A Mukmin Is Like A Date Tree

مَثَلُ الْمُؤْمِنِ مَثَلُ النَّخْلَةِ , مَا أَخَذْتَ مِنْهَا مِنْ شَيْءٍ نَفَعَكَ 

 

The analogy of a Mukmin is like a date tree. You will gain benefit regardless of what you take (extract) from it.  

 

(HR Tabrani in al-Mu’jamul Kabir 12 (no. 1351))  

 

Lessons: 

 

1. A mukmin should take heed of the example of the date tree. All of its components are beneficial; its fruits are nutritious, its trunks are used for construction (in those days) and its leaves (fronds) are used for roofing. 

 

2. An example of a mukmin’s patience and perseverance should be like the date tree in its sturdiness during strong winds. You will rarely find a fallen date tree when compared to other trees during strong winds, due to the tree having firm roots. This is a great comparison of how a mukmin should have strong iman (faith) rooted in his heart, to persevere during hard times.  

 

3. Dates are also known to taste better when more ripe; thus a mukmins’ quality of amal (good deeds) should also improve as he ages. 

 

4. The dates two forms are also full of benefits; a ruthab (juicy date) is widely eaten as a plain fruit or mixed into sweets, and a tamr (dry date) is also consumed as a plain fruit or in sweets, but has also been used for making traditional remedies. Thus a mukmin should also be full of benefits in all his forms.