‘… Who is he that will lend a beautiful loan to Allah.’ – Tafsir ibn Kathir

That is a successful trade, O Abu Ad-Dahdah!


Ibn Abi Hatim recorded that `Abdullah bin Mas`ud said, “When this Ayah,

[مَّن ذَا الَّذِى يُقْرِضُ اللَّهَ قَرْضًا حَسَنًا فَيُضَاعِفَهُ لَهُ]

(Who is he that will lend Allah handsome loan: then (Allah) will increase it manifold to his credit (in repaying),) was revealed,

Abu Ad-Dahdah Al-Ansari said, `O Allah’s Messenger! Does Allah ask us for a loan

The Prophet said,

«نَعَمْ، يَاأَبَا الدَّحْدَاح» (Yes, O Abu Ad-Dahdah.)

He said, `Give me your hand, O Allah’s Messenger,’ and the Prophet placed his hand in his hand.

Abu Ad-Dahdah said, `Verily, I have given my garden as a loan to my Lord.’ He had a garden that contained six hundred date trees; his wife and children were living in that garden too. Abu Ad-Dahdah went to his wife and called her, `Umm Ad-Dahdah!’ She said, `Here I am.’ He said, `Leave the garden, because I have given it as a loan to my Lord, the Exalted and Most Honored.’ She said, `That is a successful trade, O Abu Ad-Dahdah! She then transferred her goods and children. The Messenger of Allah said,

«كَمْ مِنْ عَذْقٍ رَدَاحٍ فِي الْجَنَّةِ لِأَبِي الدَّحْدَاح»

(How plentiful are the sweet date clusters that Abu Ad-Dahdah has in Paradise!)” In another narration, the Prophet said,

«رُبَّ نَخْلَةٍ مُدَلَّاةٍ، عُرُوقُهَا دُرٌّ وَيَاقُوتٌ، لِأَبِي الدَّحْدَاحِ فِي الْجَنَّة»

(How many a date tree that has lowered down its clusters, which are full of pearls and gems in Paradise for Abu Ad-Dahdah!)

{Tafsir ibn kathir} – The Encouragement to make a Handsome Loan in the Cause of Allah