Some thoughts and insights on giving charity with reference to both the Qur’an and my own experiences.
The example of those who spend their wealth for the cause of God is like the example of a grain which sprouts seven ears
In each ear a hundred grains.
And God increases manifold to whom he wills.
And God encompasses, knows.
Those who spend their wealth for the cause of God
Then follow not what they have spent with condescension or hindrance
They have their reward with their lord
And they need not fear
Nor will they regret.
Fitting speech and blindness to deficiency is better than charity followed by hindrance.
And God is free from need, forbearing.
O you who heed warning: make not your charity vain through condescension and hindrance
Like the one who spends his wealth to be seen of men and believes not in God and the Last Day.
And his example is like the example of a rock whereon is soil:
The rain fell upon it leaving it bare.
They possess nothing of what they earn.
And God guides not the people who spurn guidance while claiming virtue.
And the example of those who spend their wealth
Seeking the pleasure of God
And as a confirmation of their souls
Is like the example of a garden on high ground:
The rain fell upon it and it yielded double fruit.
And if rain fall not upon it, then dew.
And God sees what you do.
Does one among you wish that there be for him a garden of date-palms and grapes beneath which rivers flow
He having every sort of fruit therein?[…]
And old age befell him.
And he had offspring without strength.
And a cyclone wherein was fire fell upon it and it was burned up:
Thus does God make plain to you the proofs
That you might give thought.
O you who heed warning: spend of the good things you earn and of what we bring forth for you from the earth.
And resort not to the bad thereof – to spend thereof – when you would not take it for yourselves save that you should disdain it.
And know that God is free from need, praiseworthy.
(2:261-267)
Original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G78sdFmPlpA