A Divine Investment: Tenfold Reward for Good Deeds

IQNA – God has pledged a reward multiplied by ten for virtuous deeds, inspiring believers to engage in an ever-increasing number of genuine and sincere actions of goodness.

“He who brings a good deed shall have tenfold of its like, but he who brings a sin shall be recompensed only for its like. None shall be wronged.” (Surah Al-An'am, verse 160)  

A good deed is one that brings joy, comfort, growth, and improvement to others. It is a form of honor and forgiveness, as individuals are encouraged to devote their life, body, and material and spiritual wealth for the betterment of others. In this verse, God emphasizes the positive consequences of good deeds by stating that every virtuous act is rewarded and ultimately benefits the doer.

Furthermore, God's reward for good deeds is tenfold, serving as an incentive for individuals to invest in virtuous actions. This divine return surpasses any financial gain, with promises ranging from a minimum of a thousand percent to seventy-seven thousand percent or even incalculable and immeasurable rewards.

This verse imparts a universal lesson and wisdom, encouraging people to emulate God's benevolence. Those who receive kindness and service should express gratitude, considering the giver as a creditor. This reciprocity is symbolized by the notion that the one who initiates good deeds is ahead, akin to the immeasurable debt a child owes to a mother's kindness.

Conversely, forgiving someone for wrongdoing is recommended, aligning with God's example and the conduct of sincere servants. The alternative, responding to evil with an equal measure rather than escalating it, stands in contrast to those who harbor resentment and escalate conflicts, potentially leading to catastrophic consequences.

The genuine reward for every virtuous act, as acknowledged by the knowledgeable, lies not just in the action itself but in its successful execution. This is because a good deed gradually transforms into a noble quality within an individual, becoming a virtue that they carry with them to God.

According to God's words, those who bring a virtuous deed with them (not merely those who perform it) will receive a reward multiplied by ten. This multiplication serves to distinguish genuine acts of goodness from those tainted by greed or hypocrisy. Many individuals mistakenly intertwine good deeds with ulterior motives, resulting in actions that lack the sincere and charitable essence required to purify the heart when presented to God.

Goodness acts as an esteemed crown, adorning a person with the wisdom of the times and the discernment of the era. The tenfold reward, as mentioned by God, symbolizes the offspring of a virtuous deed, akin to ten children born of a virtuous parent. Each child represents a cascade of blessings, and this cycle of births continues with ever-growing abundance, creating an immeasurable and enduring impact.