Reflections On e Believers’ Resemblance To

e Date Tree

Shaykh ‘Abdur Razzaaq bin Abdul-Muhsin al-‘Abbaad al-Badr

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION
THE PARABLE OF THE GOODLY TREE
SOME OF THE ASPECTS OF RESEMBLANCE BETWEEN THE DATE
TREE AND THE BELIEVER
ASPECTS OF THE TREE OF EEMAAN
IN SUMMARY: THE BRANCHES OF EEMAAN
THREE EXAMPLES OF GARDENERS
Our Other Kindle Publications

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4
 INTRODUCTION

All praise is for Allah, who planted the tree of belief in the hearts of
those He chooses for His servitude; and specified for his abundant
excellence and blessings and those He preferred for His beneficence
and mercy over the rest of His creation. So it is...

“Like a goodly word as a goodly tree, whose root is firmly fixed,

and its branches (reach) to the sky (i.e. Very high). Giving its
fruit at all times, by the Leave of its Lord.” [Soorah Ibrahim
14:24-25]

May peace and blessings be upon our prophet, Muhammad, the

servant of Allah, His messenger, the best of His creation, the one
entrusted with His revelation, His ambassador between Himself and
His servants. He sent Him as a mercy to His creation, an example
for mankind and a way to be followed. May Allah bless his family
and companions. As for what comes next:

It cannot escape any of the Muslims the enormous importance of

Eemaan and its lofty, high ranking status and a high, superior level.
It is the greatest of demands, a magnificent intention, and a noble
goal; since, by it, the servant obtains happiness in this life and the
next. With it, the servant knows the most crucial things to seek and
the noblest goals. By it, the servant gains heaven and its pleasures.
By it, the servant will be saved from the hellfire and the displeasure
of e Almighty. By it, the servant earns the pleasure of our Lord
and never displeases him. By it, he delights in looking at the face of
e Most Noble without any adversity or trial. e fruits of
Eemaan and its benefits are too many to count. How many great
benefits, ripe fruit, and continuing good in this life and the next do
Eemaan possess!?

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Since Eemaan is this equivalent and this worth of importance, then
the texts which clarify its virtue and shows the distinction of its
value are immensely abundant and various. Since verily from Allah’s
complete wisdom and abundant blessings upon his servants is that
He made the matter so that whenever the need for something is
great and necessary and the want more dire, then the proofs for it
and ways to achieve it are amply provided and more abundant.

e servant's need for Eemaan is the greatest of needs. It is greater

than their need for food or drink and the rest of their affairs. So
because of that, the proofs for Eemaan are the strongest of
evidences, its proofs are the most authentic proofs, and the
pathways towards attaining and gaining it are the easiest of paths to
tread (upon), the nearest of it (the paths) to adopt, and the most
facilitated of it (the paths) to reach.

So for that reason, the proofs for Eemaan are numerous and varied,
and its evidences that clarify it (Eemaan) in a general and specific
sense.

Verily some of the greatest proofs for Eemaan that the Quran
consists are those verses that contain parables that clarify the reality
of Eemaan and make clear its details and branches and its fruit and
its benefits become apparent.

A parable is a statement that compares one thing to another due to a

resemblance between them in order to clarify one from the other
and to form it in the mind, and there is no doubt that using parables
and examples improve understanding. It does so by bringing to the
mind something tangible. Allah says (and His speech consists of the
greatest, most definitive proofs):

“And these similitudes we put forward for mankind, but none will
understand them except those who have knowledge (of Allah and
His Signs, etc.).” [Soorah al-Ankabut 29:43]

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e Quran contains over forty parables, and some of the Salaf,
whenever they would read a parable from the Quran that they did
not understand they would burst into tears and say:

“I am not from the knowledgeable people”. [1]

Qatada used to say:

“Understand Allah through the parables”. [2]

I thought that I would present this lesson on one of the similitudes

from the Quran and the Sunnah that includes a clarification of
Eemaan, its approximation, and an elucidation of its origin, its
branches and its fruit, due to this (i.e. e previous mentioned
verse), and from Allah alone is the success and help.

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8
 THE PARABLE OF THE GOODLY TREE

Allah says:

“See you not how Allah sets forth a parable? - A goodly word as a
goodly tree, whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches (reach) to
the sky (i.e. Very high). Giving its fruit at all times, by the Leave
of its Lord and Allah sets forth parables for mankind in order
that they may remember.” [Soorah Ibrahim 14:24-25]

is is a remarkable parable with an enormous benefit and applies

perfectly to that which it is being compared with. Allah begins the
verse by saying,

“See you not how Allah sets forth a parable?” [Soorah Ibrahim
14:24]

Meaning, does not your heart see and comprehend how Allah
makes an example and a comparison for the "goodly word", the
word of Eemaan. Allah finishes the verse with:

“Allah sets forth parables for mankind in order that they may
remember.” [Soorah Ibrahim 14:25]

Meaning: that the intention behind this parable and others, are to
remind the people and invite them to consider and understand the
speech of Allah.

ere can be no doubt that this beginning and end to the verse are
the best of encouragements for a person to learn and understand this
parable. ey also show the enormous importance of this parable
and how it includes Eemaan, which is the best thing for a person to
seek and the greatest goal. When we consider this splendid parable
we find that Allah mentions the thing that is being compared, the
thing it is being compared to and the similarity between them. e

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thing that is being compared is "the good word", the thing it is
being compared to is “the tree”, and the similarity between them is
like Allah says:

“Whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches (reach) to the sky
(i.e. Very high); giving its fruit at all times, by the Leave of its
Lord.” [Soorah Ibrahim 14:24]

Allah, e Blessed, e Most High, compares the Eemaan that is

firm in the heart of the believer and that which results from that
Eemaan in the way of branches, divisions and fruit, with the
"goodly tree” whose roots are firm, its branches outstretched into
the sky, and always produces fruit.

So if, one was to consider the thing being compared to, which is the
tree, and the thing being compared, which is the proclamation of
Eemaan that is in the heart of the believer and that which results
from it, then they will find that they share many similar
characteristics, some of which are mentioned in the verse. Ibn Al-
Qayyim (may Allah have mercy upon him) said:

“If you were to consider this resemblance you would see that it
applies to the tree of Tawheed that is firmly rooted in the heart;
its branches are the righteous actions which reach high into the
sky and this tree never stops producing good deeds. e amount
of righteous actions is dependent upon the extent that Tawheed
is embedded in the heart, the extent of the love the heart has for
Tawheed, the extent of sincerity one has for Tawheed, the extent
of knowledge one has of Tawheed, the extent one applies
Tawheed, the extent one performs its rights, and the extent that
one takes care of it.

Whoever firmly roots the proclamation of Eemaan in their heart

and characterizes their heart by it and anoints it with the religion
of Allah, of which there is no better religion, and then he knows
the reality of divinity, which his heart affirms for Allah alone and

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he bears witness to that with his tongue and confirms that with
his limbs. He negates this divinity and that which it necessitates,
for everything other than for Allah; and his heart agrees with the
tongue in this negation and affirmation and his limbs submit to
that which he testifies to with Tawheed, obediently walking the
path of his Lord with humility, without deviation and without
desiring another to replace it.

ere's no doubt that this proclamation in the heart and on the

tongue continually produces good deeds that raise up to Allah all
the time. is goodly word is what raises up the righteous actions
to Allah and produces many goodly words hand in hand with
righteous actions. Allah, the Most High, says:

"To Him ascend (all) the goodly words and the righteous deeds
exalt it (the goodly words i.e. e goodly words are not accepted
by Allah unless and until they are followed by good deeds)"

So he informs us that the righteous deeds raise up "the goodly

words" and He informs us that the "goodly words" produce
righteous deeds all the time. What is meant is if the believer
bears witness to the testification of Tawheed, knowing its
meaning and the reality of it in regards to its negation and
affirmation and distinguishes himself with the characteristics of
Tawheed and makes his heart, tongue and limbs upright with this
testification, then it is this goodly word that raises up the good
deeds from the person who testifies to it. Its roots are firm in his
heart, and its branches reach into the sky, and it gives out fruit all
the time.

erefore, it is this goodly word that raises the actions from this
witness. Its root is firmly rooted in his heart; its branches reach
into the sky, and produces its fruit constantly.” [3]

It is authentically narrated from the Prophet that "the goodly tree"

is the date tree. What is narrated by Ibn Umar (may Allah be

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pleased with him) and reported in Bukhari and Muslim via
numerous chains of narration. Al-Bukhari and Muslim narrated
from Isma'il bin Ja'far, who narrated from Abdullah bin Dinar, who
narrated from Ibn Umar that he said: "e Messenger of Allah
(may peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“Verily there is a tree whose leaves do not fall and it resembles the
Muslim. Tell me what it is?' e people thought that it was one
of the desert trees." Abdullah ibn Umar said: "I thought that it
was the date tree, but I felt shy. en the people said: 'Tell us
what it is O Messenger of Allah', so he said: 'It is the Date tree.'
I told Umar and he said: 'If you had said it is the date tree that
would be more loved to me such and such.” [4]

is wording is from Muslim. Al-Bukhari also reported it by way of

Sulaymaan who narrated it from Abdullah bin Dinar and by way of
Malik who also narrated it from Abdullah bin Dinar.

