Often times, our Beloved Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam uses analogies that are very easy to understand, while at the same time, carry a deep meaning.
After all, the Beloved Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam has said: “I have been sent with the jawami al-kalim.” (Bukhari) That is, eloquent speech that contains a multitude of wisdom.
One such example is the following hadith from Saheeh Bukhari:
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Abdullah Ibn Umar radiAllahu anhu related that the Beloved Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam said:
“Verily, amongst the trees, there is a tree that resembles the Muslim. That tree is the Date Palm Tree.”
Another longer hadith regarding this topic is found in both Saheeh Bukhari and Saheeh Muslim:
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Beloved Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam said:
“Indeed there is a tree from amongst the trees that does not shed its leaves, it resembles a Muslim. So tell me, which one is it?”
So people started discussing the trees of the country side.
Abdullah ibn Umar radiallahu anhu said:
“I thought to myself that it was the date palm tree, but I was shy.”
So they asked the Messenger: “Tell us what it is O Messenger of Allah.”
He said: “It is the date palm tree.”
I mentioned this to Umar, who said:
“It would have been more beloved to me than such and such had you said it was the date palm tree.”
To fully comprehend and appreciate the breadth of this hadith one must first understand what the Date Palm Tree entails, in terms of its benefit and characteristics.
My Ustaadh listed the following benefits that are reaped from every part of the Date Palm Tree:
- Dates: A whole book can be dedicated to the benefits of dates.
- Date Seed: Soaked and used for animal feed. Its oil is used for soap and other commodities.
- Leaves:Provides shade. Used for making ropes, baskets and furniture.
- Base of the Leaves and Fruit Stalk: Can be used as fuel.
- Trunk: Provides timber for building homes and other goods.
Now, to focus on the characteristics of this tree:
- In the above hadith in Bukhari, the Beloved Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam describes the Date Palm tree by mentioning that’s leaves never fall, reflecting the perennial nature of this tree.
- In another words of the same hadith in Muslim, the Beloved Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam mentions the negation three times, when signifying that the tree does not cease giving fruit, reflecting the long lasting benefit that tree brings.
- Grows in a climate that most other vegetation do not survive, let alone, thrive.
- Due to these qualities, it can be considered as a back bone to the society that benefits from it.
How does the Muslim resemble the Date Palm Tree?
- A Muslim strives to make every part of his existence of benefit to the society at large. Through his time, wealth, health, akhlaaq, adaab and ideas
- Regarding this hadith, the famous muhaddith, Ibn Hajar Al Asqalani, says in his masterpiece, Fath Al Bari:
Likewise is the benefit of a Muslim is general in all conditions and his benefit is endless to himself and to others even after his death.
- Like a palm tree, a Muslim, should thrive and be a fountain of benefit to society, even in the most difficult of societies and conditions.
May Allah Ta’ala manifest the meaning of this hadith of his Beloved sallallahu alayhi wasallam into our lives. Ameen!
