سُوْرَةُ اِبْرَاهِيْمَ
Surah Ibrahim (14) — Ayah 24
أَلَمْ تَرَ كَيْفَ ضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلًا كَلِمَةً طَيِّبَةً كَشَجَرَةٍ طَيِّبَةٍ أَصْلُهَا ثَابِتٌ وَفَرْعُهَا فِى ٱلسَّمَآءِ ﴿24﴾
Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
See you not how Allâh 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).
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
أَلَمْ
alam
Do not
تَرَ
tara
you see
كَيْفَ
kayfa
how
ضَرَبَ
ḍaraba
Allah sets forth
ٱللَّهُ
l-lahu
Allah sets forth
مَثَلًۭا
mathalan
the example
كَلِمَةًۭ
kalimatan
a word
طَيِّبَةًۭ
ṭayyibatan
good
كَشَجَرَةٍۢ
kashajaratin
(is) like a tree
طَيِّبَةٍ
ṭayyibatin
good
أَصْلُهَا
aṣluhā
its root
ثَابِتٌۭ
thābitun
(is) firm
وَفَرْعُهَا
wafarʿuhā
and its branches
فِى
fī
(are) in
ٱلسَّمَآءِ
l-samāi
the sky
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim — Hafiz Abdus Salam Bin Muhammad Bhutvi
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim is a 4-volume Quran commentary by Hafiz Abdus Salam bin Muhammad Bhutvi, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar and Sheikh ul-Hadith from Pakistan. Based on over 45 years of teaching and research, this tafsir follows the methodology of Tafsir bil-Ma'thur — interpreting the Quran through authentic Hadith, statements of the Companions, and the understanding of the early generations (Salaf). It is distinguished by its complete avoidance of Israeliyyat (Judeo-Christian narratives) and unverified reports. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
(Ayah25,24) ➊ {اَلَمْ تَرَ:} This address is initially to the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, and then to every person who is worthy of being addressed. The interrogative here is not for asking but for informing. This is called an interrogative for affirmation. "Have you not seen?" Here, seeing means knowledge and understanding, which is obtained by observing the universe and reflecting upon it. The summary of the words of the commentator Al-Alusi is that the addressee of {’’اَلَمْ تَرَ ‘‘} is sometimes a person who is already aware of the matter; in such a case, the purpose is to express amazement. Sometimes the addressee is someone who is not aware of it; then the purpose is both to inform him and to express amazement that such a well-known matter is unknown to you, which everyone knows as if they have seen it. Then, the address is made to the addressee as if he knows it well.
➋ {’’ مَثَلًا ‘‘} This is the object of {’’ ضَرَبَ ‘‘}, and {’’ كَلِمَةً ‘‘} is either its substitute or an explanatory apposition. The word "example" is used to clarify something by giving an example with something even clearer.
➌ { كَلِمَةً طَيِّبَةً :} This includes every pure word, such as tasbih, taqdis, tahmid, and tahlil, etc., and the summary of every pure word is "La ilaha illallah," because the basis of every pure word or deed is this. Therefore, the commentators have generally taken this to mean the word of Islam and every pure saying and deed that results from it.
➍ {كَشَجَرَةٍ طَيِّبَةٍ اَصْلُهَا ثَابِتٌ … :} Several qualities of the pure and excellent tree have been mentioned: first, its root is firm, due to which it is difficult to uproot and it obtains nourishment from the earth well and stands firmly. Second, its top is very high, due to which it is difficult to harm it, and it is protected from pollution and obtains its full nourishment from sunlight and clean air. The commentator Tantawi has written in "Al-Wasit" that modern research has proven that a tree obtains only five percent of its nourishment from the earth, the rest from the atmosphere. Third, it gives its fruit at all times by the command of its Lord. The commentators have faced difficulty in interpreting this quality. In Sahih Bukhari (6122, 6144), in the hadith of Ibn Umar, may Allah be pleased with them both, the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, likened the date palm tree to the believer, that its leaves never fall and it always gives its fruit by the command of its Lord, but he did not liken it to the pure word. In Tirmidhi (3119), it is narrated from Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, that here the pure word «{ كَشَجَرَةٍ طَيِّبَةٍ }» refers to the date palm, but Shaykh Albani, may Allah have mercy on him, declared it weak as marfu‘ and authentic as mawquf. In any case, those commentators who take it to mean the date palm tree say that from the beginning of the fruit of the date palm, its pulp, unripe dates, semi-ripe, fresh ripe dates—in short, the fruit at every stage is eaten for about six months, then it is preserved and eaten throughout the year. The commentator Tantawi said that in his opinion, it is not correct to limit {’’ تُؤْتِيْۤ اُكُلَهَا ‘‘} only to fruit; the meaning is that the tree benefits at all times—in the form of fruit, shade, fragrance, building wood or fuel, products from leaves, branches, and gum, and as medicine; even if nothing else, then by purifying the air from pollution and producing oxygen, it benefits at all times. Obviously, besides the date palm, all those trees are included in this which have these three qualities. Similarly, the word of Islam, by Allah's command, brings countless benefits to the believer at every stage of this world and the Hereafter, and at all times some good deed of the believer ascends towards the sky. Since things are well understood through examples, Allah Almighty thus presents examples for the admonition and understanding of people.
➋ {’’ مَثَلًا ‘‘} This is the object of {’’ ضَرَبَ ‘‘}, and {’’ كَلِمَةً ‘‘} is either its substitute or an explanatory apposition. The word "example" is used to clarify something by giving an example with something even clearer.
➌ { كَلِمَةً طَيِّبَةً :} This includes every pure word, such as tasbih, taqdis, tahmid, and tahlil, etc., and the summary of every pure word is "La ilaha illallah," because the basis of every pure word or deed is this. Therefore, the commentators have generally taken this to mean the word of Islam and every pure saying and deed that results from it.
➍ {كَشَجَرَةٍ طَيِّبَةٍ اَصْلُهَا ثَابِتٌ … :} Several qualities of the pure and excellent tree have been mentioned: first, its root is firm, due to which it is difficult to uproot and it obtains nourishment from the earth well and stands firmly. Second, its top is very high, due to which it is difficult to harm it, and it is protected from pollution and obtains its full nourishment from sunlight and clean air. The commentator Tantawi has written in "Al-Wasit" that modern research has proven that a tree obtains only five percent of its nourishment from the earth, the rest from the atmosphere. Third, it gives its fruit at all times by the command of its Lord. The commentators have faced difficulty in interpreting this quality. In Sahih Bukhari (6122, 6144), in the hadith of Ibn Umar, may Allah be pleased with them both, the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, likened the date palm tree to the believer, that its leaves never fall and it always gives its fruit by the command of its Lord, but he did not liken it to the pure word. In Tirmidhi (3119), it is narrated from Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, that here the pure word «{ كَشَجَرَةٍ طَيِّبَةٍ }» refers to the date palm, but Shaykh Albani, may Allah have mercy on him, declared it weak as marfu‘ and authentic as mawquf. In any case, those commentators who take it to mean the date palm tree say that from the beginning of the fruit of the date palm, its pulp, unripe dates, semi-ripe, fresh ripe dates—in short, the fruit at every stage is eaten for about six months, then it is preserved and eaten throughout the year. The commentator Tantawi said that in his opinion, it is not correct to limit {’’ تُؤْتِيْۤ اُكُلَهَا ‘‘} only to fruit; the meaning is that the tree benefits at all times—in the form of fruit, shade, fragrance, building wood or fuel, products from leaves, branches, and gum, and as medicine; even if nothing else, then by purifying the air from pollution and producing oxygen, it benefits at all times. Obviously, besides the date palm, all those trees are included in this which have these three qualities. Similarly, the word of Islam, by Allah's command, brings countless benefits to the believer at every stage of this world and the Hereafter, and at all times some good deed of the believer ascends towards the sky. Since things are well understood through examples, Allah Almighty thus presents examples for the admonition and understanding of people.
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan — Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan is a well-known Quran commentary by Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. This tafsir explains the meanings of the Quran in accordance with the methodology of the Salaf (early righteous generations), relying on authentic sources and straightforward language. Due to its reliability and adherence to sound Islamic scholarship, the Saudi government publishes and distributes this tafsir among the Hujjaj (pilgrims) visiting the Haramain. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
The exegesis of this verse has been done along with the previous verse.
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran — Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran (Facilitation of the Quran) is a comprehensive Quran commentary by Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. Known for his eloquent and accessible writing style, Kilani authored this tafsir with a focus on clarity — making Quranic meanings understandable to the common reader. The tafsir provides detailed historical context for verses related to battles and expeditions, and firmly refutes modernist ideologies using strong scriptural evidence. It is widely regarded as an invaluable resource for understanding the Quran and countering deviant interpretations. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
24. Do you not see how Allah sets forth a parable of a good word [30] (of monotheism)? It is like a good tree [31], whose root is firmly fixed and its branches reach to the sky.
[30] The literal meaning of Kalimah Tayyibah is "pure word," and by this is meant the Kalimah of Tawheed, that is, ﴿لاَ اِلٰهَ الآَ اللّٰهُ﴾. This is the very Kalimah that, when it takes the form of belief and action, becomes the foundation of all goodness and also cuts off the root of every kind of evil. This is why every prophet began his call with this Kalimah.