Bukhari and Muslim narrated from Ibn Abi Nujayh, who narrated
that Mujahid said:

"I accompanied Ibn Umar to Medina, and he did not speak about
the Messenger of Allah (may peace and blessings be upon him)
except for one hadith, he said: "We were with the Prophet, and a
date tree heart was brought to him, so he said: 'ere is a tree its
example is like the example of a Muslim' I wanted to say it is the
date tree, but I was the youngest of the group, so I did not say
anything. e Prophet (may peace and blessings be upon him)
said: 'It is the Date Tree.” [5]

Bukhari reported by way of Abi Bashr, who narrated from Mujahid,

who narrated from Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) that
he said:

“I was with the Prophet (may peace and blessings be upon him),
and he was eating a date tree heart, and he said, 'ere is a tree

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that resembles a believing man.” So I wanted to say it is the date
tree, but I was the youngest of them. en he said, 'It's the date
tree'.” [6]

Bukhari reported via Al-A'mash He said, “Mujahid narrated to me

who narrated from Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with
him) that he said:

"We were sitting with the Prophet (may peace and blessings be
upon him), and someone brought a date tree heart, then the
Prophet (may peace and blessings be upon him) said: "ere is a
tree; its blessing is like the blessing of a believer". I thought that
he meant the date tree. I wanted to say: it is the date tree O
Messenger of Allah. I looked around and saw that out of a group
of ten I was the youngest, so I did not say anything; then the
Prophet (may peace and blessings be upon him) said: 'It is the
Date Tree.'” [7]

Bukhari reported via Zubaid, who narrated a summary of the hadith

from Mujahid. [8]

Muslim reported via Abu Khalil Ad-Duba'i, who narrated from

Mujahid, who narrated from Ibn Umar that the Prophet (may peace
and blessings be upon him) said one day to his companions:

"Tell me about a tree that resembles the believer", so the people

began to mention a tree from the desert. Ibn Umar said: "It
occurred to me that it was the date tree. I wanted to say it, but I
found the elders of the people were present, so I was scared to
talk. When they did not say anything the Messenger of Allah
(may peace and blessings be upon him) said: "It's the date tree."
[9]

Muslim also reported the hadith via Saif, who narrated it from
Mujahid. [10]

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Bukhari and Muslim narrated from Ubaidullah bin Umar, who
narrated from Nafi', who narrated from Ibn Umar (may Allah have
mercy upon him) he said:

“We were with the Messenger of Allah (May peace and blessings
be upon him) who said: 'Tell me of a tree that resembles the
Muslim man. Its leaves do not fall; it does not..., It does not..., It
does not.... It brings sustenance all the time'" Ibn Umar said: "It
occurred to me that it was the date tree, but I saw Abu Bakr and
Umar did not say anything, so I did not want to speak. When
they did not say anything, the Messenger of Allah said: 'It is the
date tree'" After the people rose to leave, I said to Umar: "O
Father by Allah I thought it was the date tree", so he said: 'What
stopped you from saying that?' He said: "I saw that no one spoke,
so I did not want to say anything”. Umar said: "If you had spoken
it would have been more beloved to me than so and so”. [11]

Bukhari reported via Maharib bin Dithar, who heard Ibn Umar say:

“e Prophet (may peace and blessings be upon him) said: 'e
Muslim is like a green tree whose leaves do not fall.' e people
said: 'Its tree so and so or tree so and so'. I wanted to say that it
was the date tree, but I was a young boy, so I was shy to speak.
e Prophet (may peace and blessings be upon him) said: 'It's the
date tree’” [12]

Bukhari reported via Hafs bin Asim, who narrated from Ibn Umar
something similar. [13]

is is everything that was reported in Bukhari and Muslim, in

regards to this great hadith from the different chains of narration.
ere are also other chains reported in other than Bukhari and
Muslim in the various sunnan, masanid, and ma'ajim, as will be seen
in that which follows.

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Bukhari, May Allah have mercy upon him, mentioned this hadith in
a number of different places in his Saheeh. He reported it in “e
Book of Tafsir” in the section named after the verse:

“As a goodly tree, whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches
(reach) to the sky (i.e. Very high). Giving its fruit at all times.”
[Soorah Ibrahim 14:24-25]

He indicates that the tree mentioned in the verse is the date tree, so
the hadith, therefore, explains the verse.

is is mentioned clearly in the hadith reported by Al-Bazzar via

Moosa bin Uqbah, who narrated from Nafi', who narrated from Ibn
Umar who said that the Messenger of Allah read the verse:

“See you not how Allah sets forth a parable? - A goodly word as a
goodly tree.”

en he said:

“Do you know what it is?" Ibn Umar said: “It was apparent to me
that it was the date tree, but my young age prevented me from
speaking”. e Prophet then said: “It is the date tree” [14]

Ibn Hajar said:

“Combining between this hadith and that which was mentioned

previously: he (may peace and blessings be upon him) was
brought a date tree heart and he began to eat it after having read
the verse, and he said: “ere is a tree...” To the end of the
hadith.

Ibn Hiban reported the narration of Abdul Aziz bin Muslim, who
narrated from Abdullah bin Dinar, who narrated from Ibn Umar
that Prophet (may peace and blessings be upon him) said:

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“Who can tell me about a tree that resembles the believer; its
roots are firm and its branches are in the sky...?” [15]

is strengthens Al-Bazzar's narration. What also strengthens this

are the many narrations from the companions and others that
explained the "goodly tree" as the date tree.

At-Tirmidhi and others reported from Shuaib bin Al-Habhaab

who said:

“We were with Anas, and he brought us a plate of dates, then he

(may Allah be pleased with him) said to Abu Aliyah: 'Eat Abu
Aliyah for verily this is from the tree that Allah mentioned in his
book: 'Allah sets forth a parable? - A goodly word as a goodly
tree, whose root is firmly fixed'. He said: 'is is how Anas read
it,” [16]

At-Tirmidhi also narrated similar to this but attributed it to the

Prophet (may peace and blessings be upon him). He said:

“It's more authentic that this hadith was not said by the Prophet
(May peace and blessings be upon him)”.

Ibn Abbas, Mujahid, Masrooq, Ikramah, Ad-Dahaak, Qatadah, Ibn

Zaid, and others gave the same explanation for this verse.

e Prophet (may peace and blessings be upon him) expressed this

aforementioned explanation, i.e. e resemblance of the believer to
the date tree, in the most concise words in that which At-Tabarani
reported in Al-Mu'jam Al-Kabir and Al-Bazzar from the hadith of
Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleases with him):

“Example of the believer is like that of the date tree: whatever

you take from it benefits you” [17]

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e date tree was given the excellence of resembling the believing
servant of Allah because it is the best of the trees and most
beneficial. Abu Hatim As-Sijistani wrote a book solely for the date
tree. In it, he explained its excellence, its features and its different
names. In it, he considers a number of issues concerning the date
tree. In the beginning he says:

“e date tree is the master of all trees; it is created from the clay
of Adam (May the blessings of Allah be upon him), and Allah
made it a parable for 'la ilha illallah' (there's none worthy of
worship except Allah), as He, the Most Venerated, the Most
High, says: “See you not how Allah sets forth a parable? - A
goodly word...” that is the saying: 'la ilaha illallah' and 'as a
goodly tree', and this is the date tree.

