There is a tree amongst trees, the leaves of which do not wither and that is like a Muslim; tell me which that (tree) can be? The people began to think of the trees of the forest. Abdullah said: I thought that it could be the date-palm tree, but I felt hesitant (to say that). They (the Companions) then said: Allah's Messenger, (kindly) tell us which that can be? Thereupon he said: It is the date-palm tree. I made a mention of that to 'Umar, whereupon he said: Had you said that it meant the date-palin tree, this statement of yours (would have been dearer to me) than such and such things.
Narrated by 'Abdullah b. Umar reported that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said:
Context
In this hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) draws a comparison between a tree whose leaves never wither and the character of a Muslim. The companions were asked to identify this tree, and while they speculated, Abdullah b. Umar felt it was the date-palm tree but hesitated to voice his thought. The Prophet confirmed that it was indeed the date-palm, highlighting its resilience and value, similar to the steadfastness of a true believer.
Modern Application
This hadith encourages individuals to embody qualities of resilience and steadfastness in their daily lives. Just as the date-palm tree thrives in harsh conditions, Muslims are reminded to maintain their faith and values, regardless of life's challenges.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Prophetic Teachings because it conveys a moral lesson through a metaphor that emphasizes the virtues of a Muslim.
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?
Would one of you like to have a garden of palm trees and grapevines underneath which rivers flow in which he has from every fruit? But he is afflicted with old age and has weak offspring, and it is hit by a whirlwind containing fire and is burned. Thus does Allah make clear to you [His] verses that you might give thought.
This hadith is #6922 from Sahih Muslim, in the Book of Characteristics of the Day of Judgment, Paradise, and Hell. It is graded Sahih and narrated by 'Abdullah b. Umar reported that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said:.
