Parables of the QuranA parable of the Quran · Al-Baqara 2:261

The grain that grows seven ears

مثل الحبة ذات السنابل السبع

Spending in Allah's cause is like a grain that grows seven ears, each of a hundred grains.

Quran

What it means

Those who spend their wealth in Allah's way are likened to a single grain that grows seven ears, with a hundred grains in each ear; and Allah multiplies further for whom He wills (2:261).

As-Sa'di explains that the reward is multiplied at least seven hundred times, and more by the giver's faith and sincerity and the good the spending does. The next verse sets the conditions: that the gift is not followed by reminders of the favour or by harm to the one who received it.

Evidence

QuranAl-Baqara (The Cow)Quran 2:261

مَّثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَٰلَهُمْ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ كَمَثَلِ حَبَّةٍ أَنۢبَتَتْ سَبْعَ سَنَابِلَ فِى كُلِّ سُنۢبُلَةٍ مِّا۟ئَةُ حَبَّةٍ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ يُضَـٰعِفُ لِمَن يَشَآءُ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ وَٰسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ ٢٦١

The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allāh is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allāh multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allāh is all-Encompassing and Knowing.

Saheeh International · QuranEnc v1.1.2

Another translation: Al-Hilali & Muhsin Khan · QuranEnc v1.1.2

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

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