Is it not a contradiction that double reward is mentioned in a verse and ten times in another verse?

- It is stated in verse 40 of the chapter of an-Nisa that double reward is given for good deeds but ten times reward is mentioned in verse 160 of the chapter of al-Anam. Will you explain the difference between them?

Dear Brother / Sister,

The verses in question are as follows:

“Allah is never unjust in the least degree: If there is any good (done), He doubleth (multiplieth) it, and giveth from His own presence a great reward.” (an-Nisa, 4/40)

“He that doeth good shall have ten times as much to his credit: He that doeth evil shall only be recompensed according to his evil: no wrong shall be done unto (any of) them.” (al-Anam, 6/160)

- In the first verse, “double reward for good deeds” is not mentioned. The Arabic word “YUDAIFHA” (multiplies it/increases it many times) is used. “Increasing many times” includes increasing ten times to a thousand times and more.

- In the statement “He that doeth good shall have ten times as much to his credit” in the second verse, ten times is clearly emphasized.

Since the phrase “increasing ten times” is included in the phrase “increasing many times”, there is no contradiction between two verses.

- However, the phrase “increasing many times” emphasized in the first verse has an open-ended meaning. That phrase corresponds to the following verse:

“The parable of those who spend their substance in the way of Allah is that of a grain of corn: it groweth seven ears, and each ear Hath a hundred grains. Allah giveth manifold increase to whom He pleaseth: And Allah careth for all and He knoweth all things.” (al-Baqara, 2/261)

Minimum wage/reward is virtually pointed out in the verse “He that doeth good shall have ten times as much to his credit.”

Thus, the return for every good deed is at least ten times reward. The return for one sin is only one penalty. This shows the vastness of Allah’s mercy, which He uses for the benefit of His slaves.

Questions on Islam