G I V I N G

With relevance to Ramadan and Giving I share my renditions of verses 2:261-265 of Qur'an: (please note power of metaphor in the last two paras)

"That which you give in God’s name
Is like a corn with seven veins
Each one having a hundred grains
God gives in abundance to whom He wills
He knows all and is bountiful

When you give something in God’s name
And abstain from tacking any disdain
God rewards you with no constraints
No fear befalls you or regrets remain

A kinder word, a fault forgiven
Is better than alms with disdain given
God needs not a thing from you
His grace suffices with plentitude

Believers, do not mar your giving
With gibes, jeers and acts derogating
Nor indulge in giving like those
Who give but for the sake of show
And in God they have no believe
Nor that there will hereafter be

Semblance of such people is a rock
Which for a while is covered with a moss
But if a shower of rain over falls
All is washed away leaving the rock
As bare and hard as it always was
They gain nothing by what they do
God does not guide those who are not true

But those who give to please God
And to strengthen their soul and thoughts
Their semblance is like an orchid on a hill
When there is rain it doubly yields
And if no rain falls, they are watered by dew
All your acts the Providence knew"

Qur'an: 2.261:265