Bukhari

Hadith Commentary:
The date palm tree closely resembles a human being.
There is a similar odor in its spathe as there is in human semen, and if its head is cut off, it dies just like a human being.
Other trees do not die in this manner; rather, they become green and flourish again, but the head of the date palm is analogous to the head of a human.
For this reason, the scholars have considered the date palm to be among those final plants where the connection between animals and plants becomes very close.

Hadith Commentary:
(1)
In this hadith, there is no mention of eating the palm pith (jimar). Imam Bukhari rahimahullah, through the chapter heading, has alluded to that narration in which eating is explicitly mentioned. Thus, Abdullah ibn Umar radi Allahu anhu narrates that I was present with the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam while he was eating jimar, and he said:
“There is a tree among the trees which is like a believing man.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, al-Buyu’, Hadith: 2209)
(2)
Indeed, every part of the date palm tree is beneficial in the same way that the being, attributes, actions, and words of a believing person are all beneficial.
This tree outwardly resembles a Muslim; thus, if the head of the date palm is cut off, it perishes like a human, whereas other trees do not perish but become green and fresh again.
And Allah knows best.

Explanation:
From this hadith and the Prophetic incident, it is established that students may be examined. As for the comparison of the Muslim to the date-palm tree, it is in this manner: that the Muslim, «متوكل على الله», remains always happy and content in every circumstance.

Hadith Commentary:
➊
From this, it is understood that a teacher should continue to ask questions of the students from time to time in order to keep them alert and attentive to the lesson.
There are two benefits to this:
Firstly, the students remain alert and awake at all times.
Secondly, the teacher is able to gauge the level of knowledge of the student so that he may converse with him according to his level, and if individual attention is needed, he should not withhold it.
➋
From this, the method of examination is also understood: that something should be presented before the student which contains some complexity—not so easy that there is no need for reflection, nor so difficult that even after exerting effort and thought, it cannot be solved. Furthermore, the examination should be on matters that are not beyond the understanding of the one being questioned, and some indication should be given regarding the matter being asked about, so that with the help of these instructions, the student may find the solution.
➌
In this hadith, the date palm has been likened to a Muslim.
The reason for this analogy is that its blessing is like the blessing of a Muslim.
In one narration, this has also been explained.
(Sahih al-Bukhari, al-At‘imah, Hadith: 5444)
The characteristic of a Muslim is that he is a source of goodness for others in both life and death, and likewise, he is never useless in any state.
The fruit of the date palm is beneficial whether unripe or ripe, its leaves are also useful.
Its trunk is also beneficial; ropes are made from its fibers and it is used to fill cushions, its pits are useful for both humans and animals.
The date palm has countless medicinal benefits which are outside the scope of our subject, but two tried and tested benefits are mentioned.
(a)
The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) himself used them frequently, and he also recommended the use of ‘ajwah dates for protection against magic.
In addition, experienced and seasoned physicians prescribe dried dates and a paste of date flour for the preservation or restoration of manliness.
(b)
At the time of childbirth, most women are caught between life and death; at such times, the use of fresh dates has a miraculous effect. This is clearly indicated in Surah Maryam, verse: 25.
➍
From this, the intelligence and wisdom of Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (radi Allahu anhuma) is also evident, although at that time two clear hints were present—perhaps with the help of these hints, he was able to reach the answer.
(a)
Jumār (the pith of the date palm) was brought to him and he began to eat it.
During this, he asked this question.
(b)
During the question, he mentioned its benefit in these words: “By the command of its Lord, it brings forth fruit at all times.” In the Noble Qur’an, this is described as the attribute of the “good tree,” and by this is meant the date palm.

Hadith Commentary: The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) indicated three qualities of this tree through gestures: its fruit never ceases, its shade never vanishes, and its benefit is never absent in any circumstance.

By bringing this hadith under this chapter, Imam Bukhari (rahimahullah) intends to show that in this verse, by "the good tree" (shajarah tayyibah), the date palm tree is meant.

