Parable of Charity and Soil (2:264 – 2:265)

2:264 O you who believe, do not nullify your charities by inflicting reproach and insult, like one who spends his money to show off, while disbelieving in GOD and the Last Day. His example is like a rock covered with a thin layer of soil; as soon as heavy rain falls, it washes off the soil, leaving it a useless rock. They gain nothing from their efforts. GOD does not guide disbelieving people.

Charity

2:265 The example of those who give their money seeking GOD’s pleasure, out of sincere conviction, is that of a garden on high fertile soil; when heavy rain falls, it gives twice as much crop. If heavy rain is not available, a drizzle will suffice. GOD is Seer of everything you do.

2:266 Does any of you wish to own a garden of palm trees and grapes, with flowing streams and generous crops, then, just as he grows old, and while his children are still dependent on him, a holocaust strikes and burns up his garden? GOD thus clarifies the revelations for you, that you may reflect.

The work of the disbeliever is like a soil with no depth. Since there is no depth it is not stable and roots can’t be established. When there is depth in our belief our roots can be established and we can grow and produce good fruit via righteous deeds. Believers have deep soil and roots. Even at hard times a drizzle will suffice.

Truth vs Falsehood