ALMISKEENAH

 

"There is among trees one that is pre-eminently blessed, as is the Muslim among men; it is the date palm."

Al-Mustafa SallAllahu alaihi wasallam 

This blessed palm is at its peak of production during these intense days of heat. The Mubarak city of our Beloved Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam is sweltering under extreme temperatures, the ideal conditions for ripening the very fruits Allah Ta’ala has said will be in His Garden.  

With fruits…date palms and pomegranate trees….

(55:68)

 

And bunches of fruits thereof will hang low within their reach.  

(76:14)

And one of the wondrous things that our Beloved Nabi SallAllahu alaihi wasallam has told us is that the trunks of the trees of Jannah are made of gold! Allow the eyes of the heart to bask in such a vision…look at this trunk of gold…tears smudge the cheeks even with our inferior and limited imagination . Ya Rabb Ya Lateef….may all reading this be blessed with this reality. We ask Allah Ta’ala to grant us what no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no tongue has tasted, no human heart can comprehend, we ask You to grant us this, by Your Grace.  Ameen, Ameen Ameen.

 

This magnificent palm has been providing fruit for thousands of years, evidence of its existence dating back to 5000-6000 BC. Allah Ta’ala has created the strong stalks capable of nourishing large bunches, each containing  more than a thousand dates, weighing between 6 to 8 kg, and each tree can produce between five and ten bunches. A mature female tree can produce upwards of 150 pounds of fruit annually.

The sugar content of ripe dates is about 80%; the remainder consists of protein, fat and mineral products including copper, sulphur, iron, magnesium and fluoric acid. Dates are high in fiber and an excellent source of potassium. Five dates (approx. 45 grams) contain about 115 calories, nearly all from carbohydrates. Bedouin Arabs, who eat them on a regular basis, show an extremely low incidence of cancer and heart disease.

 

These styrene foam boxes are seen all over the city; laden pickup trucks line the sides of all major roads, boxes are piled high in all shops and markets, while in the homes all are indulging in consuming these delicious summer gifts along with freezing the excess in readiness for Ramadhan Iftas!

 

Eat two, pack one, eat three, pack one….these are the sticky, juicy, succulent, superlative yummy,  syrupy sweet Rutana dates freshly plucked from a friend’s farm that I have been packaging for Ramadhan…..eat four, pack one! 

 

Same dates, same growing conditions, same soil, same sun, same water, same sweetness as when our Blessed Messenger of Allah Ta’ala graced this Mubarak City. How Merciful, how Kareem is our Lord Subhanahu wa Ta’ala, the Nourisher, the Sustainer, in maintaining such Barakah over all these centuries. May we all work towards our gratitude being commensurate with His Bounties, Ameen.

 

Previous "date" posts include more information, stories and Ahadith.   

Once again, appreciation to a special sister who was recently blessed in visiting the Holy Sanctuaries and now sharing her experiences with you by so generously allowing me to use her photographs. May Allah Ta’ala fill her life with the best of His Bounties from His Unlimited Treasures, Ameen.

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen. 

 

 

 

….and lofty date palms with clustered fruit….

(50:10) 

Some people love to feast on the glitter and sparkle of the hundreds of Madani gold shops, purchasing exclusive designs as investments, or to wear on special occasions, to give as Hadiyah, to deposit in safe vaults, to impress, to decorate, to create jingle-jangle music, to admire.

I love to stroll through the date palm groves admiring the exquisite gems of this outdoor jewellery market, uniquely designed and crafted by the Master Craftsman.  An annual cyclic exhibition displaying designs that have been in existence for thousands of years, instilling a lasting pleasure as these gems stir the heart recalling so many stories from when our Beloved Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam graced this Mubarak soil.

Groves dense with our “aunts” as our Noble Nabi referred to them, bestowing them such esteem,  equating them with the love and respect we would give to our aunts as they stand erect and stately, the silvery green-grey branches fanning up to the heavens as if in permanent praise and adoration of Al-Khaliq. "Honour your aunt, the date palm, for it has been created from the same earth which Adam Alaihis Sallam was created". SubhanAllah!
Groves dense with “the tree among the trees which is similar to a Muslim in goodness”.  So many analogies made between fruits and Taqwa; between our actions, whether good or bad bearing fruits on the Day of Resurrection. Will our fruits, on that Day be hanging as jewels like these majestic clusters of dates?

