How to give loan to Allah?
To give a loan to Allah, one must understand that this concept is metaphorical, emphasizing the act of charity and good deeds done sincerely for the sake of Allah. The Qur'an invites believers to engage in this practice, stating: Who is it that will lend unto Allah a goodly loan, so that He may give it increase manifold? Allah straiteneth and enlargeth. Unto Him ye will return.
2:245. This verse indicates that Allah appreciates acts of charity as if they were loans given to Him, promising manifold rewards in return.
Tafsir Ibn Kathir explains that this verse encourages believers to spend their wealth sincerely in the way of Allah, not as a debt but as an act of righteousness. He emphasizes that Allah will recompense these good deeds generously and forgive any shortcomings (Tafsir Ibn Kathir).
Additionally, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ mentioned in a hadith: Allah descends to the lowest heaven at half or the last third of the night and says: 'Who calls upon Me that I shall respond to him? Who asks Me that I shall give to him? Then He says: 'Who lends to Me without any loss or injustice?'
Sahih Muslim 6:204. This hadith reinforces the notion that offering help to others and engaging in acts of kindness and charity are forms of lending to Allah, which are highly valued in Islam.
In summary, giving a "goodly loan" to Allah is about performing acts of charity and good deeds with sincere intention, trusting that Allah will reward those efforts abundantly.
Sources
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2:245 · Al-Baqara
2:245 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
مَّن ذَا ٱلَّذِى يُقْرِضُ ٱللَّهَ قَرْضًا حَسَنًۭا فَيُضَٰعِفَهُۥ لَهُۥٓ أَضْعَافًۭا كَثِيرَةًۭ ۚ وَٱللَّهُ يَقْبِضُ وَيَبْصُۜطُ وَإِلَيْهِ تُرْجَعُونَ
Who is it that will lend unto Allah a goodly loan, so that He may give it increase manifold? Allah straiteneth and enlargeth. Unto Him ye will return.
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Tafsir Ibn Kathir on 2:245
Tafsir Ibn Kathir · 2:245
Ibn Abbas and other scholars differ on the number of people referenced in the beginning of the verse; reports mention figures ranging from four thousand to forty thousand, all from a village called Dawardan near Wasit. Waki' ibn al-Jarrah relates from Ibn Abbas that these were people who fled their homes in thousands to escape death, possibly from a plague, thinking to find a land free of death. But when they reached a certain place, God decreed their death, and they all died at once. Later, a prophet of the Israelites—called Hizqil—passed by, prayed to God to revive them, and they were brought back to life. This story is referenced in the verse: "Have you not considered those who left their homes in multitudes, fearing death?" This event is seen as a powerful sign affirming bodily resurrection on the Day of Judgment. It also serves as a firm proof that avoidance cannot avert destiny; escape from God’s decree is impossible except to Him alone. The people fled seeking longevity but were overtaken by sudden death. This is supported by authentic hadiths including one reported by Imam Ahmad, where ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Awf recounted how the Prophet ﷺ advised against fleeing a land afflicted by plague or entering such land if plague was present elsewhere—the lesson being that fleeing won't save from divine decree. The latter part of the verse, commanding believers to fight in God’s cause and reminding them that God is All-Hearing and All-Knowing, teaches that avoiding jihad will neither delay nor hasten death or provision, which are fixed and apportioned according to divine wisdom. Numerous Quranic verses reinforce that no one can repel death or alter their destined time. Even great commanders expressed sorrow at dying in bed rather than in battle, showing the noble preference for meeting death in striving in God’s path. The phrase "Who is it that will lend to God a good loan?" encourages generosity in spending on the way of Allah. It is repeated elsewhere in the Quran, affirming that whatever is spent sincerely for God's cause will be multiplied manifold. Ibn Abbas and other early authorities viewed "a good loan" as charity or spending for one's dependents, and some included praising and glorifying God. The multiplication promised is accompanied by numerous prophetic narrations—in one narration the Prophet ﷺ said Allah would multiply good deeds a thousand times a thousand. Ibn Abi Hatim reports from several chains that when this verse was revealed, a companion named Abu ad-Dahdah expressed astonishment at God's expectation of a loan from people. The Prophet ﷺ confirmed the meaning, and Abu ad-Dahdah remarked that he had "lent" God his date palm orchard to benefit the needy, exemplifying sincere charity as a loan to God. Additionally, a narrative from Ka‘b al-Ahbar highlights the immense rewards promised for reciting certain verses or phrases, emphasizing the countless multiplication of the good deeds given by God. Lastly, the statement "And Allah restricts and grants abundance" denotes that people should spend (in God’s cause) without worry, for God alone controls provision, enlarging it for some and restricting it for others in perfect wisdom. The phrase "and to Him you will be returned" reminds believers of the ultimate return on the Day of Judgment where all accounts will be settled.
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Sahih Muslim 6:204
Sahih Muslim · Book 6, Hadith 204 · Narrated by Abu Huraira
The Prophet, peace be upon him, said, "Allah descends to the lowest heaven at half or the last third of the night and says: 'Who calls upon Me that I shall respond to him? Who asks Me that I shall give to him?' Then He says: 'Who lends to Me without any loss or injustice?'"
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