It was a scorching summer day, and the sun blazed fiercely in the sky. Two travelers journeyed along a dusty road, weary from the intense heat. They were parched and exhausted, with no shade to protect them from the sun’s relentless rays. As they walked, they made silent prayers for relief, hoping for Allah’s mercy to guide them to a place of rest.
After some time, they came across a lone tree standing in the middle of the barren road. Its wide branches and lush green leaves formed a canopy that cast a cool and inviting shade on the ground. The travelers saw this as a blessing from Allah, a direct answer to their prayers, and rushed toward the tree to rest.
Finding Comfort Under the Tree
Grateful for the shade, the travelers placed their belongings down and sat beneath the tree. The coolness of the shade was a stark contrast to the unbearable heat outside, and they felt instant relief.
One of the travelers leaned back against the tree trunk, closing his eyes. “Alhamdulillah,” he whispered, acknowledging Allah’s mercy for providing them with shelter in their time of need.
The other traveler, however, stared at the tree and frowned. “This tree is big and shady, but what a useless creation. It doesn’t even bear any fruit,” he muttered.
The Tree Speaks With Wisdom
The tree, which had been standing in solitude for years, overheard the unkind remark. By Allah’s will, the tree was given the ability to speak, and it responded in a calm yet firm tone:
“You ungrateful servant of Allah! You sit here under my shade, seeking relief from the heat, and yet you insult me? You call me useless because I do not bear fruit, but do you not see the blessing of shade that I provide? Without me, you would still be suffering under the blazing sun.”
The first traveler, shocked and ashamed, lowered his head. His words had not only been unfair but also ungrateful. The second traveler, who had remained quiet, looked at his companion and said, “Brother, do you not remember that Allah has created everything in this world with a purpose? Even the things that seem insignificant to us have value in ways we might not understand.”
An Islamic Lesson in Gratitude
The tree continued, “Allah has created me as a source of shade for travelers like you, a home for birds, and shelter for animals. Just because I do not bear fruit does not mean I am without purpose. Allah says in the Qur’an:
‘Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding.’ (Surah Al-Imran 3:190)
Even the smallest of Allah’s creations has wisdom behind it. It is not for you to judge my worth based on what I lack but to be grateful for the blessings I provide.”
The Traveler’s Realization
Hearing the tree’s words, the ungrateful traveler felt his heart sink. He realized his mistake and said, “Astaghfirullah (I seek forgiveness from Allah). I spoke without thinking and failed to see the wisdom of Allah’s creation. I am truly sorry, O tree, and I thank Allah for the shade you have provided.”
The second traveler smiled and added, “Let us always remember that gratitude is a part of faith. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
‘Whoever does not thank people has not thanked Allah.’ (Sunan Abi Dawood)
We should be thankful not only to Allah but also to the means through which His blessings reach us, whether it is a person, an animal, or even a tree.”
The tree’s branches swayed gently in the breeze, as if accepting the traveler’s apology.
The Islamic Perspective on Gratitude
In Islam, gratitude is not just a virtue; it is a command from Allah. The Qur’an repeatedly reminds believers to be thankful:
‘And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed: “If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.”’ (Surah Ibrahim 14:7)
This story serves as a reminder that everything in creation, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, has a role to play in Allah’s grand design. The tree, though fruitless, provided shade—a vital necessity for travelers in need.
Every Creation Has a Purpose
The story also teaches us that Allah’s wisdom is beyond human comprehension. A fruit-bearing tree may nourish the body, but a shade-giving tree nourishes the soul by providing relief and comfort.
Also Read: Hare and the Tortoise: The New Story
Here are some examples to reflect on:
- The Ant and the Prophet Sulaiman (AS): Even a tiny ant’s plea for mercy was acknowledged by Allah, as narrated in the Qur’an. This shows that no creature is too small to have value.
- Rain from the Sky: Rain nourishes crops, fills rivers, and quenches thirst, yet many take it for granted until a drought occurs.
- The Camel in the Desert: The camel, perfectly designed for harsh climates, serves as a sign of Allah’s creative power and purpose.
Practical Lessons in Gratitude
- Be Grateful for All Blessings: Start your day with Alhamdulillah (All praise is due to Allah).
- Recognize the Role of Everything Around You: From the air you breathe to the food you eat, everything is a blessing from Allah.
- Show Gratitude in Action: Use the blessings Allah has given you wisely and for good. For example, if you have wealth, help the needy.
Conclusion
The story of the travelers and the tree is a profound reminder of the importance of gratitude in Islam. It teaches us to appreciate the countless blessings Allah has provided, both big and small.
The ungrateful traveler learned that day that judging something by its apparent utility is a narrow way of thinking. The tree, though fruitless, was fulfilling a vital role in Allah’s creation.
May we all learn to recognize and thank Allah for every blessing, visible or hidden. As the Qur’an reminds us:
‘So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.’ (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:152)
Gratitude not only brings us closer to Allah but also helps us see the beauty and purpose in everything around us. Let us strive to be among those who are truly thankful.