 

Clustered fruits dripping in abundance, fruits we are told by the Words of our Rabb  that also adorn His Gardens of Jannah! Any wonder why they never cease to bring tranquility, arresting ones attention and gaze, and calming the soul.

This is the fruit chosen by our Chosen Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam as the first substance to be placed in the mouth of our precious new born, SubhanAllah!

The story of the mother and her two daughters visiting our Lady Aishah, Ummul Mu’minoon, RadhiAllahu anha. Our Blessed Lady Aishah RadhiAllahu anha searched her humble room for something to offer her guests finding three dates which she handed the mother. Each daughter was given a date, while the mother spoke with our Lady Aishah RadhiAllahu anha holding her date in her hand. The girls being hungry finished their dates, coveting the third in their mother’s hand, which she broke in half and gave each of them a half. When our Lady Aishah RadhiAllahu anha relayed this event to Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, he said: “Indeed, the woman has entered Jannah because of the love and kindness she showed her little daughters. Allah Ta’ala will show her mercy because she showed mercy to them!” This beautiful date fruit being the means for this mothers Jannah! Any wonder they bring such solace to the eye!

 

 Daily the intense sun glistens on these splendidly strung gems that respond as a blushing cheek, gradually changing colour as they nearer ripening, sharing nutrition for the body as well as nutrition for the heart with reminders from countless traditions.    

Allah’s Messenger SallAllahu alaihi wasallam went out during the night and when he passed by me and called to me, I went out to him. He then passed by Abu Bakr RadhiAllahu anhu, and when he called him he came out to him. He then passed by Umar RadhiAllahu anhu and when he called him he went out to him. He then set off and when he had entered a garden belonging to one of the Ansar he asked the owner of the garden to give us some ripening dates to eat. He brought a bunch and laid it down. When he and his companions had eaten he called for some cold water, after drinking which he said, "You will be questioned about this bounty on the day of resurrection." Thereupon Umar RadhiAllahu anhu seized the bunch, and when he had thrown it on the ground so that the ripening dates were scattered towards Allah’s Messenger SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. He said, "Messenger of Allah, shall we be questioned about this on the Day of Resurrection?" He replied, "Yes, but not for three things: a rag with which a man covers his private parts, or a crumb with which he allays his hunger, or a shelter into which he worms himself to escape heat and cold."

Narrated Ikrash ibn Dhu’ayb RadhiAllahu anhu, we were brought a platter with a large amount of tharid and slices of boneless meat and I plunged in my hand in all directions, but Allah’s Messenger SallAllahu alaihi wasallam ate what was in front of him. He seized my right hand with his left and said, "Eat from one place, Ikrash RadhiAllahu anhu, for it is all one kind of food." Afterwards we were brought a plate containing various kinds of dates and I began to eat what was in front of me while the hand of Allah’s Messenger SallAllahu alaihi wasallam went round on the plate. He then said, "Eat where you wish, Ikrash RadhiAllahu anhu, for it is not all one kind."

When the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam once visited Bilal RadhiAllahu anhu and saw he had a heap of dates, he asked him what it was, On his replying, "It is something I have stored up for tomorrow," he said, "Are you not afraid that tomorrow you may see on account of it steam in the fire of Jahannam on the Day of Resurrection? Spend it, Bilal RadhiAllahu anhu, and do not fear poverty from the Lord of the Throne."

Allah’s Messenger SallAllahu alaihi wasallam was asked about hanging fruit and said, "If a needy person takes some and does not take a supply away in his garment he is not to be blamed, but he who carries any of it away is to be fined twice the value and punished; he who steals any of it after it has been put in the place where dates are dried is to have his hand cut off if their value reaches the price of a shield."

 

Every part of this magnificent palm is utilized, even the core of the trunk. When Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam had an upset stomach the core of the trunk was given to him. Suyuti in “Medicine of the Prophet” describes how it takes time to be digested but is beneficial.

This fibrous protective insulation for the palm was used as filling in a leather cover as a pillow for our Beloved Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, and the Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum! And this is the part that ladies today spin and knit into body scrub gloves, mentioned previously, as well as so many other string and rope applications, and a sieve for various culinary needs and when dry an excellent material for starting cooking fires, which many locals still rely on for their food.

SubhanAllah, so much of our Deen based on this Mubarak date palm, it being blessed with Barakah just as the true believers are blessed.

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam.  May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen. 