By "the impure tree," the colocynth (indrain) tree is intended; "impure" here means that it is bitter and unpleasant in taste.

Here, "impure" does not mean filthy or ritually impure (najis).

However, the fruit of the colocynth is an elixir for many diseases.

: "He it is Who created for you all that is in the earth..." (al-Baqarah: 29)

Hadith Commentary:
1.
In one narration, it is mentioned that when the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) asked the question, he was eating dates (jimar).
(Sahih al-Bukhari, al-Buyu', Hadith: 2209)
Ibn Umar (radi Allahu anhu) says that because the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) was eating dates, it occurred to my heart that it was the date-palm tree.
(Fath al-Bari: 1/193)
2.
The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) described three characteristics of it.
The narrator stated them three times by saying la (not), la (not), la (not), meaning: neither does its fruit come to an end, nor does its shade come to an end, nor does its benefit come to an end. No part of the date-palm goes to waste; its fruit is extremely sweet, delicious, and beneficial.
Its fruit is eaten both unripe and ripe in every way, and after ripening, it is dried and used throughout the year. Its pits are fodder for livestock; when ground, physicians use them in various medicines.
This tree always remains green; even in autumn, its leaves do not fall. Its trunk is used as pillars and beams in houses. Mats, baskets, and fans are made from its leaves. Its bark is filled into pillows and mattresses.
3.
It has been likened to a Muslim servant, that every action of a complete Muslim is beneficial and fruitful, as is mentioned in a narration: Among the trees, there is a tree whose blessings are like the blessings of a Muslim servant.
(Sahih al-Bukhari, al-At'imah, Hadith: 4454)
Allah has also mentioned four characteristics of the good tree (shajarah tayyibah) in the noble verse ().
➊ It is pure and wholesome.
Its excellence may be in terms of appearance, or in terms of its fruit and flowers, or in terms of its fruit being tasty, sweet, and fragrant.
➋ Its roots are firmly and deeply embedded in the earth, and are so strong that they can bear the weight of its tall tree.
➌ Its branches have reached the skies, i.e., they have gone to great heights, so the fruit obtained from it will be free from the pollution of the air and the germs of filth, etc.
➍ It is not like ordinary trees, but gives full fruit in every season. These qualities are found in the date-palm tree and its fruit.
And Allah knows best.

Hadith Commentary:
The date palm possesses the special quality that even during times of famine, when other trees wither away, it continues to bear abundant fruit and remains beneficial in all circumstances.
For the Arabs, this tree is a great asset, whose fruit is full of nourishment, extremely strengthening, and highly beneficial.
Many varieties of dates are produced in Madinah Munawwarah, among which the date known as ‘ajwah is especially an antidote.
From this hadith, it is established that elders should be given precedence; however, if the occasion is appropriate and younger people, upon seeing the silence of the elders, speak the truth, then this is not blameworthy.

Hadith Commentary:
The commentators state that Abdullah ibn Umar radi Allahu anhu did not answer the question of the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam out of respect for his elders, as it is not appropriate for the younger ones to speak in the presence of elders and seniors. However, Hafiz Ibn Hajar, delving deeper, has explained the intent of Imam Bukhari rahimahullah. He states:

Elders should be given precedence when all are equal in knowledge and virtue, but when a younger person possesses information that the elders do not know, then the younger one may speak in the presence of elders. This is because Umar radi Allahu anhu expressed regret at his son's silence, even though his son had excused himself on the basis of the presence of seniors.

(Fath al-Bari: 10/659)

In view of Imam Bukhari rahimahullah’s jurisprudential insight, the position of Hafiz Ibn Hajar rahimahullah appears to be weightier.

And Allah knows best.

Hadith Commentary: Imam Bukhari rahimahullah derived the purpose of the chapter from this very narration: that Umar radi Allahu anhu did not approve of his son Abdullah’s shyness when it came to conveying matters of the religion. To be shy in an inappropriate context is incorrect.