Just as, 'la ilaha illallah' is the master of speech, then the date tree
is the master of the trees.” [18]

en he began to speak in detail about this noble and virtuous tree
and supported his saying that the date tree was created from the clay
of Adam (may Allah’s blessings be upon him) with the hadith
narrated via Masroor bin Mas'ood At-Tamimi, who said:

“Al-Awza'i told me that Urwa bin Ruwaim narrated from Ali bin
Abi Talib said that the Messenger of Allah said:

Honor your uncle, the date tree, for verily it was created from the
clay that Adam was created from and it does not cross pollinate
with anything else. Feed your pregnant wives with its fresh and
its dried dates. ere is no tree nobler with Allah than the tree
Maryam bint Imran took rest under.

e chain of narration for this hadith is not authentic so it cannot

be used as a proof. is hadith was only narrated by Masroor bin
Mas'ood, and he is unknown. Ibn Al-Jawzi said:

 A
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“is is not authentically narrated from the Messenger of Allah.
Ibn Uday said: 'Masroor is unknown and narrates hadith that are
not narrated by anyone else' and Ibn Hibban said: 'He narrates
the weak hadith from Al-Awza'i that is not allowed to use as a
proof ' [19]
And Dhahabi said: 'Ibn Hibban considered him a weak narrator and
said that he narrated a lot of the weak hadith from Al-Awza’i’” [20]

Taking this into consideration, there is still no doubt about the

excellence of the date tree, its nobility, and its distinction. It is
enough that the tree was singled out from the other trees as a
parable for the believer. In the previous texts, we find a number of
things that point towards some of the date tree's many virtues and
characteristics. For example, the strength of its roots, the height of
its branches, how it produces food all the time, that every part of it
is beneficial and other than that from the virtues and characteristics
of the date tree.

Here, there is a pivotal point, and that is that when the Prophet
(may peace and blessings be upon him) compared the believer to the
date tree it was due to numerous aspects of resemblance between the
date tree and the believer. e believer that is obedient to Allah,
who has the proclamation of Eemaan steadfast in his heart and fills
his chest, and bears ripe fruit and varied goodness.

ere is no doubt about the importance of contemplating, searching

for and understanding the different aspects of the resemblance
between the date tree and the believer due to its great many benefits.
Allah, the Most High guides us to the understanding of these
benefits when he compares the date tree and the believer and
mentions a number of the characteristics shared between them,
when he says:

“...A goodly tree, whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches
(reach) to the sky (i.e. Very high). Giving its fruit at all times...”
[Soorah Ibrahim 14:24-25]

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Here are four aspects of resemblance between them, and if a person
was to consider the thing being compared and the thing it is being
compared to he would find many aspects of resemblance between
them. Whoever reads the sayings of the people of knowledge on this
subject will come upon many benefits. In the following, I hope to
bring some of the aspects of resemblance that has been mentioned
by the people of knowledge in the books of Tafsir and the various
explanations of the hadith.

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20
SOME OF THE ASPECTS OF RESEMBLANCE BETWEEN THE DATE
TREE AND THE BELIEVER

So among these aspects…[21]

e 1st aspect:

e date tree always has a trunk, branches, and fruit and likewise
the tree of Eemaan. It must have a trunk, branches and fruit. e
trunk of Eemaan are the well-known six foundations; its branches
are the righteous deeds, the types of obedience and the many things
that draw you close to Allah; and its fruits are all the good things
that happen to the believer and all the happiness that he earns in
this life and the next.

Abdullah reports in the Sunnah narrating from At-Tawus, who

narrated that his father said:

“e example of Eemaan is like a tree: its root is the shahada

(testimony of faith); its trunk and leaves are so and so, and the
fruit is al-wara' (piety, fearing Allah). ere is no goodness in a
tree that bears no fruit, and there is no goodness in a person that
does not possess al-wara’” [22]

Al-Bagawi (may Allah have mercy upon him) said:

“e wisdom in comparing Eemaan with a tree is that a tree is

not a tree without three things: strong roots, an upright trunk,
and high branches and likewise Eemaan is not completed without
three things: belief of the heart, speech of the tongue, and action
of the limbs” [23]

Ibn Al-Qayyim said:

T
21
“Sincerity and Tawheed are a tree in the heart; its branches are
righteous actions and its fruit are a good life in the Dunya and
eternal bliss in the hereafter. Just as, the fruit of Jannah are
uninterrupted by season and are limitless, then so too are the
fruits of Tawheed and sincerity. Shirk, lying and Riya is a tree in
the heart also, and the fruits in the Dunya are fear, sadness,
tightening of the chest and darkening of the heart, and its fruit in
the hereafter are the Zaqoom and never-ending punishment.
Allah mentions both these trees in Soorah Ibrahim” [24]

e 2nd aspect:

e date tree cannot live and will not grow without water. If it is left
without water, then it will wither and if it is cut off entirely then it
will die, so there is no life without water. e believer is also like
this; he does not live a true life, and his life is not good unless his
heart is watered with the revelation of the speech of Allah and the
speech of His messenger (may peace and blessings be upon him).
is is the reason Allah calls the revelation a Rûh (life, essence, etc.)
In the verse:

“And thus We have sent to you (O Muhammad may peace and

blessings) Ruhan (an Inspiration, and a Mercy) of Our
Command. You knew not what is the Book, nor what is Faith?
But We have made it (this Qur'ân) a light wherewith We guide
whosoever of Our slaves We will.” [Soorah ash-Shura 42:52]

And the verse:

“He sends down the angels with the Rûh (inspiration) of His
Command to whom of His slaves He pleases.” [Soorah an-Nahl
16:2]

e true life of the heart can only exist with it, and without it a
person would be dead, even if he is one of the living, like Allah says
in His verse:

22
“Is he who was dead (without Faith by ignorance and disbelief )
and We gave him life (by knowledge and Faith) and set for him a
light (of Belief ) whereby he can walk amongst men, like him who
is in the darkness (of disbelief, polytheism and hypocrisy) from
which he can never come out?” [Soorah al-An’aam 6:122]

And His saying:

“O you who believe! Answer Allah (by obeying Him) and (His)
Messenger when he (may peace and blessings be upon him) calls
you to that which will give you life” [Soorah al-An’fal 8:24]

ere are many verses with this same meaning.

is is a clear resemblance between the believer and the date tree.
e date tree cannot live if it is not given water and the heart of the
believer cannot live if it is not given revelation. If Allah sends down
the rain upon the dead earth it is affected, and every variety of
splendor is brought forth from it.

Similarly the dead heart when it hears the revelation and accepts it
becomes rectified, proper, and much good grows inside it. Allah in
Soorah Al-Hadid warns from a lack of reverence for the mentioning
of Allah, like those who were given the book before and after a long
time their hearts became hard. Allah, the most glorified, says at the
end of it:

“Know that Allah gives life to the earth after its death! Indeed
We have made clear the Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons,
signs, revelations, etc.) To you, if you but understand.” [Soorah
al-Hadid 57:17]

is is an indication that the one that gives life to the earth also
gives life to the hearts with revelation, but that is only for the one

23
that understands Allah’s verses. is is clarified as Ibn Al-Qayyim
said, that:

“e tree of Islâm in the heart must be continually watered with

beneficial knowledge, righteous actions, and by reflecting on past
ideas to gain new benefits without which the tree would dry out
and wither.”

In the book Musnad by Imam Ahmad, from the hadith of Abu

Hurayrah who said the Messenger of Allah (may peace and
blessings be upon him) said:

‘Verily Eemaan is made in the heart just as a thowb is made so

renew your Eemaan.’ [25]

In general the seedling is not diligently cared for; then it is on the

verge of perishing. From this, you will understand the servants’
extreme need for whatever Allah commanded from acts of worship
on a recurring basis, and it shows His great mercy, complete
blessings and beneficence to His servants that He made the acts of
worship incumbent upon them, and He made them a substance to
water the seedling of Tawheed that has been planted in their hearts.
[26]

e 3rd aspect:

e date tree is extremely firm as Allah said in the previously

mentioned verse:

“Whose root is firmly fixed” [Soorah Ibrahim 14:24]

at is the case with Eemaan if it takes hold in the heart. It

becomes so firm that nothing can shake it, like the firmly rooted
mountains.

Al-Awza'i was asked whether Eemaan increases, he replied:

24
“Yes, until it becomes like the mountains”, then it was said:
“Does it decrease?” He said: “Yes until nothing of it remains”.[27]

Imam Ahmad was asked about the increase and decrease of

Eemaan; he said:

“It increases until it reaches the highest of the seven heavens and
it decreases until it reaches the lowest of the seven depths.” [28]

e 4th aspect:
e date tree does not grow in every place. Rather it only grows in
specific areas with good earth. So in some places it does not grow at
all; in some places it grows but does not bear any fruit; in some
places, it bears fruit, but of a bad quality, so not, every place is
suitable for the date tree.

Abu Hatim As-Sijistani said:

“e taste of the earth i.e. e soil type that a tree is in being
what makes a tree go bad i.e. rot, causing the tree to become
thick, weak, smelly and finally dry out. e thickness in the tree
when this happens is without strength and the tree loses its firm
hold on the soil almost as if the earth has rejected it as it leans,
becomes flaccid, falls and rots.