 

 

 

DATE STONES 

[Prophet], have you considered those who claim purity for themselves? No! Allah purifies whoever He will: no one will be wronged by as much as the husk of a date stone. (4:49)

Do they have any share of what he possesses? If they did they would not give away so much as the groove of a date stone. (4:53)   

Little is the enjoyment in this world, the Hereafter is far better for those who are aware of Allah: you will not be wronged by as much as the fibre in a date stone.  (4:77)

Lo! It is Allah who splits open the grain of corn and the date-stone. (6:95)

 

The Arabs use the word "naqeer," "fateel" and "qitmeer" to describe something insignificant. A "naqeer" is the incision on the date stone, "fateel" is the string, or thread that is found in this groove, and "qitmeer" is the skin of the date stone. Such rich language describing this tiny part of the date we hardly notice. And yet Allah Ta’ala mentions the date palm, its fruit and the stone or seed several times in His Book, SubhanAllah, as well as numerous Ahadith referring to the date stone.  

Hudhaifah and Abu Dharr RadhiAllahu anhuma reported that when the Prophet, SallAllahu alaihi wassalam went to bed, he would say, "O Allah, by Your name I live and die." And when he woke up he said, "Praise be to Allah Who gave us life after death and to Him is the return." He placed his right hand under his cheek and prayed, three times, "O Allah, save me from Your punishment on the day when You will raise Your creature." He would also say, "O Allah, Lord of the heavens, the earth, and the Mighty Throne, our Lord and the Lord of everything, Who causes the seed to grow and the date-stone to split and sprout, Who sent down Taurah, Injil, and the Qur’an, I seek refuge in You from the evil of all evil-mongers under Your Control. You are the First and there is nothing before You, and You are the Last, and there is nothing after You. You are the Evident and there is nothing beyond You, and You are the Source and there is no power beside You. Relieve us of our debt and poverty." (Bukhari.)

And similar wording, specifically linking the Greatness of Allah Ta’ala to the date stone in another beautiful Du’a: when Fatimah RadhiAllahu anha came to the Prophet, SallAllahu alaihi wassalam, asking him to give her a servant, he said, "Say, ‘O Allah, the Lord of the seven heavens, and the Magnificent Throne, our Lord and the Lord of all things, the Revealer of the Torah, Injil, and the Qur’an, The Splitter and Grower of the seed grain and date stone, I seek Your refuge against the evil of all things that You hold under Your control. You are the First, there is nothing before You. You are the Last, and there is nothing after You. You are the Manifest and there is nothing above You, You are Innermost and there is nothing beyond You. Remove the burden of debt from us and relieve us from want.’" (Muslim)

Narrated Anas RadhiAllahu anhu that when ‘Abdur-Rahman bin Auf RadhiAllahu anhu came to Medina, the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wassalam established a bond of brotherhood between him and Sad bin Ar-Rabi al-Ansari RadhiAllahu anhu. Sad was a rich man, so he said to ‘Abdur-Rahman, "I will give you half of my property and will help you marry." ‘Abdur-Rahman RadhiAllahu anhu said to him, "May Allah bless you in your family and property. Show me the market." ‘Abdur-Rahman RadhiAllahu anhu did not return from the market till he gained some dried buttermilk, yogurt and butter through trading. He brought that to his house-hold. We stayed for sometime, as long as Allah wished, when one day ‘Abdur-Rahman RadhiAllahu anhu came, scented with yellowish perfume. The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wassalam said to him: "What is this?" He replied, "I got married to an Ansari woman." The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wassalam asked, "What did you pay her?" He replied, "Gold equal to the weight of a date stone." The Prophet said to him, "Give a wedding banquet, even if with one sheep."

Asmaa, RadhiAllahu anha, when first married to az-Zubair RadhiAllahu anhu used to grind date stones as food for the camels. Many narrations report how the Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum would suck on date stones for days when faced with not having any other nourishment. While we read of how many would use date stones as counters for their Dhikr.

I know of one sister who has one thousand date stones in a pouch, along with a large white cloth and several laminated copies of Durood Tunjina. As visitors arrive, she places the pile of stones on the cloth, gives a copy of the Durood to each visitor, who then begins reciting the Durood, along with all assembled. Each takes a date stone for each recitation and then places it in front of them, until all stones from the pile are finished. SubhanAllah, such a way of welcoming others, filling the heart and the house with Nur!  

