Surah At-Taghabun — Verse 17

Word Meanings:

• Tuqridu (تُقْرِضُوا): To give a loan; here, it means spending in the way of Allah with the intention of seeking His reward.
• Qardan Hasanan (قَرْضًا حَسَنًا): A goodly loan — spending sincerely from one’s wealth, willingly and purely for Allah’s sake, without seeking worldly gain or showing off.
• Yuda’ifhu (يُضَاعِفْهُ): He will multiply it — increasing the reward manifold.
• Shakūr (شَكُورٌ): The Most Appreciative — He acknowledges and rewards even the smallest good deed with immense bounty.
• Halīm (حَلِيمٌ): The Forbearing — He does not hasten punishment upon His servants despite their sins.

Explanation of the Verse:

Allah, in His infinite mercy and generosity, addresses His servants with a beautiful invitation: “If you lend Allah a goodly loan…” This is not because Allah is in need of anything — He is the Self-Sufficient, the Owner of all treasures. Rather, it is an expression of His love for us, a way to elevate our ranks and purify our wealth and souls. When you spend from your lawful earnings in His cause — whether in charity, supporting your family, or helping those in need — with sincerity and a contented heart, Allah promises to multiply that deed for you. The multiplication is beyond imagination: one good deed is rewarded with ten like it, up to seven hundred times, and even more, as He wills. Alongside this immense increase, He also forgives your sins — the very sins that could otherwise weigh you down. This is a double blessing: reward for your giving and pardon for your shortcomings.

Allah then describes Himself with two beautiful attributes: Ash-Shakūr — He is Most Appreciative. He does not let any act of goodness go unnoticed; He gives generously for even the smallest deed, far beyond what it deserves. And Al-Halīm — He is Forbearing. He does not rush to punish those who disobey Him; instead, He gives them time, covers their faults, and opens the door of repentance and good deeds, so that they may return to Him and earn His pleasure.

A Da’wah Reflection:

Dear reader, reflect on this magnificent offer: the Lord of the heavens and the earth — the One who owns everything — calls you to “lend” Him from what He has already given you. And in return, He promises to multiply it and forgive you. This is not a transaction of loss; it is the most profitable trade you will ever make. No bank, no investment, no worldly venture can offer you such returns — multiplied rewards and complete forgiveness. So, do not hesitate. Open your heart and your hand. Spend for His sake, even a little, with sincerity, and watch how He transforms your life with blessings and peace. And if you have fallen into sin, know that His forbearance is a door of hope — He is waiting for you to turn back, to give, and to be forgiven. This is the beauty of Islam: a religion that calls you to success in this life and the next, with a Lord who is ever Appreciative and ever Forbearing.