When the tree is in well tilled or loose earth with enough space
for movement, its roots come out a tenuous white shooting out
perpendicular to the tree, travelling in straight lines parallel to
the earth until they sense water.

When the roots arrive at a well irrigated soil they then stay there
with the water they have found. e reason for this is that the
roots seek to return to a well-watered earth with a desired flavor
and only move downwards in their search of water i.e. when the
roots become submersed in water, they stop moving.

25
en when the roots arrive at poorly irrigated soil without space
for much movement they become thin and elongated to be able to
penetrate the soil. is is because what drives the motion of the
roots is their search for water. So when they find the taste of
water beneath them better than the soil that they are in, they
start to thin and elongate away from the poor soil, out of dislike
for that poor soil above them.” [29]

erefore, not all soil is compatible with the date tree.

is is the way of Eemaan; it does not become firm in every heart.
Eemaan only becomes firm in the hearts of those that Allah has
written for them guidance and has widened their chest for Eemaan.
e hearts are of different containers, and in this regard Abu Musa
Al-Ashari said that messenger of Allah (may peace and blessings be
upon him) said:

“e example of that which Allah sent me with from guidance

and knowledge is like that of the heavy rains that pour down on
the earth. Some areas accept the rain and grow pastures and
vegetation. Some areas are nonporous and hold the water, so
Allah benefits the people with it, they drink from it; they
cultivate with it, and they irrigate with it. Some areas are flat, so
do not hold the water and do not grow pastures. Similar is my
example, and the example of the one that understands Allah’s
religion and is benefitted by that which I was sent with, so he
knows, and he teaches, and similar is the example of the one who
does not raise his head or accept the guidance of Allah that I was
sent with.” [30]

e 5th aspect:

e date tree can be surrounded by growth that harm the tree,

hampers its growth, crowds it and takes from its irrigation. e date
tree, therefore, requires a specific kind of routine maintenance by its

26
owner to remove this harmful growth and vegetation. If he does this
then his plant will reach its full growth, but if he is neglectful then
the surrounding growth could overcome his plant and weaken the
roots.

is is also the case with the believer; there is no doubt that he is
accompanied in this life by things that can weaken his Eemaan and
his certainty, and crowd the roots of Eemaan that are in the heart.
e believer, therefore, must always strive to take account of himself
and to work hard to remove every source of evil on the heart and to
distance himself from everything that has a bad influence on the
state of Eemaan like the whispers of the Shaytan, or the soul that is
built upon bad, or the Dunya with its trials and temptations, etc.
Allah says:

“As for those who strive hard in Us (Our Cause), We will surely
guide them to Our Paths (i.e. Allah's Religion - Islâmic
Monotheism). And verily, Allah is with the Muhsinun (good
doers)”. [Soorah al-Ankabut 29:69]

e 6th aspect:

e date tree, as Allah informs us:

“Giving its fruit at all times...” [Soorah Ibrahim 14:25]

Its food is its fruit, and it produces its fruit all the time, be it night
or day, summer or winter, either it produces a tamr (dried date), or
busr (unripe dates), or rutb (fresh date). Likewise, the actions of the
believer are risen up at the beginning and end of the night. Rabi' bin
Anas said in explanation of:

"...At all times..."

Meaning: every morning and night, because the fruit of the date
tree is eaten night and day, summer and winter, whether it be tamr,

27
rutb, or busr. Likewise, the actions of the believers rise up at the
beginning and end of every night." [31]

Ad-Dhahak said:

“Giving its fruit at all times...”

“It brings out its fruit all the time, and this is like the believer: he
performs righteous actions all the time, every hour of the day and
night, winter and summer, in the obedience of Allah.” [32]

Ibn Jarir narrated a number of sayings of the Salaf in regards to the

meaning of Allah’s saying: "...At all times..." en he said:

“e foremost of the sayings in my opinion is the one who said: e

meaning of "time" in this place is the morning and evening and
every hour because Allah mentions the produce of this tree that
comes all the time as a parable for the actions of the believer and
there is no doubt that righteous speech and actions are sent up to
Allah every day, not every year or every six months or bimonthly.
erefore, if this is correct then there is no doubt that the thing
being compared cannot contradict the thing that it is being
compared to in its meaning. So of, it is like that then the accuracy of
what I have said should be clear. If someone was to say: 'What kind
of date tree produces fruit all the time, summer and winter?', then it
is said to them that, in the winter, the flowers are from its fruit and
in the summer you have the dates, the unripe dates, the fresh dates,
and the dried dates, and all of that is from the fruit of the date tree.”
[33]

It is reported from Qatada he said:

“Giving its fruit at all times...”

Meaning: its fruit is eaten in the winter and summer.

28
e 7th aspect:

e date tree has blessings in every part of it. ere is no part of it

that cannot be benefitted from. is is also the way of the believer
as is narrated in Saheeh Al-Bukhari in one of the variations of the
hadith of Ibn Umarb; that preceded, from the narration of Al-
A'mash upon the authority of Mujahid, upon the authority of Ibn
Umar, that the Prophet (may peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“Verily there is a tree that has been blessed like the blessing of the
Muslim...”

Ibn Hajar said about this hadith:

“e blessing of the date tree is found in every part of it and is

continuous throughout its different states so from whenever it
produces fruit till when they dry, they can be eaten in different
ways. e rest of the tree can also be used: including the date stones
for feeding livestock, the fibers for making rope, and many other
well-known uses. Likewise, the blessing of the Muslim encompasses
every situation, and his benefit to himself and to others continues
even after his death."”[34]

e 8th aspect:

e date tree, as the Prophet (may peace and blessings be upon him)
described it, "doesn't lose its leaves", and the resemblance between
the believer and the date tree in this respect is made apparent by the
saying of Al-Harith bin Abi Usamah in the hadith of a different
wording on the authority of Ibn Umar:

“We were with the Messenger of Allah (may peace and blessings of
Allah be upon him) one day and he said: 'Verily the example of the
believer is like that of a tree that does not lose its leaves, do you
know what it is?', we said: no, so he said: 'It is the date tree: it does

29
not lose its leaves and likewise the believer's dua (supplication) is
never lost.’” [35]

Al-Qurtubi made clear the importance of this addition and its great
benefit when he said in his Tafsir:

“Al-Harith bin Usama's addition was equal to a journey to the

Prophet (may peace and blessings be upon him), he said: 'It is the
date tree: its leaves do not fall and likewise the believer's dua is never
lost.', So he clarifies the meaning of the hadith and the resemblance
between them.” [36]

Dua is what we have been ordered with, and its acceptance has been
guaranteed, just as Allah, the most high says:

“And your Lord said: "Invoke Me, [i.e. Believe in My Oneness

(Islâmic Monotheism)] (and ask Me for anything) I will respond
to your (invocation).” [Soorah Ghafir 40:60]

Although the dua is only a cause and requisite for acceptance if the
conditions are complete and the obstacles are removed, the
acceptance of the dua could be different due to the absence of some
of the conditions or the presence of some of the obstacles and its
etiquettes. e greatest of the etiquettes of dua is the presence of the
heart, hope of acceptance, and determination upon the affair.

Ibn Al-Qayyim mentioned in regards to the meaning of the hadith

another viewpoint, and that is:

“e continuation of its covering and its beauty that never changes
summer or winter is like the believer who is never without the
covering of Taqwâ (righteousness) and its beauty until Allah calls
him back.” [37]

e 9th aspect:

30
e date tree was described in the verse as "goodly", and this
encompasses more than just the good look or shape, the good smell,
fruit, and benefit. e most honorable characteristic of the believer
is his goodness in all his affairs and every situation; in that which is
apparent and that which is hidden, in secret and in public. Because
of this when the believers enter heaven, and they are met by its
keepers they say to them:

“Salâmun 'Alaikum (peace be upon you)! You were good, so enter

here to abide therein.” [Soorah az-Zumar 39:73]

And Allah, the Most High says:

“ose whose lives the angels take while they are in a pious state
(i.e. Pure from all evil, and worshipping none but Allah Alone)
saying (to them): Salâmun 'Alaikum (peace be on you) enter you
Paradise, because of (the good) which you used to do (in the
world).” [Soorah an-Nahl 16:32]

And He, the most high says,

“Truly, Allah will admit those who believe (in the Oneness of
Allah Islâmic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, to
Gardens underneath, which rivers flow (in Paradise), wherein
they will be adorned with bracelets of gold and pearls and their
garments therein will be of silk; And they are guided (in this
world) unto goodly speech (i.e. Lâ ilâha ill-Allah, Alhamdu
lillâh, recitation of the Qur'ân, etc.), And they are guided to the
Path of Him (i.e. Allah's Religion of Islâmic Monotheism), Who
is Worthy of all praises. [Soorah al-Hajj 22:23-24]

Goodness is the most dignified of their characteristics, most

beautiful of their descriptions, and the best of their adornments for
every situation, every statement, every action, every movement,
every stillness, and every one of their affairs.