 

It is we who, like the tulip in the desert of Medina,

Bear in our heart the scar of longing for Medina.
Passionate longing for Paradise may disappear from the wise man’s head, but

It is not possible that the passionate longing for Medina should leave him.

The Tuba tree that has lifted its head on the apex of the Throne

Is only a branch from the garden-adorning palm tree of Medina.
When you eat dates, kiss their kernels, for

The kernels of the dates of Medina are the beads of the angels’ rosary!

Rumi

Maybe these final resplendent lines from Rumi’s poem explain why I hoard date stones! 

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen. 

 

 

Dates….

Dates…..more…again….still!

Subhanallah, the succulent, small, fleshy, burgundy-black fresh Madian Ajwa dates now in the markets are truly from Jannah, as our Beloved Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said! They are more expensive than the dried ones, but well worth paying that little bit extra. Walking around the main date market south west of Haram* trucks line the roads delivering supplies, while labourers sit packaging ten kilo boxes, soon to be carried back to countries all over the world for family and friends of the millions of visitors constantly coming and going to and from Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah. Wish I could send some via email to you all I see across the globe passing by this humble page!

Seeing that I am unable to share the real dates with you, I continue with more stories from Ahadith that mention dates.

*

Salman al-Farsi RadhiAllahu anhu, prior to his embracing Islam was very curious about all that he heard regarding the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. But he still harboured doubts as to believing all that came to his notice. During his extensive travels he had heard from various priests and Rabbis that a new prophet would appear in the Hijaz, that he would have a mark between his shoulders, the symbol of the seal of Prophethood, and that he accepted gifts, but not charity. One evening Salman al-Farsi RadhiAllahu anhu had the opportunity to test if Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam was who so many were pledging allegiance to. He went to Quba where the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam was at the time and offered him some dates saying: "I have heard that you are a righteous man and that you have companions RadhiAllahu anhum with you who are strangers and are in need. Here is something from me as sadaqah. I see that you are more deserving of it than others." The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam ordered his companions RadhiAllahu anhum to eat but he himself did not eat of them. Salman al-Farsi RadhiAllahu anhu gathered some more dates and when the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam was leaving Quba for Madinah he went to him and said: "I noticed that you did not eat of the sadaqah I gave. This however is a gift for you." Of this gift of dates, both the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and his companions RadhiAllahu anhum ate. Salman al-Farsi RadhiAllahu anhu knew that only the true Prophet would act accordingly.

*

Abu Hurairah RadhiAllahu anhu used to have a bag that he carried dates in wherever he went. During one of the battles there was an acute shortage of food, so he brought his bag containing a few dates to the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam requesting, "Ask Allah for a blessing on them, O Messenger of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam." He took them and prayed that I might have a blessing on them and said, "Take them and as often as you wish to take any, put in your hand and take them, but do not scatter them." Those few dates sufficed the entire army with some remaining.  Abu Hurairah RadhiAllahu anhu said he was blessed with the equivalent of many camel-loads from those dates in Allah’s cause, eating of them and giving others something to eat. This Barakah continued undisturbed and the bag never left his side until the day Uthman RadhiAllahu anhu was killed, when the disturbances seemed to contribute to him losing his date bag. It was reported that he said that the loss of this date bag was a great calamity for him.

*

Aishah RadhiAllahu anha said that a woman came to her with her two daughters asking her for something, but she did not have anything in the house except for one date, which she gave her. The woman divided it between her two daughters, not eating from it herself, the she stood and left. When the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam returned to the house of Aishah RadhiAllahu anha she told him what had happened. He SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: "Whoever is tested by these girls, they will be as a shield for him from the fire." Meaning that whoever is tested by the needs of his daughters and treats them generously will be protected from Jahannam due to their generosity. SubhanAllah!

*

When the uncle of Abu Rafi ibn Amr al-Ghifari was a boy he used to throw stones at the palm-trees of the Ansar. He was brought to the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam who said: "O boy, why do you throw stones at the palm-trees?" He explained that he would throw the stones in the hope of making the dates fall to the ground so he could eat from them.  The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: "Do not throw stones at the palm trees, but eat what falls beneath them." He then wiped his head and said: "O Allah, fill his belly."

