Benefit: The word ẓann (conjecture) appears in the Qur’an in two ways—one praiseworthy, the other blameworthy.
• The praiseworthy usage: In every context where Allah praises people and promises them reward, ẓann carries the sense of knowledge and certainty. Thus, “who are certain that they will meet their Lord” (al-Baqarah 2:46), and, “I was sure I would face my reckoning” (al-Ḥāqqah 69:20).
• The blameworthy usage: This is the predominant sense in the verses that censure conjecture, such as, “They follow nothing but conjecture” (al-Anʿām 6:116); “Indeed, conjecture is of no avail against the truth whatsoever” (Yūnus 10:36); and, “They do nothing but guess” (al-Baqarah 2:78). These and similar passages concern those who give precedence to false suppositions over the truthful reports, for by its very nature conjecture may be true or false—yet when it clashes with verified truth, we judge it to be false.
Benefit: The words of the Exalted, “Allah obliterates usury and makes charity grow” (al-Baqarah 2:276) and “Whatever you lend out at interest, so that it may increase the wealth of men, will not increase with Allah; but whatever zakah you give seeking Allah’s Face—such people will see their wealth multiplied” (al-Rūm 30:39), show that any gain derived from what is forbidden—especially unlawful earnings—lacks blessing, and the entire fortune may well be wiped out sooner or later. By contrast, whoever spends or acts for Allah’s sake, Allah increases his wealth and sends down blessing upon it. Although the sum may diminish in outward measure by what is given for Allah, it grows in reality and quality; doors of provision may open for the servant, or causes of loss that were poised to strike him may be held back.
Benefit: Joy is also mentioned in the Qur’an as praiseworthy and commanded, as in, “Say, ‘In the bounty of Allah and in His mercy—let them rejoice; that is better than all they accumulate’” (Yūnus 10:58). This is joy in knowledge and in acting upon the Qur’an and Islam. Likewise, “rejoicing in what Allah has granted them of His bounty” (Āl ʿImrān 3:170) refers to joy in Allah’s reward.