31
e 10th aspect:

e date tree is described, in the hadith of Ibn Umar that

proceeded, with that: "whatever you take from it will benefit you",
and Ibn Al-Qayyim said:

“e entire date tree is beneficial; nothing falls from it without a

benefit. Its fruit is beneficial; its trunk has a number of benefits,
that are well known for buildings, roofing, etc.; Its leaves can be
used to cover a roof in place of reeds and to cover openings and
holes; its wicker is used for baskets, pouches, types of containers,
mats, etc.; And its bark and its fronds have uses that are known
to the people”[38]

is is also the way of the believer with his brothers, companions,
and fellow travelers; they do not see anything but honorable
characteristics, supreme manners, excellent dealings, advice and
good deeds for his companions. ey do not experience any harm
from him; rather they do not experience anything but benefit, like a
good speech, or sermon, beautiful characteristics, aid and help, and
so forth. erefore, he is like the date tree: whatever you take from
him is beneficial to you.

e 11th aspect:

ere is a lot of difference between the date trees, difference in the

look, the type, and the fruit. e date trees are not all on the same
level of beauty and quality, rather there is a big disproportion and
differentiation between them, as Allah, the most High, says:

“And in the earth are neighboring tracts, and gardens of vines,

and green crops (fields etc.), And date-palms, growing out two or
three from a single stem root, or otherwise (one stem root for
every palm), watered with the same water, yet some of them We
make more excellent than others to eat. Verily, in these things,

A ( )
32
there are Ayât (proofs, evidences, lessons, signs) for the people
who understand.” [Soorah ar-Ra’d 13:4]

So it differs in its taste, look, and type; and some are better than
others.

is is also the case between the believers, so the believers differ in
Eemaan and are not all on one level, rather there is a large
disproportion between them and some are better than others. Allah,
the Most High, says:

“en We gave the Book the Qur'ân) for inheritance to such of

Our slaves whom We chose (the followers of Muhammad, may
peace, and blessings be upon him). en of them are some who
wrong their own selves, and of them are some who follow a
middle course, and of them are some who are, by Allah's Leave,
foremost in good deeds. at (inheritance of the Qur'ân) that is
indeed a great grace.” [Soorah Fatir 35:32]

e 12th aspect:

e date tree is one of the most resilient trees against the wind and
strain. e other large trees are sometimes bent by the wind,
sometimes they are uprooted, and their branches are broken. Most
of them have no resilience for a lack of water like that of the date
tree.

e believer is also most patient in the face of hardship and is not

shaken by the wind. e three types of patience are combined in the
believer: patience upon obedience to Allah; patience upon ones sins;
and patience upon the difficulties that have been pre-decreed. Allah
the most high says:

“...And give glad tidings to As-Sâbirin (the patient ones, etc.).

Who, when afflicted with calamity, say: "Truly! To Allah we
belong and truly, to Him we shall return." ey are those on
( )(
33
whom are the Salawât (i.e. Blessings, etc.) (i.e. Who are blessed
and will be forgiven) from their Lord, and (they are those who)
receive His Mercy, and it is they who are the guided-ones.”
[Soorah al-Baqarah 2:155-157]

And He, the Most High says:

“Say (O Muhammad, may peace and blessings be upon him): "O

My slaves who believe (in the Oneness of Allah Islâmic
Monotheism), be afraid of your Lord (Allah) and keep your duty
to Him. Good is (the reward) for those who do good in this
world, and Allah's earth is spacious (so if you cannot worship
Allah at a place, then go to another)! Only those who are patient
shall receive their rewards in full, without reckoning.” [Soorah az-
Zumar 39:10]

e 13th aspect:

As the date tree ages, it increases in goodness and its fruit improves
in quality and likewise the believer if his life is long he increases in
goodness and his deeds improve.

At-Tirmidhi reports on the authority of Abdullah bin Busr that a

Bedouin man said:

“O Messenger of Allah who is the best of the people?” He said:

"Whoever's life is long and his deeds are good.” [39]

He also reported on the authority of Abu Bakra that a man said:

“O Messenger of Allah which of the people are the best?" He

said: "Whoever's life is long and his deeds are good." e man
then said: "Which of the people are the worst?" He said:
"Whoever's life is long and his deeds are wicked.” [40]

34
Imam Ahmad and An-Nisa'i reported on the subject of "actions of
the day and night", with a "good" chain of narration, on the
authority of Abdullah bin Shaddad

“at a group of three people from the Udhra tribe came to the
Prophet (may peace and blessings be upon him) and became
Muslim, then the Prophet (may peace and blessings be upon him)
said: "Who will be their host?" So Talhah said: "I will.". So they
were with Talhah when the Prophet (may peace and blessings be
upon him) sent out an army and one of the three went with them
and was martyred. en he sent out another army and another of
the group went with them and was also martyred. e third
remaining member of the group then died in his bed. Talhah
said: "I saw those three that stayed with me, in Jannah, so I saw
the one who died on his bed in front of them and the one who
was martyred last behind him and the one that was martyred first
was the last of them. is bothered me, so I went to the Prophet
(may peace and blessings be upon him), and I mentioned that to
him, so he said: "What do you not believe from that? ere is no
one better with Allah than a believer that lives long in Islam and
says the Takbeer (Allah Akbar), the Tasbeeh (subhanallah),
tahleel (to say la ilaha illallah), and the Tamheed (alhamdulillah)
a lot.” [41]

e 14th aspect:

e heart of the date tree, known as the jummar is one of the best
and sweetest of the different types of hearts, and as we have already
mentioned in some of the narrations of the hadith of Ibn Umar that
proceeded

“at the Prophet (may peace and blessings be upon him) was
brought a jummar (date tree heart), and he quickly ate it, then he
said: 'ere is from the types of trees a tree; its example is like
that of the Muslim”

35
e jummar of the date tree has a sweet flavor and a beautiful taste,
and it is one of the best and nicest of hearts. Likewise, the heart of
the believer is the best and nicest of hearts. It only carries goodness,
and it does not hide anything but uprightness (Istiqaamah) and
rectification.

e 15th aspect:

e benefit of the date tree is never entirely impaired; rather if a

particular benefit is impaired then there are other benefits. So, even
if it did not bear fruit one year then there would still be in it benefit
and purpose for the people in its palm leaves, its fibers, and its
fronds. is is how the believer is: he is never devoid of good
character, rather if he is deficient in one respect then he makes up
for it in another, so his goodness is always expected and the people
are always safe from his evil. At-Tirmidhi narrated on the authority
of the Prophet (may peace and blessings be upon him) that he said:

“e best of you is the one whose goodness is expected and

everyone is safe from his evil and the worst of you is the one
whom you do not expect good from and you are not safe from his
evil.” [42]

Due to that it is narrated on the authority of Ikramah in regards to

the saying of Allah, e Most High: "...Like a goodly tree...” He
said:

“It is the date tree which never ceases to have a benefit."” [43]

is is the way of the believer, like the date tree, he never ceases to
have benefit, or rather benefits, and that is determined by his
portion of Eemaan.

e 16th aspect:

36
It is easy to attain the fruit of the date tree as it is either short so,
therefore, does not require the person to climb it, or it has
outstretched branches making it easy to climb in comparison to
other tall trees. So you will find it as if it is a staircase or a ladder
leading to the top of it. e believer is also like this: his good is easy
and close for whoever wishes to experience it without naivety or
depravity.

e 17th aspect:

Its fruits are amongst the most beneficial of the fruits worldwide as
its fresh fruits are eaten as a fruit and as a dessert. Its dried fruit is
eaten as a daily staple, a soup, and also as a fruit. It is used to
produce vinegar and sugar and is used in medicines and drinks. Its
general usefulness is apparent, and this is the way of the believer in
regard to his general benefits, various righteous acts and goodness.