*

Many narrations relate to how women would seek advice from the various wives of the Prophet RadhiAllahu anhunna on the use of dates. Umm Salamah RadhiAllahu anha said that the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam forbade them from boiling dates so much so that the kernels became spoiled. Raisins were steeped for the Apostle of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and then dried dates were infused in them, or dried dates were steeped and then raisins were infused in them. And another version tells that Aishah RadhiAllahu anha would steep dates for the Apostle of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam in the morning. When the evening came, he took his dinner and drank this infusion after his dinner. If anything remained, she poured it out. She then would steep another lot in the evening, ready for our Noble Messenger SallAllahu alaihi wasallam to drink after he finished his morning meal. The skin vessel which they used for this purpose would be washed in the morning and in the evening.

Safiyyah RadhiAllahu anha, daughter of Atiyyah RadhiAllahu anha, said: I entered upon Aishah RadhiAllahu anha with some women of Abdul Qays, and asked her about mixing dried dates and raisins as a drink. She explained that she would take a handful of dried dates and a handful of raisins and put them in a vessel, crush them,  soak them in water, and then give it to the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam to drink.

*

Abu Hurairah RadhiAllahu anhu reports: "When the people saw new fruit, they used to come and present it to Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and he would read the following Du’a:

"O Allah, Bless us in our fruits. Bless us in our city. Bless us in our ‘Saa, and bless us in our ‘Mudd (these were the two measures in Madinah to weigh dates etc) O Allah, verily Ibrahim Alaihis Salaam is Your servant, friend and Nabi. And most certainly I am also Your servant and Nabi. And whatever he has supplicated to You for Makkah,

….so make the hearts of some people fond of them, and provide them with fruits, that they may be grateful. (14:37)

I supplicate the same to You for Madinah." From Shamaa-il Tirmidhi.

 

O Allah, may we too be grateful for the abundance of dates You continue to provide for the Ummah in this Sacred City of Radiance and Light. And may we continue to open our hearts to all the narrations You have preserved for our constant seeking of Sacred Knowledge. O Allah, may You continue to bless Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah with the bounties of dates and produce till the End of Times. Ameen.

 

And ….yes…..there will be more on dates, Insha’Allah!

 

 

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sitting in the old section of Majid Nabawi, with eyes of the heart closed to how the architectural surroundings are at present, and allowing the heart to ride on the glow of Iman to the glorious past, brings such joy and Sakeenah enveloping the whole being.

Our Beloved Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam would sit in learning circles with his Illustrious Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum, delivering the essence of Allah Ta’ala’s teachings through His Words. Aishah RadhiAllahu anha once described Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam as being the "Qur’an walking", meaning that his every quality was as epitomized by Allah Ta’ala in His Book. SubhanAllah.

The Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum would sit so close to the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam in this very space, that according to a narration, if leaves were to fall from a tree above them, not one would touch the ground as their bodies would be so close to each other in their eagerness to learn and then act upon their knowledge. Their Akhlaq reached the highest of pinnacles. Any wonder our awe when visiting the very ground that they sat, learnt, walked and prayed upon, with the Best of Creation SallAllahu alaihi wasallam still close by!

The earth will be a witness to our Ibadah wherever and whenever we turn to Allah Ta’ala. So being in this old section of Masjid Nabawi, where this very earth has witnessed our rich heritage brings one to such levels of elation that mere words cannot convey. Insha’Allah if it is not possible to be physically present, then devote time in seeking information through whatever means to attune the heart to this Mubarak past, and make efforts to strengthen our Iman by reliving how conditions and life was at the time of our Beloved Messenger of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam.

I share the following stories, each one revolving around dates. This Illuminated City, shining by the Light of Mustafa SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and his shining stars RadhiAllahu anhum, is also known as the Possessor of Dates. The presence of the palm groves no longer adorn the inner parts of Madinah, but the markets certainly display an abundance of dates, reminding us of the major part they played in the times of Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, and how this heritage is still an important aspect of contemporary life here.

Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam used to pray, "O Allah, keep me in the company of the poor, let me die in poverty and raise me with the poor on the Day of Judgement." Aishah RadhiAllahu anha once asked Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam why he repeatedly made such a supplication to Allah  Ta’ala, whereupon he explained to her that the poor will enter Jannah before the rich. He then advised her, "O Aishah, never turn a needy person away from your door. Give him something, even though it may only be a piece of a date. Respect the poor and love them in spite of their poverty. If you bring the poor and needy closer to you, Allah Ta’ala will bring you closer to Him."

