Sacrifice of Sayyiduna Abu al-Dahdah (RA) and the Glad Tidings of Paradise✍ Answered by: Fadhilatush-Shaykh Saeed Mujtaba Saeedi (حفظه الله)
❖ The Question
Which companion of the Prophet ﷺ gave away his entire orchard in exchange for a single date-palm tree, and the Prophet ﷺ gave him glad tidings of palm groves in Paradise?
❖ Answer
The noble companion referred to in this incident is Sayyiduna Abu al-Dahdah (رضي الله عنه).
Background of the Incident
This renowned episode is recorded in the books of Seerah and Hadith, highlighting the depth of sacrifice and love for the Hereafter among the Sahabah (رضي الله عنهم):
- A man had a dispute over a date-palm tree with another Muslim, and he needed that specific tree to complete a passage to his garden.
- The case was brought before Rasulullah ﷺ, who asked the owner of the tree to give it up in exchange for a tree in Jannah, but he refused.
- Upon witnessing this, Abu al-Dahdah (RA) said:
“O Messenger of Allah! If I were to purchase that tree and give it to this man, would I have a tree in Paradise?”
- The Prophet ﷺ responded in the affirmative.
- Abu al-Dahdah (RA) went to the owner and offered him his entire orchard—a garden with over 600 date-palm trees—in exchange for that one tree.
- The man agreed, and Abu al-Dahdah gave the tree to the man for the sake of Allah.
The Prophet’s ﷺ Remark
Upon learning about the sacrifice, Rasulullah ﷺ said:
"How many lush date-palm trees are there for Abu al-Dahdah in Paradise!"
(كم من عذق مدلى لأبي الدحداح في الجنة)
(Musnad Ahmad)
Summary
- The companion was Sayyiduna Abu al-Dahdah (RA).
- He sacrificed a massive orchard for a single tree, in obedience to Allah and His Messenger ﷺ.
- The Prophet ﷺ guaranteed him palm groves in Paradise as a reward for his sincere sacrifice.