Just as, the fruit of the date tree has a sweet taste, then likewise
Eemaan has a sweetness also that cannot be tasted except with the
correct Eemaan. is is why he (may peace and blessings be upon
him) said:

“ere are three things if present in a person then he will find the
sweetness of Eemaan: that Allah and His messenger are more
beloved to him than anything else; that he loves a person, and he
only loves him for the sake of Allah; and that he hates to return
to disbelief just as he would hate to be thrown into the fire.” [44]

Abu Muhammad bin Abi Jumrah said:

“Verily he only used the word 'sweetness' because Allah likened

Eemaan to a tree in His, the Most High's saying: "...A parable -
A goodly word as a goodly tree...", So the word is the word of
Ikhlaas (sincerity); the tree is the foundation of Eemaan; its
branches are following orders and distancing oneself from that
which is forbidden; its leaves are that which the believer gave

37
importance to in regards to good deeds; its fruit are the acts of
obedience; the sweetness of the fruit is the reaping of fruits, and
completeness of Eemaan achieves the utmost ripeness of the fruit
which brings out the sweetness." [45]

e 18th aspect:

e most exquisite thing that was mentioned around the

juxtaposition of the characteristics of the different parts of the date
tree and the characteristics of the believer is that which Ibn Al-
Qayyim mentioned when he said:

"And some of the people matched these benefits with the

characteristics of the Muslim, so they made for every benefit of the
date tree a characteristic of the Muslim to match it. So when they
come to the thorns of the date tree they make it, with its
counterpart from the Muslim, the characteristic of severity upon the
enemies of Allah and the people of wickedness, so they are severe
and harsh with them like the thorns and with the believers and the
pious they are like the ripe dates in sweetness and softness:
"...Severe against disbelievers, and merciful among themselves..."
[46]

38
39
 ASPECTS OF THE TREE OF EEMAAN

ese are some of the points of resemblance between the believer

and the date tree. Some of the commentators mentioned other
points of resemblance, but they are weak and in some cases baseless.
Al-Hafidh Ibn Hajar mentions this in summary in his book "Fath-
ul-Bari", he said:

“As for those who claim that the point of resemblance between
the Muslim and the date tree is that if its head is cut off then it
will die; or that it will not bear fruit unless it is pollinated; or that
it will die if drowned in water; or that its pollen has the scent like
that of human semen; or that it couples; or that it drinks from its
top. All of these points are weak because these are all
characteristics that are shared by human beings and are not
specific to the Muslim. Weaker than that is the opinion of those
who claim the date tree was created from the leftover clay of
Adam as the hadith in that regard is not strong, and Allah knows
best.” [47]

With that, which has proceeded, it is known that Eemaan is a

blessed tree of immense benefit, abundant usefulness, and many
fruits. It has a specific place that it grows in; it has a specific drink,
and it has a trunk, branches and fruit.

As for its place then it is in the heart of the Muslim. Its seeds,
trunk, limbs, and branches are placed in the heart.

As for its drink then it is the clear revelation: the book of Allah and
the Sunnah of the Messenger. e tree is watered by it, and without
it the tree has no life and cannot grow.

As for its trunk: then it is the six foundations of Eemaan, the

highest of which is the belief in Allah, the Most High, so it is the
foundation of the foundations of this blessed tree.

40
As for its branches: then it is the righteous actions, the various acts
of obedience, and the numerous acts of qurba (an act that draws a
person closer to Allah) that the believer performs.

As for the fruit: then it is every bit of good and happiness that the
believer attains in this life and the hereafter, so it is a fruit from the
fruit of Eemaan and a result from its results.

e eminent scholar Abdurahman As-Sa'di wrote a nice treatise on

this topic called "e Explanation and Clarification of the Tree of
Eemaan". In it, he brings the most important information of this
blessed tree of Eemaan. He started his treatise, may Allah have
mercy upon him, with an explanation of Eemaan and a clarification
of its definition. Secondly, he continued by mentioning its
foundation, its assets, and from that which it derives. irdly, he
mentioned its benefits and fruit. He continues on in that way, may
Allah have mercy upon him, from the previous noble verse that
contains the comparison of the statement of Eemaan in the heart of
the believer, which is the best of statements, with the date tree,
which is the best of trees. en he says:

“is tree varies greatly in the hearts of the believers depending

on the level that it possesses of the characteristics that Allah
describes it with. erefore, it is upon the successful servant to
rush to know about it, and its characteristics, its reasons, its
foundations, and its branches and he must strive to apply it
theoretically and practically, for verily his portion of goodness,
success, and instant and delayed happiness are dependent on his
portion of this tree.” [48]

e best explanation for the foundation and the branches of this

tree is the well-known hadith of the branches of Eemaan that was
reported by Bukhari, Muslim and others from the hadith of Abu
Hurayrah, that the Prophet (may peace and blessings be upon him)
said:

41
“Eemaan is seventy odd branches, the highest of which is the
statement: 'ere is none worthy of worship except Allah, and the
lowest of which is to remove a hardship from the pathway, and
shyness is one of the branches of Eemaan.”

is hadith contains the best explanation of this blessed tree: its
foundation, and its branches whether it is performed by the heart,
the tongue or the limbs. is is the reason the imam Ibn Mundah,
may Allah have mercy upon him, said in his book "Al-Eemaan"
after he related the previously mentioned hadith of Ibn Umar that
contains the resemblance between the believer and the date tree:

“...en the Prophet (may peace and blessings be upon him)

explained Eemaan with his Sunnah. When he understood Allah’s
parable he then informed us that Eemaan has branches, the
highest of which is the saying: 'ere's none worthy of worship
except Allah, so he made the foundation of Eemaan acceptance
with the heart and tongue and made its branches the actions.”
[49]

A number of commentators of this hadith strove to count these

branches and tried to limit them. ey wrote on the subject many
books, short and long, and they followed various methodologies.
e best of which was that of Ibn Hiban (may Allah have mercy
upon him) he used a methodology that was unique and rare and
required a lot of time and hard work. He said in the description of
his methodology:

“I studied the meaning of the narration for a long time as our

doctrine is that the Prophet (may peace and blessings be upon
him) never spoke without benefit, and there is nothing from his
Sunnah that we do not understand what he meant. I began to
count the acts of obedience from Eemaan, and I found that they
were a lot more than the number, so I returned to the Sunnah
and I counted the acts that the Messenger counted as from I and

42
I found that the amount was less than the seventy odd, so I
returned to that which covers that from the speech of our Lord
and I recited it verse for verse with contemplation, and I counted
all that Allah, the Most Venerable, the Most High counted as
from Eemaan, and I found that it was less than the seventy odd,
so I added what was in e Book to the Sunnah, and I removed
the repetitions, and I found that everything that Allah, the Most
Venerable, the Most High, counted as from Eemaan in His book
and every act of obedience that the Messenger of Allah, may
peace and blessings be upon him, made from Eemaan in his
sunnah was seventy nine branches with no addition or
subtraction in any way. I therefore, knew that what was meant by
the Prophet, may peace and blessings be upon him, in the
narration was that Eemaan is seventy odd branches in e Book
and the Sunnah. I discussed this completely with mention of its
branches in the book 'e Description of Eemaan and its
Branches', I hope it may be indispensable for the one who
contemplates it, and so there is no need to repeat it in this book.”
[50]

It is a difficult methodology without doubt, and it is a great shame

that his book "e description of Eemaan and its branches" that he
worked so hard to produce has been lost, and its location is no
longer known, in fact, Al-Hafidh Ibn Hajar indicated in "Al-Fath"
that he had never became acquainted with it.

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 IN SUMMARY: THE BRANCHES OF EEMAAN

Al-Hafidh, may Allah have mercy upon him, wrote a summary of

the branches of Eemaan from that which a number of the people of
knowledge gathered together, so he produced a summary of the
branches of Eemaan that was of great benefit. He (may Allah have
mercy upon him) said:

"I summarized the narrations of what I mentioned, and that was

that the branches are divided into the actions of the heart, the
actions of the tongue, and the actions of the body”:

e actions of the heart: are the beliefs and intentions and they
consist of twenty four attributes: belief in Allah, which includes
belief in His physical self, His characteristics, His oneness because
there is nothing like Him and everything other than him is created.
Belief in His angels, His books, His messengers, and the divine
decree: the good of it and the bad. Belief in the hereafter, which
includes belief in the questions in the grave, the resurrection, the
reckoning, the scales, the bridge, and heaven and hell. Love for
Allah, loving and hating for His sake, love for the Prophet, and
belief of his ennoblement, which includes sending the prayers upon
him, and following his Sunnah.

Sincerity, which includes leaving off of riyaa and nifaaq.

