وَمَثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَٰلَهُمُ ٱبْتِغَآءَ مَرْضَاتِ ٱللَّهِ وَتَثْبِيتًا مِّنْ أَنفُسِهِمْ كَمَثَلِ جَنَّةٍۭ بِرَبْوَةٍ أَصَابَهَا وَابِلٌ فَـَٔاتَتْ أُكُلَهَا ضِعْفَيْنِ فَإِن لَّمْ يُصِبْهَا وَابِلٌ فَطَلٌّ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ بَصِيرٌ 265
Translations
And the example of those who spend their wealth seeking means to the approval of Allāh and assuring [reward for] themselves is like a garden on high ground which is hit by a downpour - so it yields its fruits in double. And [even] if it is not hit by a downpour, then a drizzle [is sufficient]. And Allāh, of what you do, is Seeing.
Transliteration
Wa-mathalu alladhīna yunfiqūna amwālahumu ibtighā'a mardāti Allāhi wa-tathbītan min anfusihim kamathali jannatin bi-rabwatin asābahā wābilun fa-ātat uklahā dhi'fain fa-in lam yusibhā wābilun fa-tallun wa-Allāhu bimā ta'malūna basīr
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah presents a parable comparing those who spend their wealth seeking Allah's pleasure and with firm conviction to a garden on elevated ground that receives abundant rain and thus produces double its harvest. Ibn Kathir explains that the elevated position represents the loftiness of the believers' intentions, while the rain symbolizes divine grace multiplying their reward. The subsequent mention of light rain (tall) indicates that even smaller acts of charity bear fruit, emphasizing that Allah's acceptance depends on sincere intention (niyyah) and steadfast faith, not merely the amount given.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the broader Medinan discourse on charity and spending in the way of Allah (2:261-274). It follows the famous parable of the grain that produces seven ears, reinforcing the theme that charitable giving with pure intention receives multiplied reward. The context addresses the Muslim community's obligations toward establishing their faith-based society through voluntary contributions.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'Verily, Allah does not look at your forms or your wealth, but rather He looks at your hearts and your deeds' (Sahih Muslim 2564). Also relevant: 'The best charity is when one gives while in need' and 'Intention is everything' (Sahih Bukhari 1, Jami' at-Tirmidhi 1647).
Themes
Key Lesson
True charity is not measured by the amount given but by the purity of intention and steadfastness of faith with which it is offered; believers should give to please Allah alone, knowing that He multiplies the reward of sincere giving manifold, whether circumstances are abundant or modest.