March 3, 2025

Ramadan is a month of generosity, and as I reflected on this, my mind drifted to how Merciful Allah is in granting us this blessed time. The very acts of worship we perform throughout the year suddenly yield rewards multiplied beyond measure in this single month. And so, I was reminded of one of Allah’s beautiful names: Al-Karim, the Most Generous.

Later, as I read Juz 3, I came across verses 261 and 265 of Surah Al-Baqarah, and I was left in awe of the limitless generosity of Allah:

“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." [2:261]

“And the example of those who donate their wealth, seeking Allah’s pleasure and believing the reward is certain, 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.” [2:265]

Allah ﷻ describes the multiplication of deeds, using the example of spending in His cause. One grain turns into seven ears, each ear carrying one hundred grains—a total of 700 grains. But then, Allah says He can multiply the reward even beyond that, for whomever He wills. Because He is Al-Karim, Al-Wasi' (The All-Encompassing), and All-Knowing.

SubhanAllah, this made me reflect on the countless ways Allah ﷻ multiplies our efforts. One good deed is rewarded tenfold, yet one sin is recorded as only one. When we recite the Qur’an, every single letter earns us ten rewards. SubhanAllah, Allah, being Ash-Shakur (The Most Appreciative), takes even our smallest efforts and increases them manifold. And in His infinite Mercy, He does not multiply our sins—ensuring that we are always in a position to excel in His sight. Ya Rabb, forgive us for our ingratitude.

Then, in ayah 265, Allah ﷻ describes the believer who gives for His sake alone, seeking only His pleasure and firmly believing in His promise of reward. Their good deeds are like a garden on a fertile hill—when heavy rain falls, the harvest is twice as much. But even if only a drizzle comes, it is still sufficient to yield produce. Why? Because the hill itself is fertile.

This made me pause. Our good deeds always have a yield, whether big or small, because Allah accepts them and increases them. And He reminds us: “Allah is All-Seeing of what you do.” Meaning, no effort goes unnoticed. Not a single act is overlooked.

So then I asked myself: What stops me from giving freely from what Allah has provided me? What holds me back from leaving what displeases Him and hastening towards good? He is Ash-Shakur, Al-Karim, Ar-Rahman—the Multiplier of Deeds. How could I hesitate to make an investment with a guaranteed, divinely assured return? Allah loves consistent deeds, even if they are small [Sahih al-Bukhari 6464]. I just need to put in the effort, take the step, and leave the rest to Him.

Ya Rabb, make me among those who give in every way possible—through wealth, through obedience to You, through sacrificing what displeases You. Ya Rahman, allow me to be among those whose rewards You multiply beyond measure. Ya Karim, make my deeds like the garden on the fertile hill—fruitful with or without heavy rainfall. O Turner of hearts, keep my heart firm on Your path and do not leave me to myself, not even for the blink of an eye.

With Love, Ibtisam