Silsilat al-Ahadith al-Sahihah

It is narrated from Sayyiduna Anas (may Allah be pleased with him), he says: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) heard some sounds and asked: "What are these (sounds)?" They said: People are pollinating the date palms. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "If they were to leave it and not pollinate, it would be better." So they abandoned this practice and did not pollinate, (as a result of which) inferior and bad dates were produced. The Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) asked: "What has happened to you people?" They said: The companions did not do this practice on your instruction (which caused this loss). The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "If it is a worldly matter of yours, then you know more (better) about it; yes, if it is a matter of religion, then bring it to me."