Hadith Commentary:
(1)
The reason for the resemblance between the date palm tree and a Muslim is that this tree, like a Muslim, is very beneficial—nothing from it goes to waste.
(2)
In this hadith, it is clarified that Abdullah ibn Umar radi Allahu anhu remained silent out of shyness, and although the correct answer came to his mind, modesty prevented him from stating it. This greatly saddened Umar radi Allahu anhu, and he did not approve of his beloved son Abdullah radi Allahu anhu’s shyness in this context, as he exercised inappropriate modesty in responding to the question of the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam. Had he answered, the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam would have praised his promising son.
In any case, such modesty is not good which becomes an obstacle to someone’s good reputation.
And Allah is the One whose help is sought.

Explanation:
Imam (may Allah sanctify his secret) has brought this narration in this chapter because in it the word «حدثنا وحدثوني» has been spoken by the very tongues of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam and his noble Companions radi Allahu anhum. Thus, it is established that these terminologies have been in use since the Prophetic era sallallahu alayhi wa sallam. In fact, all of them are proven from the Qur’an itself. As is mentioned in Surah At-Tahrim: «قَالَتْ مَنْ أَنْبَأَكَ هَـذَا قَالَ نَبَّأَنِيَ الْعَلِيمُ الْخَبِيرُ» [66-التحريم:3] (The woman said: Who informed you about this? The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam replied: I was informed by Him who is the All-Knowing, the All-Aware, the Lord of all worlds.) Therefore, the absurd claim of the deniers of hadith that the science of hadith is an invention after the Prophetic era is completely false, entirely contrary to the Qur’an, and also against the facts.

Hadith Commentary:
Imam (may Allah sanctify his secret) has brought this narration in this chapter because in it, the words "haddathana" and "haddathuni" were themselves spoken by the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) and by his noble Companions (radi Allahu anhum ajma'in).
Thus, it is established that these terminologies have been in use since the Prophetic era (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam).
In fact, evidence for all of these is found in the Qur'an itself.
As is mentioned in Surah At-Tahrim:

﴿قَالَتْ مَنْ أَنبَأَكَ هَـٰذَا ۖقَالَ نَبَّأَنِيَ الْعَلِيمُ الْخَبِيرُ﴾ (At-Tahrim: 3)
(This woman said: "Who informed you of this?" He [the Prophet, sallallahu alayhi wa sallam] said: "I was informed by the All-Knowing, the All-Aware, Lord of the worlds.")
Therefore, the absurd claim of the deniers of hadith that the science of hadith is an invention after the Prophetic era is completely false, entirely contrary to the Noble Qur'an, and also entirely contrary to the facts.

Hadith Commentary:
1.
In this narration, the words (حَدِّثُونِيْ) (haddithuni) and (حَدَّثَنَا) (haddathana) are present. This means that the terminologies of the hadith scholars are not inventions, but rather were prevalent during the Prophetic era. In fact, the usage of (أنبأ) (anba’a) and (نَّبَأَ) (nabba’a) is established in the Noble Qur’an:
﴿قَالَتْ مَنْ أَنبَأَكَ هَٰذَا ۖ قَالَ نَبَّأَنِيَ الْعَلِيمُ الْخَبِيرُ﴾ (At-Tahrim: 66/3)
“This woman said: ‘Who informed you of this?’ He replied: ‘The All-Knowing, the All-Aware informed me.’”
From this, it is evident that the claims of the deniers of hadith are mere absurdities—that the science of hadith is an invention after the Prophetic era and the result of a non-Arab conspiracy.
﴿قَاتَلَهُمُ اللَّهُ ۖ أَنَّىٰ يُؤْفَكُونَ﴾

