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The Believer and the Palm Tree

There are a number of trees mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah from which there can be derived many lessons. We ask Allah (SWT) to help us understand these lessons and apply their benefits to our own lives.

The companions, may Allah be pleased with them, were blessed with the opportunity of sitting one day with the Messenger of Allah in a spiritual dialogue when he (PBUH) provoked their thoughts with a question.  Abdullah ibn Omar narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was reported to have asked his companions, “Indeed there is a tree that does not shed its leaves, it resembles a Muslim. So tell me, which is it?” The companions began to discuss the trees of the countryside while Abdullah ibn Omar said he thought to himself that it may be the date palm tree, but was too shy to respond. They finally asked the Messenger (PBUH), “Tell us what it is o Messenger of Allah.”  He replied (PBUH), “It is the date palm tree.” Abdullah related this to his father, Omar, may Allah be pleased with them both, who said, “It would have been beloved to me that you had replied it was the date palm tree.” (Bukhari)

Why the date palm tree? The scholars state that the Muslim was likened to this particular tree due to the abundance of its goodness, the continuity of its shade, the goodness of its fruit and its presence throughout the year. Indeed from the time its fruit emerges, it could continue to be eaten until it dries, and after it dries many benefits continue to be gained from it. Likewise from its leaves, wood and branches people make staffs, rods, straw mats, ropes and utensils amongst other uses. Even date stone is used as fodder for camels.

A believer is similar in goodness and beauty springing from the abundance of his obedience and the excellence of his manners. He constantly prays, fasts, recites from the Quran, remembers Allah, asks for forgiveness, and enjoins what is right and forbids what is wrong. Just as the tree is in constant remembrance and worship of Allah, so is the believer. Although the palm tree grows in a completely desolate area, it is still able to thrive and benefit others. Similarly, the believer will overcome hardship when others fail to do so. Also, the Muslim is in need of nurturing just like the tree. Only when he nurtures his faith is he able to grow and bloom.

The believer is beneficial to those around him, just as the tree is beneficial by its shade, and by its fruits. The very existence of a believer is beneficial to others since Islam teaches the lowest branch of belief is removing a disturbance from the way. So even when the believer is simply walking he is useful to others. He speaks only to benefit and strives to perfect his deeds. It was narrated that the Messenger of Allah was asked, “Who is the most beloved to Allah?”  He (PBUH) answered, “The most beneficial of people to the people.”

The believer, like the palm tree, stands tall and firm. He does not change his stance with every breeze as another tree might. He withstands tests from Allah (SWT) and is reliable in his response to such trials and tribulations because he lives according to the commandments of his Creator (SWT) and the Sunnah of his Prophet (PBUH).  The palm tree’s leaves do not fall in the autumn; it always provides shade, just as the believer does not falter. He is humble yet proud of his faith and thus outshines others around him. Even when a stone is thrown at the tree it provides fruit to the thrower. Similarly, the believer is patient with those who harm him by words or actions. He does not oppress those who might have oppressed him.

The palm tree’s branches always hang low whether it is short or tall allowing people to reach its fruit easily without harming its branches or leaves. The believer is also easy to reach, always ready to help, and prefers others over himself even if he is in need. He is pleased to provide others with food, charity, or support. We ask Allah (SWT) to make us among those who are beneficial to ourselves and others, those who are the most beloved to Allah (SWT).

Sh. Jamal Said