Imām Ibn al-Jawzī (d. 597/1201) summarized the scholars' opinions in his book "Zād al-Masīr" as follows:

If it is asked why charity is referred to as a "loan," there are three explanations:

1. Because this "loan" is given in exchange for a reward.
2. Because its repayment is delayed until the Day of Judgement.
3. To emphasise that the giver is entitled to reward, as a loan always necessitates a due compensation.

Imām Ibn al-Jawzī (d. 597/1201) summarized the scholars' opinions in his book "Zād al-Masīr" as follows:

1. It is sincere for Allah alone. [Al-Ḍaḥḥāk]
2. It is given willingly. [Muqātil]
3. It is from lawful earnings. [Ibn al-Mubārak]
4. It is given with the intention of seeking its reward from Allah.
5. It is not followed by reminders or harm (to the recipient).
6. It is given from the best of one’s wealth.

What is the meaning of "a goodly loan" (qarḍan ḥasanan)?

Imām Ibn al-Jawzī (d. 597/1201) summarized the scholars' opinions in his book "Zād al-Masīr" as follows:

1. It means that the number is uncountable. [Ibn ʿAbbās, al-Suddī]
Abū ʿUthmān al-Nahdī reported from Abū Hurayrah: "Allah records for a believer two million good deeds for a single good deed." He then recited this verse and said: "When coming from Allah, what is abundant surpasses two million, and then another two million points of reward."

2. It refers to a specific amount. A single dirham is multiplied by seven hundred, as mentioned in the ayah that follows (2:261). [Ibn Zayd]

Imām Ibn al-Jawzī (d. 597/1201) summarized the scholars' opinions in his book "Zād al-Masīr" as follows:

1. It means that Allah restricts provision for whom He wills and expands it for whom He wills. [Ibn ʿAbbās, al-Ḥasan, Ibn Zayd]
2. It means that Allah restrains the hand of whom He wills from spending in His cause, and extends the hand of whom He wills to spend. [Abū Sulaymān al-Dimashqī and others]

What is meant by "Allah withholds and extends"?