2.
By gathering the various chains of this narration, it is established that the usage of tahdith (تحدیث), ikhbar (اخبار), and inba’ (إنباء) is equal in terms of strength and weakness. For in this narration, the word (حدثوني) (haddithuni) is used; in the Book of Tafsir, (اخبروني) (akhbiruni) is used; and Allamah Isma‘ili has transmitted the words (أنبئوني) (anbi’uni). Furthermore, the Companions (radi Allahu anhum ajma‘in) themselves used the form of ikhbar.
By gathering all these chains, it is proven that the status of these three words is the same, because ikhbar is used in place of tahdith, and tahdith in place of ikhbar, and likewise inba’ is used interchangeably.
If there were any particular difference among them, then the Companions (radi Allahu anhum ajma‘in), who were masters of the language, would not have made such substitutions.
(Fath al-Bari: 1/191)

3.
We will mention the benefits of this hadith later; however, a few are stated here:
(a)
Modesty (haya) is a praiseworthy trait, provided there is no fear of missing out on some benefit.
(b)
The date palm and its fruit are blessed things.
(c)
Knowledge is a gift from Allah; sometimes things remain hidden from the senior scholars which are known to the junior students of knowledge.

Explanation:
What is stated at the end of Hadith 71, according to the clarification of another hadith, means that no matter how much the ummah goes astray, there will always remain a group steadfast upon the truth. No matter how much people oppose them, this group upon the truth will not be concerned by such opposition. By this group is meant the Ahl al-Hadith, who, abandoning rigid imitation (taqlid), have made only the Book and the Sunnah the basis of their actions.

Hadith Commentary:
1.
Imam Bukhari rahimahullah previously mentioned the virtue of deep understanding (tafaqquh) in religion, and in this chapter, his intention is to mention the virtue of absolute understanding (fahm mutlaq).
Although there is no mention of any virtue in this hadith, in hadith number 131, which is detailed, it is mentioned that Abdullah ibn Umar radi Allahu anhuma said to his noble father that he had understood the purpose of the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, but seeing the elders remain silent, he too remained silent,
lest it be displeasing to him.
Umar radi Allahu ta'ala anhu said:
If you had expressed it at that time, I would have been so pleased that even red camels would have been insignificant compared to that happiness.
From this, it is understood that understanding (fahm) in knowledge is also a virtuous thing.
2.
The intelligence and acumen of Abdullah ibn Umar radi Allahu anhuma can be gauged from the fact that when a stalk from a date bunch was brought to the service of the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam and he began to eat from it,
afterwards he posed a question to those present.
From this overall situation, Abdullah ibn Umar deduced that it must be the date palm tree, but considering it inappropriate to speak in the presence of such eminent companions as Abu Bakr radi Allahu ta'ala anhu and Umar radi Allahu ta'ala anhu, he remained silent.
(radi Allahu anhu)
3.
From this, it is also understood that a student should develop the habit of study and strive to increase his capacity for study.
The method for this is also learned from the hadith: that one should keep in mind the relevant circumstances, and during study, look in all directions and reflect deeply, because when the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam asked about the nakhlah (date palm tree),
at that time he was eating its pulp.
Abdullah ibn Umar radi Allahu anhuma, keeping the circumstances in mind, reached the depth of the question—that it was indeed the date palm tree.

Hadith Commentary:

Its fruit is extremely nourishing and possesses the best delightful sweetness.

A Muslim should also strive to be like this, and should benefit the creation of Allah as much as possible through his own self.

It is not the work of a Muslim to cause harm to anyone unjustly.

The date palm is a special produce of Madinah Munawwarah.

For this reason as well, it is more beloved to the Muslims.

Hadith Commentary:
(1)
Imam Bukhari rahimahullah has narrated this hadith in a very concise manner. Its details have already been mentioned at several earlier places.
(2)
Indeed, there is great blessing in the date-palm tree. Not a single part of it is devoid of benefit. Its leaves, fruit, trunk, and roots—every part is useful, just as blessing is attached to the being and attributes of a believer; his words and actions are all beneficial.
(3)
A medicinal paste is prepared from the seeds of the date, which is extremely strengthening for virility. In short, there is much goodness and blessing from Allah the Exalted in the date-palm tree. And Allah is the One whose help is sought.

