In the following Hadith, are any explanations given for the portion that says ‘the leaves do not wither’ with respect to the palm tree? Also, provide the reference?
Ibn ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) reported:
We were in the company of Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) when he said:
‘Tell me of a tree which has resemblance to a Muslim and the leaves of which do not wither.’
Ibn ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) said: It crossed my mind that it could be the date-palm tree, but as I saw Abu Bakr and ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) observe silence, I did not deem it fit that I should speak or I should say something.
‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhu) said: ‘Had you said so, it would have been dearer to me than such and such thing.’
Answer
This is a famous narration of Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (radiyallahu’anhuma) that is recorded in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.
(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 61 and Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 7029-7033)
Explanation of: ‘The leaves of which do not wither’
This is evident in a date palm; it is never seen bare without its leaves at any point in its life.
1) The resemblance to a believer in this aspect it that a believer is also always benefitting others, throughout his/her life.
2) Another reason for the resemblance is mentioned in a different version of this Hadith which states: ‘…just as the date palm does not lose its branches, a believer does not lose any of his du’as.’ (i.e, all his du’as are accepted)
The above are two from among other explanations for this Hadith.
(Fathul Bari, Hadith: 61)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best,
Answered by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar