The Good Life
Alms-giving
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unbelievers. But those who give away their wealth
from a desire to please God and strengthen their
souls are like a garden on a hillside; if a rainstorm
falls upon it, it yields up twice its normal crop; and if
no rain falls upon it, it is watered by the dew. God
sees what you do. Would any of you, being a man
well-advanced in age with helpless children to
support, wish to have his garden—a garden planted
with palm-trees, vines and all manner of fruits, and
watered by running streams—blasted and consumed
by a fiery whirlwind? Thus God makes plain to you
His revelation, so that you may give thought.
Believers, give in alms of the wealth you have
lawfully earned and of that which We Have brought
out of the earth for you; not of worthless things which
you yourselves would only reluctantly accept. Know
that God is self-sufficient and glorious. Satan
threatens you with poverty and bids you to commit
indecency. But God promises you His forgiveness
and bounty. God is munificent and all-knowing. He
gives wisdom to whom He wills; and whoever is
granted wisdom receives great good. But none take
heed except people of understanding (2:261-269).
