Parables In The Qur’an – A Goodly Word Likened To A Goodly Tree – Part 2
Allah – The Exalted- says:
أَلَمْ تَرَ كَيْفَ ضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلًا كَلِمَةً طَيِّبَةً كَشَجَرَةٍ طَيِّبَةٍ أَصْلُهَا ثَابِتٌ وَفَرْعُهَا فِى ٱلسَّمَآءِ
تُؤْتِىٓ أُكُلَهَا كُلَّ حِينٍۭ بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهَا وَيَضْرِبُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْأَمْثَالَ لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَذَكَّرُونَ
وَمَثَلُ كَلِمَةٍ خَبِيثَةٍ كَشَجَرَةٍ خَبِيثَةٍ ٱجْتُثَّتْ مِن فَوْقِ ٱلْأَرْضِ مَا لَهَا مِن قَرَارٍ
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 so that they may remember. And the parable of an evil word is that of an evil tree uprooted from the surface of the earth having no stability. [Surah Ibrahim. Ayat 24-26]
Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allāh have mercy upon him, said:
This parable contains matters that are (not immediately obvious to some people); matters of knowledge, and matters that can be established through perception, self-awareness, and personal experiences that befits it. It necessitates the (perfect) Wisdom and Knowledge of the Lord who mentioned this parable.
From those matters that are (not immediately obvious to some in this parable):
[a] Just as a tree must have roots, a trunk, branches, leaves, and fruit, the tree of Iman and Islam requires similar (components). Knowledge, awareness, and certainty serve as its roots; sincerity as its trunk; deeds as its branches; and beneficial outcomes, noble morals, and good character as its fruit. This symbolises the growth of this tree in the heart through these matters. When knowledge is sound and in harmony with what Allah has revealed in His Book, belief aligns with what He states about Himself and what His Messengers stated about Him, sincerity resides in the heart, actions are obedient to His command, and guidance; and good character imitate these affairs, then know that the tree of Iman in the heart stands firm with roots deeply grounded and branches extending towards the sky. If the situation is the opposite, then know that the one with a corrupt heart is like the evil tree, uprooted from the ground with no stability.
[b] A tree does not remain alive except with the substance that makes it grow. So, if the water is cut off, it would almost wither; (likewise) is the tree of Islam in the heart if a person does not take care of it by watering it all the time with beneficial knowledge and righteous deeds, remembering to reflect, and reflecting to remember. The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Verily, Iman wears out in the heart just as a garment wears out, so renew your Iman.” [As-Silsilah As-Saheehah 1585]
If the seed of a tree is not tended to by its owner, it would be close to perishing. From this, one knows the servants’ great need for what Allah has commanded in terms of acts of worship at different times, His immense mercy, perfect blessings, and kindness towards His servants by assigning these acts of worship and making them a means to water the seedlings of pure Islamic monotheism that He has planted in their hearts.
[c] Planting and sowing beneficial crops is a habit that Allah has ordained, and it will inevitably be mixed with weeds and foreign plants that are not of its kind. If one diligently cares for (what he grows), purifies it, and uproots the weeds, the planting and sowing will be completed, the plant will grow and flourish, and its fruits will be more abundant, tastier, and more fragrant. However, if neglected, the weeds will almost overpower the crops, taking control, weakening the roots, and making the fruits defective and lacking depending on their abundance or scarcity. Those who do not have understanding and knowledge in this matter will miss out on great profit without even realising it. (Likewise), the believer’s constant effort is in two things: watering this tree (of Iman), and purifying what surrounds it. By watering it, it remains and endures, and by getting rid of what surrounds it, it completes and perfects. Allah is the Helper and upon Him we rely. [1]
[1] Badaa’i at-Tafsir Al-Jami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim 1/94-96