibn Kathir

 (261. The parable of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah, is that of a grain
(of corn); it grows seven ears, and each ear has a hundred grains. Allah gives
manifold increase to whom He wills. And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs,
All-Knower.)

This is a parable that Allah made of the multiplication of rewards for those who spend in His
cause, seeking His pleasure. Allah multiplies the good deed ten to seven hundred times.

Allah said, <<The parable of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah...>>

Sa`id bin Jubayr commented, "Meaning spending in Allah's obedience".

Makhul said that the Ayah means, "Spending on Jihad, on horse stalls, weapons and so forth".
The parable in the Ayah is more impressive on the heart than merely mentioning the number
seven hundred. This Ayah indicates that Allah `grows' the good deeds for its doers, just as He
grows the plant for whoever sows it in fertile land.

The Sunnah also mentions that the deeds are multiplied up to seven hundred folds. For
instance, Imam Ahmad recorded that Abu Mas`ud said that a man once gave away a camel,
with its bridle on, in the cause of Allah and the Messenger of Allah said, (On the Day of
Resurrection, you will have seven hundred camels with their bridles.)

Muslim and An-Nasa'i also recorded this Hadith, and Muslim's narration reads, "A man brought
a camel with its bridle on and said, `O Messenger of Allah! This is in the sake of Allah.' The
Messenger said, (You will earn seven hundred camels as reward for it on the Day of
Resurrection. )

Another Hadith: Ahmad recorded that Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allah said,

(Every good deed that the son of Adam performs will be multiplied ten folds, to seven hundred
folds, to many other folds, to as much as Allah wills. Allah said, "Except the fast, for it is for Me
and I will reward for it. One abandons his food and desire in My sake.'' The fasting person has
two times of happiness: when he breaks his fast and when he meets his Lord. Verily, the odor
that comes from the mouth of whoever fasts is more pure to Allah than the scent of musk.
Fasting is a shield (against sinning), fasting is a shield.) Muslim recorded this Hadith.

Allah's statement, <<Allah gives manifold increase to whom He wills >> is according to the

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parable of spending in the cause of Allah
Sunday, 29 November 2009 04:12 -

person's sincerity in his deeds.

<< And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knower >> meaning, His Favor
is so wide that it encompasses much more than His creation, and He has full knowledge in
whoever deserves it, or does not deserve it. All the praise and thanks are due to Allah.

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