NOTE: “Seven Ears” in the title of this release is in reference to Sūrat al-Baqarah 2:261 in the Qur’ān, which reads in full:
The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of God is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven ears; in each ear is a hundred grains. And God multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And God is all-Encompassing and Knowing.
For further context, here is how some well-known mufassirūn (exegetes) have understood this passage:
Tafsīr al-Jalālayn
The likeness, of the quality of the expenditure, of those who expend their wealth in the way of God, that is, in obedience of Him, is as the likeness of a grain of corn that sprouts seven ears, in every ear a hundred grains: likewise what they expend will be multiplied seven hundred times; so God multiplies, even more than this, for whom He will; God is Embracing, in His bounty, Knowing, those who deserve such multiplications.
Tanwīr al-Miqbās min Tafsīr Ibn ‘Abbās
Then Allah mentioned the spending of the believers in the way of Allah, saying: (The likeness of those who spend their wealth in Allah’s way) He says: the likeness of the wealth of those who spend in His way (is as the likeness of a grain which groweths seven ears, in every ear a hundred grains) likewise, Allah multiplies what the believers spend in His way from one to seven hundred fold. (Allah giveth increase manifold) in surplus of this (to whom He will) to whomever deserves it; it is also said: to whomever Allah accepts his spending. (Allah is All-Embracing) by multiplying his reward manifold, (All-Knowing) of what the believers spend and of their intentions.
Tafsīr al-Qur’ān al-Aẓīm (Tafsīr Ibn Kathīr)
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 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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