Hadith Commentary:
This hadith has already appeared in the first volume, in the Book of Knowledge, and when the food is permissible, then its sale will also be permissible.
Thus, the translation of the chapter heading is established.
Some have said that a gum would exude from the date palm, which was white like fat, and it would be eaten; however, after this gum exuded, the tree would not bear fruit.

Hadith Commentary:
(1)
Jumar refers to the white, unripe pulp of the date palm, which is found at the upper part of the trunk and is used for eating. It appears that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) received it as a gift from somewhere, so he began to eat it.

(2)
The narration mentions eating it, but does not mention its buying and selling, even though both are mentioned in the chapter heading. Ibn Battal has said: Eating and selling jumar are both permissible; there is no difference of opinion in this matter, because whatever is eaten, its sale is also permissible. That is, Imam Bukhari (rahimahullah) has established the second part of the chapter heading through textual evidence, while the first part he has established through analogy.

(3)
It is possible that Imam Bukhari (rahimahullah) was alluding to that hadith in which its buying and selling is mentioned, but it did not meet his conditions.

(4)
This hadith also shows that in a gathering where elders are present, the younger ones should observe proper etiquette towards them.
(Fath al-Bari: 4/512)

Explanation:
This hadith has already appeared previously under another chapter. It is mentioned here because it contains reference to modesty (shame). If Abdullah ibn Umar radi Allahu anhuma had not felt modesty, he would have attained the virtue of giving the answer, to which Umar radi Allahu anhu alluded when he said that if you had told (the answer), it would have brought me great happiness. From this hadith, it is also understood that on such occasions, one should not act out of modesty (shyness). It is also established from this that parents naturally feel happiness at the virtues and scholarly abilities of their children.

Hadith Commentary:
This hadith has already appeared previously under another chapter.
Here, it is mentioned because it contains reference to modesty (shame).
If Abdullah ibn Umar radi Allahu anhuma had not felt modesty, he would have attained the virtue of giving the answer, to which Umar radi Allahu anhu indicated by saying that if you had told (the answer), it would have brought me great happiness.
From this hadith, it is also understood that in such situations, one should not act out of modesty (i.e., should not refrain from answering due to shyness).
It is also established from this that parents being pleased with the virtues and scholarly abilities of their children is a natural matter.

Hadith Commentary:
Imam Bukhari rahimahullah has established a chapter regarding modesty (haya) which is general in nature. He has not stated any explicit ruling in this regard; from the context, it is understood that there are two aspects to it.

Its positive aspect is that the questioner should maintain modesty when inquiring about scholarly matters. In this context, boldness, audacity, and brazenness are not commendable actions. The women of the Ansar, such as Umm Sulaym radi Allahu anha and Umm Salamah radi Allahu anha, acquired deep understanding of the religion (tafaqquh fi al-din) by asking questions with complete modesty and shyness.

The second, negative aspect is that the attribute of modesty, which is entirely praiseworthy, should not be misused in such a way that it becomes a cause of deprivation from knowledge. This is the meaning of the statement of Mujahid. However, Hafiz Ibn Hajar rahimahullah states that Imam Bukhari rahimahullah does not consider modesty to be commendable in the pursuit of knowledge, and from the aforementioned hadith and the expression of regret by Umar radi Allahu anhu, it is understood that if Ibn Umar radi Allahu anhuma considered the presence of elders to be an obstacle to his own statement, he could have informed someone else so that they could have spoken on his behalf. By establishing the next chapter, Imam Bukhari rahimahullah has alluded to this very point. (Fath al-Bari: 1/303).

However, the heart is not satisfied with the clarification of Hafiz Ibn Hajar, because Imam Bukhari rahimahullah considers the modesty of Ibn Umar radi Allahu anhuma to be commendable. He did not employ modesty in asking questions for the acquisition of knowledge, but rather exercised modesty in giving answers, because respect for elders is also an important part of our Islamic etiquette. As far as acquiring knowledge is concerned, Ibn Umar radi Allahu anhuma certainly knew that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam himself would answer this riddle.

