While we were with Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) he said, "Tell me of a tree which resembles a Muslim man. Its
leaves do not fall and it does not, and does not, and does not, and it gives its fruits every now and
then." It came to my mind that such a tree must be the date palm, but seeing Abu Bakr and `Umar
saying nothing, I disliked to speak. So when they did not say anything, Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "It is the
date-palm tree." When we got up (from that place), I said to `Umar, "O my father! By Allah, it came
to my mind that it must be the date palm tree." `Umar said, "What prevented you from speaking" I
replied, "I did not see you speaking, so I misliked to speak or say anything." `Umar then said, "If you
had said it, it would have been dearer to me than so-and-so."
Narrated by Narrated Ibn `Umar:
Context
In a gathering with the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), he posed a question about a tree resembling a Muslim man, which led to a moment of reflection among his companions. When the Prophet (ﷺ) revealed that the tree was the date palm, it illustrated the qualities of steadfastness and continuous benefit, paralleling the virtues of a true believer. This interaction showcases the educational approach of the Prophet (ﷺ) in conveying moral lessons.
Modern Application
This hadith encourages individuals to reflect on their own qualities and how they can embody the virtues of steadfastness and productivity in their daily lives. Just as the date palm provides consistent benefits, people can strive to contribute positively to their communities.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Prophetic Conduct and Prophetic Example because it demonstrates the Prophet's (ﷺ) method of teaching through analogy and the qualities he admired in a believer.
Have you not considered how Allah presents an example, [making] a good word like a good tree, whose root is firmly fixed and its branches [high] in the sky?
And He it is who causes gardens to grow, [both] trellised and untrellised, and palm trees and crops of different [kinds of] food and olives and pomegranates, similar and dissimilar. Eat of [each of] its fruit when it yields and give its due [zakah] on the day of its harvest. And be not excessive. Indeed, He does not like those who commit excess.
[We said], "And take in your hand a bunch [of grass] and strike with it and do not break your oath." Indeed, We found him patient, an excellent servant. Indeed, he was one repeatedly turning back [to Allah].
This hadith is #4492 from Sahih al-Bukhari, in the Book of Prophetic Commentary on the Qur'an (Tafseer of the Prophet (pbuh)). It is graded Sahih and narrated by Narrated Ibn `Umar:.