Repentance, fear, hope, gratitude, trustworthiness, patience,
satisfaction with the judgment, trust, mercy, and humility, which
includes reverence of the elderly and mercy for the young; and
leaving off arrogance, conceit, envy, spite, and anger.

Actions of the tongue: consist of seven attributes: pronouncement

of Tawheed, reciting the Quran, learning knowledge and teaching
it, supplication and remembrance, which include seeking forgiveness
and leaving off idle speech.

A
45
Actions of the body: consist of thirty eight attributes, fifteen of
which are specific to the person, they are literal and religious
purification, which includes keeping away from impurity. e
obligatory and supererogatory prayers and likewise the Zakaat.
Freeing a slave, and generosity, which includes feeding the poor; and
honoring the guest. e obligatory and supererogatory fasts, Hajj
and Umra, Tawaaf, Itikaaf, seeking the Night of Qadr, and fleeing
for the religion, which includes hijrah from a country of shirk.
Fulfilling oaths, contemplating Eemaan and performing expiations.

From these actions of the body: are six attributes that are
connected with relatives, and they are self-restraint by way of
marriage, upholding the rights of the family, honoring the parents
and not being ungrateful. Nurturing your children, keeping the ties
of kinship, obeying the slave owner, and lenience with the slave.

From these actions also: are those that are connected with all
people in general, and they are seventeen attributes: performing the
act of leadership justly, sticking with the people of the Sunnah,
obeying those placed in authority, and rectifying between the
people, which includes fighting the Khawarij and the oppressors.

Cooperation upon good: which includes ordering the good and

forbidding the evil. Enforcing capital punishment, and jihad, which
includes al-marabitah (being prepared to face the enemy). Keeping
the trust, which includes the distribution of the khumas (one fifth of
the spoils of war that Allah ordered to be given to the needy),
fulfillment of a loan, honoring the neighbor, having good dealings,
gathering wealth from permissible sources, and spending wealth
responsibly, which includes leaving off of squander and waste.
Returning the salaams, supplication for the one that sneezes,
protecting the people from harm, keeping away from heedlessness,
and removing the harm from the path. ese are sixty nine
attributes, and it is possible to count them as seventy nine with the
extra that was not included with those attributes that were
mentioned and Allah knows best." [51]

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However it is necessary to know that limiting these branches and
counting them is not a condition of Eemaan, rather it is enough for
the Muslim to read the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His
messenger 0 (may peace and blessings be upon him); To perform the
command in them both (i.e. the book and the Sunnah); and to
refrain from those things that have been forbidden in them both
(i.e. the book and Sunnah), and to believe all that we are informed
of in them. So whoever does that then they have performed the
branches of Eemaan. e servants’ portion of these branches
depends on his portion of knowledge, action, and application of the
Quran and Sunnah.

is is why Qadi Iyyad (may Allah have mercy upon him) said:

"A group took it upon themselves to restrict the branches by way of

Ijtihaad. e ruling in that regard I was difficult to attain. And
there's no harm in not knowing the limit of that in detail in regards
to Eemaan." [52]

If the resemblance of the believer is like that of the date tree and the
resemblance between them is apparent in many ways, some of which
were indicated in that which has preceded, then verily the believers
in their homes are like many date trees in a blessed garden; they
produce the best of fruit and nourishment all the time by permission
of their Lord.

Moreover, if this is the resemblance of the believers in their homes

then the rectifiers amongst them are like the gardener in his garden.
It is well known that not all gardeners are on the same level of
efficiency, ability, and good cultivation of the date trees, vegetation,
and fruits, rather they differ considerably, of which Allah is All-
knowing; And there is no harm here in making three examples of
three kinds of gardeners or cultivators in their farms to make clear
the meaning and intent.

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 THREE EXAMPLES OF GARDENERS

e 1st Example:

A gardener, whose description, as the onlooker can see, is not happy.

He has a harsh disposition, is red eyed, hot tempered, controlling,
and impatient. He treats the date trees in his garden in a strange
manner: leaving off the correct gardening methods and renouncing
the correct way. He does this as he believes that his date trees are
not deserving of the term "date tree" and he refuses to provide them
with the proper cultivation and care unless they are correct, sound,
complete and without deficiency in any way. So if, he finds a
deficiency in one of his trees, or a sickness, or a defect inside of it,
then he will begin to remove it from its foundations, rip its roots out
and then throw it as far away as possible behind these walls of his
garden. is is his way with his date trees: he does not place any
importance on rectification and he does not take care of their
cultivation or care. ere is no doubt that the inevitable result of this
action is the wasting of his garden, the trees coming apart, and the
dwindling of the garden bit by bit.

e 2nd Example:

Another gardener who deals with his date trees in a strange and
bizarre way. He believes that it is not correct to describe the tree as
deficient in any way. Just as, the dead date tree is not benefitted at
all by the presence of its parts then so too in life, it is not harmed by
the presence of a defect in some of its parts. So in his opinion, all
the date trees are of the same standard, the sick tree, the one that
has a defect, and the one that is healthy and correct. In fact, he
declares them to be all equal like the teeth of a comb, no difference
between them, no distinction and no preference for one over
another. He even gives orders not to differentiate between the fruit
of the date trees and the types of dates from that which is known by

49
necessity by everyone to make a distinction and preference in this
regard.

is strange precept brings forth in the gardener a strange way to

deal with his garden. He is not consistent with his cultivation of the
garden; he does not place importance in its irrigation; he does not
take care of it, and he does not pay attention to it. Many of his date
trees could become sick, or a number of them could be afflicted by
some type of defect or disorder or ruin and yet he does not care or
take notice. In fact with all of that he still believes in their integrity,
completeness and soundness. ere is no doubt that the inevitable
result of this behaviour will be the loss of his garden and its fast
demise.

e 3rd Example:

A gardener brought up on gardening and cultivation since his youth.

He is wise in his care for his garden and knowledgeable in the ways
of attending to it and the things that bring about their strength and
growth. He is patient upon the harshness of it and the difficult
living. He is efficient in performing the necessities and requirements
of the date trees, and he gives them the utmost care from when they
are first sowed. He is diligent with the watering, rectification, and
removal of weeds that could hurt and harm the trees. He cares for
all of his trees without any differentiation between the strong, the
weak, the good and the bad. ose of the trees that are strong,
correct, and without defect are a delight to his eyes; and he is
pleased by their goodness, their quality, and their completeness. He
continues to work with them to create the causes for their firmness
and endurance.

ose that are weak, sick, or are deficient in growth make his heart
hurt and sad for their weakness and deficiency. He deals with them
discerningly. He does not rip them out by the roots and throw them
out of the garden, and he does not neglect them altogether, leaving
them without any cultivation or care. Rather he uses, for the sake of

50
their rectification and improvement, discerning measures, sound
methods, and correct, orthodox ways which are all concerned with
the rectification of his date trees, giving them strength and good
growth, and he always consults the people of merit, understanding
and experience. But before all of this he has a strong connection
with Allah and has absolute trust in Him. He disassociates himself
from any ability or power knowing that he has no might and no
strength except with Allah the Almighty by whose hand are the
reigns of control. Due to this he keeps his tongue moist with the
remembrance of Allah and frequently repeats the saying "Maa shaa
Allah la hawla wa la quwwata illa billaha" (Whatever Allah wills,
there is no might and no power except with Allah).

His garden never ceases to grow, and his date trees are always plenty
and never cease to increase in beauty. ey produce fruits of many
types and the best of nourishment all the time by permission of his
Lord.
As well as this he is great in his praise for his Lord, plenty in his
commendation of Him, knowledgeable that the grace is by the hand
of Allah, He gives it to whom He wills, and Allah is the possessor
of great beneficence.

ese are three examples that make clear the types of people that
busy themselves with rectification and a clarification of their
different methods. ere's no harm in clarifying an affair that is not
hidden from the reflective person, and that is that the first example:
is that of the Mu'tazilah and the Khawarij in their dealings with the
servants of Ar-Rahman, the believers. ey are the people of
harshness, roughness and vitriol. From their corrupt beliefs is the
ruling that the one who commits a major sin exits from Eemaan and
on the Day of Judgment he will be entered into the hellfire for
eternity.

e second example: is that of the Murjiah and the way they deal
with the believers. ey are the people of apathy, idleness, and
indifference to the affairs of the believers. is arose from the

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fatalism of their beliefs as they view actions as not being a part of
Eemaan. ey differ greatly in this belief to the extent that some of
them have even come to be of the opinion that Eemaan is not
harmed by sin, no matter how great, just as disbelief is not
benefitted by obedience.

e third example: is that of Ahlus Sunnah wal Jama'ah. e

people of the truth and isitiqama (uprightness). e people of the
just and moderate methodology. e best of mankind, the most
balanced in character. ose that rise above the shortcomings of the
neglectful and do not reach the extremes of the extremists.

