Lessons a believer can learn from a tree

 

From a lecture of Shaykh Husain Abdul Sattar (hafizahullah)

Almighty Allah says in Surah 3, Aal-Imraan Verse 191, “Those who remember Allah while standing or sitting or [lying] on their sides and give thought to the creation of the heavens and the earth, [saying], “Our Lord, You did not create this aimlessly; exalted are You [above such a thing]; then protect us from the punishment of the Fire.”

When you spend time with those who do dhikr of Allah you notice the way they see the whole world as a reminder and manifestation of Allah Ta’ala and His Deen. The world and the entire creation becomes a Tasbeeh through which you remember Allah. Once Shaykh Zulfiqar (hafizahullah) mentioned about the signs of Allah and the Deen that a believer can take from a tree. There were many but I have recorded a few.

 

 

1. The tree takes from the ground and it gives to other people

A believer must take from what they have available and the primary focus must be to give and serve others.

 

 

2. Half of the tree is hidden and half is visible

The reality of the believer must remain hidden. A part of outward worship has to be seen by people, but the deeds of the believer must be secret between him and his Lord.

 

 

3. Much before the tree becomes visible, it first establishes its roots

As believers we must recognise that we must spend a lot of time establishing deep roots before we become visible and take a role of leadership in the community. People nowadays have no roots and have not taken time to establish them but want to be tall trees. If we truly desire to benefit people in Deen we have to first take the effort to develop very very deep roots.

 

 

4. The tree stands totally still despite the varying seasons and conditions

Despite the winter and the summer, the cold and heat, the thunderstorms and rain, the tree stands firm. The same is the Imaan (faith) of a believer. Despite the turmoil and storms that afflict the believer he must be absolutely firm on faith.

 

 

 5. The value of a tree is based on the fruit it produces

Similarly the value of a believer is based on the deeds he produces. If the believer is barren of good deeds like a barren tree no one will give him a second look.

 

 

6. When people want the fruit from the tree they use sticks to get it

The believer will have to accept beating / hardship from some sticks in order for others to benefit from his goodness. Being a person of deen you must be prepared take a lot of knocks and this helps people to benefit from you and helps you get closer to Allah Ta’ala.

May Allah Ta’lala make us from those who ponder over His signs and from those who remember him while standing, sitting and laying down.