[31]
The Example of Kalimah Tayyibah is Like a Pure Tree:
By "pure tree" is meant the date palm tree, and the example of the pure tree is presented for the believer in whose heart the Kalimah Tayyibah or Kalimah Tawheed has become deeply rooted. As is made clear by the following hadith: Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar ؓ says that once we were sitting with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. He ﷺ asked the companions, "Tell me, which tree is it whose leaves do not fall? The example of a Muslim is like that tree, and this does not happen, and that does not happen, neither does its fruit end, nor does its seed perish, nor does its benefit go to waste, and it gives fruit at all times?" At that time, it occurred to me that it was the date palm tree, but when I saw that elders like Abu Bakr ؓ and Umar ؓ were sitting silently, I did not consider it appropriate to answer the Prophet ﷺ. Then he ﷺ himself said that it was the date palm tree. When we got up from that gathering, I said to my father, "Dear father! By Allah, it came to my mind that it was the date palm tree." He said, "Then why did you not say so?" I said, "You all remained silent, so I did not consider it appropriate to speak up." My father said, "If you had said it, I would have been happier than receiving so much wealth." [بخاري۔ كتاب التفسير]
And Allah Almighty has described four qualities of the pure tree:
(1) It is pure and clean. Its excellence may be in terms of its appearance, or in terms of its fruit and flowers, or in terms of its fruit being delicious, sweet, and fragrant.
(2) Its roots are firmly and deeply embedded in the earth, and are so strong that they can bear the weight of its tall tree.
(3) Its branches have reached the skies, that is, they have gone to great heights, so the fruit obtained from it will be free from the germs of air pollution and filth, etc.
(4) It is not like ordinary trees, but gives full fruit in every season, and these qualities are found in the date palm tree and its fruit. That is why this tree is called Shajarah Tayyibah in the hadith, and it is possible that in Allah's knowledge there may be a tree that gives fruit at all times, as is implied by the words of the verse. Also, Allah has likened the Shajarah Tayyibah to the Kalimah Tayyibah, and this quality is found in the Kalimah Tayyibah to the highest degree. It is evergreen and always brings forth its righteous leaves and fruit.
[30] The literal meaning of Kalimah Tayyibah is "pure word," and by this is meant the Kalimah of Tawheed, that is, ﴿لاَ اِلٰهَ الآَ اللّٰهُ﴾. This is the very Kalimah that, when it takes the form of belief and action, becomes the foundation of all goodness and also cuts off the root of every kind of evil. This is why every prophet began his call with this Kalimah.
[31]
The Example of Kalimah Tayyibah is Like a Pure Tree:
By "pure tree" is meant the date palm tree, and the example of the pure tree is presented for the believer in whose heart the Kalimah Tayyibah or Kalimah Tawheed has become deeply rooted. As is made clear by the following hadith: Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar ؓ says that once we were sitting with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. He ﷺ asked the companions, "Tell me, which tree is it whose leaves do not fall? The example of a Muslim is like that tree, and this does not happen, and that does not happen, neither does its fruit end, nor does its seed perish, nor does its benefit go to waste, and it gives fruit at all times?" At that time, it occurred to me that it was the date palm tree, but when I saw that elders like Abu Bakr ؓ and Umar ؓ were sitting silently, I did not consider it appropriate to answer the Prophet ﷺ. Then he ﷺ himself said that it was the date palm tree. When we got up from that gathering, I said to my father, "Dear father! By Allah, it came to my mind that it was the date palm tree." He said, "Then why did you not say so?" I said, "You all remained silent, so I did not consider it appropriate to speak up." My father said, "If you had said it, I would have been happier than receiving so much wealth." [بخاري۔ كتاب التفسير]
And Allah Almighty has described four qualities of the pure tree:
(1) It is pure and clean. Its excellence may be in terms of its appearance, or in terms of its fruit and flowers, or in terms of its fruit being delicious, sweet, and fragrant.
(2) Its roots are firmly and deeply embedded in the earth, and are so strong that they can bear the weight of its tall tree.
(3) Its branches have reached the skies, that is, they have gone to great heights, so the fruit obtained from it will be free from the germs of air pollution and filth, etc.
(4) It is not like ordinary trees, but gives full fruit in every season, and these qualities are found in the date palm tree and its fruit. That is why this tree is called Shajarah Tayyibah in the hadith, and it is possible that in Allah's knowledge there may be a tree that gives fruit at all times, as is implied by the words of the verse. Also, Allah has likened the Shajarah Tayyibah to the Kalimah Tayyibah, and this quality is found in the Kalimah Tayyibah to the highest degree. It is evergreen and always brings forth its righteous leaves and fruit.
