أَلَمْ تَرَ كَيْفَ ضَرَبَ اللَّهُ مَثَلًا كَلِمَةً طَيِّبَةً كَشَجَرَةٍ طَيِّبَةٍ أَصْلُهَا ثَابِتٌ وَفَرْعُهَا فِي السَّمَاءِ
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? (Surah Ibrahim: 24)
تُؤْتِي أُكُلَهَا كُلَّ حِينٍ بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهَا ۗ وَيَضْرِبُ اللَّهُ الْأَمْثَالَ لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَذَكَّرُونَ
It produces its fruit all the time, by permission of its Lord. And Allah presents examples for the people that perhaps they will be reminded. (Surah Ibrahim: 25)
The Good Tree mentioned in the ayah refers to a date-palm tree. And a believer is like a date-palm tree
Abdullah bin`Umar said, “We were with the Messenger of Allah when he asked, ‘Tell me about a tree that resembles the Muslim, the leaves of which do not fall in summer or winter and gives its fruit at all times by the leave of its Lord.’ Ibn `Umar said, ‘I thought of the date palm tree, but felt shy to answer when I saw that Abu Bakr and`Umar did not talk. When they did not give an answer, the Messenger of Allah said, َ ‘It is the date palm tree.’ When we departed, I said to `Umar, `My father, by Allah! I thought that it was the date tree.’ He said, `Why did you not speak then’ I said, `I saw you were silent and I felt shy to say anything.’ `Umar said, `Had you said it, it would have been more precious to me than such things (i.e., would have been very precious tome).’” (Sahih al Bukhari)
So how is a believer like this date palm tree?
The trunk of a date palm is very straight.
Similarly the believer is focused, upright, principled, he is not diverted, or distracted easily. He stays true to his principles.
The roots of the date palm are very deep. The deeper the root, the taller it rises.
Similarly, in a believer, the stronger the Iman, the higher the action. His deeds rise high to Allah for acceptance.
Although the trunk of the date palm is straight and tall, the leaves bend. The leaves don’t stand upright and vertical.
A believer may be upright and principled, yet he is humble at the same time. He is not arrogant. He doesn’t strut around proudly.
The date palm is an ever green tree, and it is unaffected by seasonal changes.
Similarly a believer is not seasonal. He doesn’t do good only in Ramadan. Rather a Believer is someone who does good all the year round.
Also the fruit of a date palm is very sweet, and it has many benefits. ,
A believer is a beneficial person, he is sweet in his actions and in his speech. You enjoy his company, because he uplifts your Iman.
No part of date palm tree is useless. Every bit of the tree is beneficial, from the bark, to the leaves and even the dates themselves.
Similarly a believer uses his entire self to serve the Deen. Every part of his body is working in accordance to Allah. Every part of his body is used to serve the Deen of Allah. His energy, his legs, his back, his hands, his eyes, ears and tongue. If he has wealth, then he gives that wealth in the way of Allah. If he has time, he spends his time for the cause of Allah. Whatever abilities he has, he spends them in serving the Deen and in serving humanity.
A date palm tree can survive in the harshest climate.
A believer is strong in his character, he is not affected by the harshest situations in life.
A date palm tree has roots that are deep in the earth and branches that rise high into the sky.
Although, the believer is living on this Earth, he is also taking Divine Guidance from the heavens, meaning through the Qur’an and Sunnah.
The date palm tree is not just taking water from the earth, it is also giving, it bears fruit, it purifies the air and it provides shade.
A believer is not just taking knowledge for himself but he is also doing good to others. Sharing khayr with them.
A date fruit is known to be sweet. You don’t expect any other taste from it.
Similarly a believer, despite his ever changing circumstances, stays true to himself. He is predictable. He is known as someone from whom you can only expect goodness. If nothing else he will give you a smile and say the salam. Whereas with unpredictable people you don’t know whats going to happen next. Are they going to explode?
So as a believer, are you like a date palm tree? Are you benefiting people throughout the year? Something to think about!
