Tafsir of Al-Baqarah 2:261

"The likeness of those who spend..."

It is necessary to assume an omitted genitive (mudaf); that is: "The likeness of their spending is like a grain," or "Their likeness is like the one who sows a grain."

Although the One who causes growth is Allah, the growth is attributed to the grain because it is the cause, just as it is attributed to the earth and the water.

The meaning of "it produces seven ears" is that it puts forth a stalk from which seven branches emerge, each having an ear. This parable is a visualization of the multiplication [of rewards], as if it were standing before the eyes of the observer.

If you ask: "How is this parable valid when the object of the comparison does not exist?" I say: Rather, it does exist in millet, maize, and other crops. Sometimes the stalk of wheat branches out in fertile, productive lands, reaching this extent. Even if it did not exist, it would still be valid by way of hypothesis and estimation.

If you ask: "Why was it not said sab' sunbulat (seven ears) according to the rule of the plural of paucity, as in [Surah Yusuf: 43] 'and seven green ears'?" I say: This is due to what I previously mentioned regarding [Surah Al-Baqarah: 228] "three periods (quru')," concerning the usage of plural forms interchangeably in their positions.

"And Allah multiplies for whom He wills" Meaning: He multiplies that multiplication for whom He wills, not for every spender, due to the varying states of those who spend.

Or: He multiplies the seven hundred and adds to it many times over for those who deserve it.

"Those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah, then do not follow up what they have spent with reminders [of their generosity] or [other] injury—for them is their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve." (262)