As for the expression of regret by Umar radi Allahu anhu, it does not prove that he considered their silence to be something blameworthy. In any case, according to Imam Bukhari rahimahullah, the silence of Ibn Umar radi Allahu anhuma is not uncommendable.

And Allah knows best.

Hadith Commentary: Benefits and Issues: From this hadith, it is understood that it is permissible to assess the knowledge and intelligence of students. The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) was eating the soft part of a date palm when he asked the question: Which tree is it whose leaves do not fall and which, in every respect, is beneficial and a source of blessing like a Muslim? Just as a Muslim is an embodiment of benefit and a figure of goodness, and no harm comes to people from any of his limbs, similarly, no part or thing of this tree goes to waste. Abdullah ibn Umar (radi Allahu anhu) understood from the context of the “jummār” (the soft part of the date palm) that it was the date palm tree, but the minds of the senior Companions did not turn to this clue. However, Abdullah ibn Umar (radi Allahu anhu) felt shy and modest to answer the question out of respect for his elders, which is a praiseworthy quality. But in the situation where the elders remained silent and no one was taking the initiative to answer, giving the answer would not have been contrary to etiquette and respect. That is why Umar (radi Allahu anhu) said, “If you had given this answer, it would have been more beloved to me than red camels, because this would have become a cause for the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) to praise and supplicate for you.”

Hadith Commentary: Benefits and Issues: In the narration of Imam Muslim’s student, Ibrahim bin Sufyan, and other disciples, it is stated as "la tu'ti ukulaha" (it does not bear its fruit), meaning that it does not give fruit at all times, and this is contrary to the actual event. Therefore, Imam Ibrahim says, perhaps there was a mistake in our hearing or narrating, and Imam Muslim rahimahullah may have actually said "tu'ti ukulaha" (it gives its fruit). The scholars of hadith, such as Qadi Iyad and others, have responded that this is correct in its own place, but its connection is not with "tu'ti." Rather, the original is as follows: "la yatahattu waraqaha wa la..."—neither do its leaves fall, nor is there such-and-such, nor is there such-and-such ahead. "Tu'ti ukulaha kulla heen"—it gives its fruit in every season. However, the narrator did not mention the conjoined things, and in this way, the "la" seemed to be connected to "tu'ti," which led to a misunderstanding.

Hadith Authentication: [وأخرجه الجوهري486، من حديث مالك به ورواه البخاري 131، من حديث مالك، ومسلم 2811، من حديث عبدالله بن دينار به]
Jurisprudential Points:
➊ This narration is also present in [الموطأ ص399، 400 ح964], attributed to Muhammad ibn al-Hasan al-Shaybani, with the chain of narration from Imam Malik.
➋ Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Umar radi Allahu anhu was a great scholar.
➌ One should not feel shy about asking or conveying matters of knowledge.
➍ The date palm tree is a blessed tree.
➎ Sometimes, by asking a riddle-like question, the knowledge of students can be tested.
➏ One should always be engaged with full effort in understanding knowledge.
➐ As long as it does not contradict the Shariah, it is necessary to always respect elders.
➑ Resemblance with something does not mean that both things are identical in every attribute.
➒ Every action of a true and sincere Muslim, according to the Book and Sunnah, is full of goodness.
➓ For further benefits, see [فتح الباري 1/145 147 ح61]

Benefit:
The following points are learned from this hadith:
➊ The Companions (radi Allahu anhum) would narrate hadith sparingly.
➋ The date palm tree is like a Muslim, for example: despite storms, tempests, and swaying here and there, it remains standing on its roots, just as a Muslim remains steadfast in the face of hardships. Furthermore, just as the date palm is soft, sweet, and full of sweetness, so too is the believer gentle in speech, faithful, and well-mannered. Eating dates provides strength; similarly, sitting with a believer increases spirituality.
➌ The young should remain silent in gatherings of elders.
➍ If someone does not understand a scholarly matter, it can be mentioned in the gathering of elders.