Reward of giving a loan is much greater than charity!

Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, "In the night of the journey, I saw on the gate of heaven written, 'reward for sadqah (charity) is ten times and reward for qard al-hasan is eighteen times'. So, I asked the angel, how is it possible? The angel replied, "Because a beggar who asked might have already had something but a loanee did not ask for loan unless he was in need."
[Ibn Hisham & Ibn Majah]

Islam has prohibited riba (interest) and allowed al-qard al-hasan. Qard al-hasan is a loan which is returned at the end of the agreed period without any interest or share in the profit or loss of the business.

Qard al-Hasan in Qur'an In many places of the Holy Qur'an, Allah has mentioned and encouraged His creature for qard al-hasan by assuring better reward in this world and in the Hereafter. In the Qur'an Allah says, He who will give Allah qard al hasan, which Allah will double into his credit and multiply many times. [Al-Baqarah (2): 245] If you give Allah qard al hasan. He will double it to your credit and he will grant you forgiveness. [ Al-Tagabun (64):17] And give Allah qard al hasan. [ Al-Maidah (5): 12] And give Allah qard al hasan, it will be increased manifold to their credit. [ Al-Hadid (57): 18] Who is he that will give Allah qard al hasan? For Allah will increase it manifold to his credit. [Al-Hadid (57):11] Establish regular prayer and give regular charity and give Allah qard al hasan---. [Al-Muzzammil (73): 20]

Read more here: http://www.witness-pioneer.org/vil/Articles/shariah/al_qard_al_hasan_A_Practical_Approach.htm