Ahlus Sunnah's standpoint in regards to the sinners among the

Muslims is that they do not declare them to be disbelievers or take
them out of the religion like the Khawarij and the Mu'tazilah. ey
also do not judge them to have complete and perfect Eemaan; rather
they say:

“ey are believers with deficient Eemaan”

So they love them for that which they possess from Eemaan, and
they hate them for that which they possess from sin. ey are
merciful with them; they advise them; they are diligent upon their
rectification and guidance, using the mildest of approaches, with the
best character, and within the limits of the Shariah and its known
foundations.

And with this the treatise has been completed, and Allah knows
best. May Allah’s Salaah and Salaam be upon our prophet
Muhammad, his family and all of his companions.[53]

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53
 Our Other Kindle Publications

1) e effect of the legislated statements of remembrance in

repelling grief and anxiety

2) Crossing the bridge over the fire

3) Taqwaa is the cause for every good

4) Fundamentals of Eemaan

5) Ten Principles on Al-Istiqaamah

6) e Methodology of Ahlus-Sunnah in uniting the Ummah

7) Advices of Abu Ad-Dardaa

8) Arousing the Intellects with an Explanation of Umdatul-

Ahkaam (e Book of Janaa'iz)

9) e Effects of Fitan

10) Reflecting on Allah's statement: the good pleasure from

Allah is greater

54
 11) e rights of Elders in Islam

12) Declaring a Muslim to be an apostate & its guidelines

13) Obligation of repenting to Allah

14) Two Lectures on the Quran: Allah's outstretched rope &

His character was the Quran

15) From the signposts of Tawheed

16) Explanation of Riyaadh Saliheen: Chapter on prohibiting

arrogance and self-conceit

17) A statement regarding Fiqh Duaa

18) How can you be a key towards good

[1] From the book: “Al-Kaafiyah Ash-Shaafiyah” by Ibnul-Qayyim (page 9).

[2] Abi Hatim noted it just as what is in the book: “Ad-Durr Al-Man’thur” by
As-Suyuuti (5/26)
[3] From the book: “I’laam-ul-Muwaqi’een” (1/172,173)
[4] Al-Bukhari (1/38), and Muslim (4/2164)
[5] Al-Bukhari (1/43), and Muslim (4/2165)
[6] Al-Bukhari (2/115)
[7] Al-Bukhari (3/444)

55
[8] Al-Bukhari (3/445)
[9] Muslim (4/2165)
[10] Muslim (4/2166)
[11] Al-Bukhari (3/246) and Muslim (4/2166)
[12] Saheeh-ul-Bukhari (4/113)
[13] Saheeh-ul-Bukhari (4/113)
[14] Al-Hafidh mentioned it in his explanation of Saheeh Bukhari: “Fath-ul-
Baari” (1/146)
[15] Fath-ul-Baari (1/146,147)
[16] Sunan At-Tirmidhi (#3119), and ‘Abd-ur-Razzaaq, Ibn Jarir, Ibn Al-
Munthir, Ibn Abi Hatim, and Al-Ramharam’zee in the book “the parables” just
like what is in the book “Ad-Durr Al-Man’thur” authored by As-Suutiyii (5/22)
[17] the book “Al-Mu’jam al-Kabeer” authored by At-Tabaraanee (12/ #13514)
[18] the book “the book of Date trees” (page 33)
[19] e book: “Al-Mawduu’aat” (1/129)
[20] e book: “Al-Mizaan” (5/222), and look in the book: “As-Silsilat-ud-
Dae’fah” authored by Al-‘Allamah Al-Albaani, may Allâh have mercy upon him,
(1/283,284)
[21] Look regarding this matter in the books: “Miftaah Dar-is-Sa’adah” (1/116-
122), “I’laam-ul-Muwaqi’een” (1/171-185), “Tafsir-ul-Baghawi” (3/33), “Fath-ul-
Baari” authored by Ibn Hajr (1/145,146), “Zaad-ul-Museer” authored by Ibn-ul-
Jawzi’ (4/359,360), and “Tafsir-ul-Qaasimee” (10/3727)
[22] e book “As-Sunnah” authored by ‘Abdullah (1/316)
[23] In the book “Tafsir Al-Bagawi” (3/33)
[24] In the book “Al-Fawaa’id” (page 214-215)
[25] Al-Hakim noted it (1/4) from the hadith of ‘Abdillah Bin ‘Umaru Bin
Al-‘Aas, may Allâh be pleased with them both, He said, “the messenger of Allâh

56
(peace and blessing be upon him) said, “Verily Eemaan is made in the heart of
you all just like the thowb is made, So ask Allâh to renew your Eemaan.” And
Al-Hakim said, “Its wording is from trustworthy men.” And Adh-Dhahabi
agrees. Also, At-Tabarani reported it in the book “Al-Kabeer” just like the book
“Majma’ Al-Zawa’id” (1/52); and Al-Haythamee said, “Its Isnaad is Hasan” and
Al-Albaani authenticated it. Look in the book “Saheeh-ul-Jaamee” (#159), and in
the book “As-Silsila-tus-Saheehah” (4/113)
[26] In the book “I’laam Al-Muwaqi’een” authored by Ibn Al-Qayyim (1/174)
[27] Al-Alkaa’I reported it in the book “Sharh-ul-‘Itiqaad” (5/959)
[28] Ibn Abi Ya’laa reported it in the book “At-Tabaqaat” (1/259)
[29] In the book “Kitaab-un-Nakhl” (page 66-67)
[30] Saheeh-ul-Bukhari (1/45) and Saheeh Muslim (4/1787)
[31] Al-Baghawi mentioned it in his Tafsir (3/33)
[32] Ibn Jarir reported it in his Tafsir (8/208)
[33] In the book Tafsir At-Tabari (8/210)
[34] In the book authored by Ibn Hajr “Fath-ul-Baari” (1/145-146)
[35] In the book authored by Ibn Hajr “Fath-ul-Baari” (1/145)
[36] In the book “Al-Jaami Li Ah-kaam-ul-Quran” (9/236)
[37] In the book “Miftaah Daar-us-Saa’da” (1/116)
[38] In the book “Miftaah Daar-us-Sa’adah” authored by Ibn Al-Qayyim
(1/120)
[39] Sunan At-Tirmidhi (4/565) and Al-Albani authenticated it in his book
“Saheeh Sunan At-Tirmidhi” (2/271)
[40] Sunan At-Tirmidhi (4/566) and Al-Albaani authenticated it in his book
“Saheeh Sunan At-Tirmidhi” (2/271)
[41] In the book “Al-Musnad” (1/163) and the book “As-Sunan Al-Kubra’” by
An-Nisaaee’ in the book of “deeds done in the day and evening” (#10674) and

57
Al-Albaani graded it to be Hasan in his book “As-Saheehah” (#654)
[42] Sunan At-Tirmidhi (#2263) and Shaykh Al-Albaani authenticated it in his
book “Saheeh-ul-Jaami’” (#332)
[43] Ibn Jarir reported it in his Tafsir (8/205)
[44] Al-Bukhari reported it (1/22) and Muslim (1/66)
[45] In the book “Fath-ul-Baari” by Ibn Hajr (1/60)
[46] In the book “Miftaah Daar-us-Sa’aadah” (1/120-121)
[47] In the book “Fath-ul-Baari” (1/147)
[48] In the book “e Explanation and Clarification of the Tree of Eemaan”
authored by Ibn Sa’dee (page 6-7)
[49] In the book “Al-Eemaan” (2/350)
[50] In the book “Al-Ihsaan fi taqreeb Saheeh” by Ibn Balbaan (1/387-388)
[51] In the book “Fath-ul-Baari” (1/52 and 53)
[52] In the book “Fath-ul-Baari” (1/52)
[53] It (the treatise) regarding the original was a lecture that was given at the
Islamic University of Medina in 1417AH. (in correspondence to 1996)
Afterwards it revisions were completed and some additions were made to it; and
by way of Allâh alone success is granted.

58
Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION 5
THE PARABLE OF THE GOODLY TREE 8
SOME OF THE ASPECTS OF
RESEMBLANCE BETWEEN THE DATE 20
TREE AND THE BELIEVER
ASPECTS OF THE TREE OF EEMAAN 39
IN SUMMARY: THE BRANCHES OF
44
EEMAAN
THREE EXAMPLES OF GARDENERS 48
Our Other Kindle Publications 53

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