Narrated from Sayyiduna Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Tell me about a tree whose characteristic is like that of a Muslim. It is a tree that always bears fruit by the command of its Lord, and it does not shed its leaves." Sayyiduna Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) says that it occurred to me that it is the date-palm tree, but due to the presence and silence of Sayyiduna Abu Bakr and Sayyiduna Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) in the gathering, I considered it inappropriate to speak. When both of those elders did not give any answer, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "It is the date-palm tree." When I went out with my father, I said: Father! It had occurred to me that it was the date-palm tree. Sayyiduna Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said: What prevented you from telling it? If you had told it, it would have been more pleasing to me than such and such wealth. Sayyiduna Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) said: Nothing prevented me except that you and Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) were both silent, so I did not consider it appropriate to speak.
Hadith Referenceالادب المفرد / كتاب الأكابر / 360
Hadith Gradingالألبانی:صحيح
Hadith Takhrij«صحيح : أخرجه البخاري ، كتاب الأدب ، باب إكرام الكبير ...... : 6144 و مسلم : 2811»
Explanation & Benefits
Shaykh Maulana Usman Muneeb
Benefits and Issues: ➊ Sayyiduna Umar radi Allahu anhu said to Abdullah bin Umar radi Allahu anhuma that if you had spoken and answered the question of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, I would have been very pleased that my son is capable and distinguished. From this, it is understood that when elders are not speaking, the younger ones may converse.
➋ From this, it is understood that just as the date palm tree is beneficial—every part of it is usable—in the same way, a believer (mumin) is beneficial in every circumstance. Even if stones are thrown at the date palm, it produces fruit from them. A believer only thinks of benefiting even his enemies. Just as seasonal changes do not affect the date palm, similarly, changes in circumstances do not affect the believer.
➌ Just as the benefits of the date palm remain even after it is cut down, likewise, the benefit of the believer continues even after his death. For himself, the reward of his righteous deeds continues, and for others, the outstanding works of his life remain beneficial.
Source: Fadlullah al-Ahad: Urdu Commentary on al-Adab al-Mufrad, Page: 360