Once Ali RadhiAllahu anhu saw in a dream that he was praying Fajr behind Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. When they had finished a young girl came and gave some dates to Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam who then gave one to Ali RadhiAllahu anhu. Ali RadhiAllahu anhu felt in his heart that he wanted another date, but kept quiet. Then during the time of the Caliphate of Umar RadhiAllahu anhu, after Ali RadhiAllahu anhu prayed Fajr behind Umar RadhiAllahu anhu, he saw a young girl distributing dates, Umar RadhiAllahu anhu gave him one, and once again he was wishing in his heart to receive more. Umar RadhiAllahu anhu sensed this and asked him, "How many did Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam give you? If he gave you more then I will give you more." Ali RadhiAllahu anhu was taken aback, curious as to how Umar RadhiAllahu anhu could possibly have known about his previous dream. Umar then RadhiAllahu anhu recited the following verse from Qur’an Majeed:

He will guide the heart of anyone who believes in Him. (64:11)

Ali RadhiAllahu anhu used to work for a Jew, drawing water from his well, receiving a date for each bucket of water he collected. It was his practice to work until he collected enough dates each day for the needs of his family plus a little extra for Sadaqah. One day the Jew wanted him to collect more water and offered him more than his usual payment, but Ali refused. It was deeply entrenched in his heart that his Risq from Allah Ta’ala was sufficient once he collected enough to fulfill the needs of his family and the practice he and Fatimah RadhiAllahu anhu had of giving so generously in Sadaqah. He was wary of accommodating his nafs if he agreed to work more, anxious that it would become a habit and make him more answerable for the bounties showered on him. Ali and Fatimah RadhiAllahu anhuma would rather go without than have an unfortunate person turn away from their door without a morsel. Their sacrifices are immortalized by Allah Ta’ala:

They give feed to the poor, the orphan and the captive, though they love it themselves, saying, ‘We feed you for the sake of Allah alone: We seek neither recompense, nor thanks from you. We fear the Day of our Lord, a woefully grim Day. (76:7-9)

Abu Hurairah RadhiAllahu anhu was one of the Sahabah belonging to Ahl al-Suffah, living in the confines of Masjid Nabawi and eating only from what was offered as Sadaqah. It was a common practice that bunches of dates would be donated and hung on a frame that was erected just behind the place of Suffah. One day Abu Hurairah RadhiAllahu anhu gave Abu Bakr RadhiAllahu anhu eight dates. After Abu Bakr RadhiAllahu anhu realized there were only eight, he inquired where the other two were, saying there should be ten. The reason being that he had given one date earlier in the day for Sadaqah and as Allah Ta’ala increases the reward for a good deed by ten, he felt he would be offered ten!

Once during the midday heat Abu Bakr, Umar RadhiAllahu anhuma and the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam were extremely hungry so went to the house of Abu Ayyub Ansari RadhiAllahu anhu, who brought them a big bunch of dates. When Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam saw this huge bunch he asked why he cut the whole bunch, consisting of the raw, the half ripe and the ripe dates. Commenting that he could have selected and plucked the ripe ones only. Abu Ayyub Ansari RadhiAllahu anhu replied that he wanted to offer the whole bunch so they could choose the ones they liked. On this occasion they were also offered the roast meat of a small goat and some bread. At the end of the meal Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam asked if some of the food could be taken to Fatimah RadhiAllahu anha as she had not eaten anything for several days. Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam then said," See, these are the bounties of Allah, the bread, the meat, the raw dates, the ripe dates." While uttering these words tears came to his eyes and he said, "By Allah who controls my life; these are the bounties about which one will be questioned on the Day of Judgement."

 The Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum had the greed for Iman, so the least of Dunya was enough to satisfy them. Allahu Akbar!

 
All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen. 

 

 

From the date palm come clusters of low hanging dates. (6:99)

 

It is we who, like a tulip in the desert of Medina,

Bear in our heart the scar of longing for Medina.

Passionate longing for Paradise may disappear

 from the wise man’s head, but

It is not possible that the passionate longing for Medina

should leave him…

The Tuba tree that has lifted its head

on the apex of the Throne

Is only a branch from the garden-adorning palm tree of Medina.

When you eat dates, kiss their kernels, for

The kernels of the dates of Medina are the beads of the angels’ tasbih!

(Jami)

 

Crisp, crunchy, succulent, juicy, delicious are ruby red and golden yellow dates. While the soft melting flesh of the ripening process tantalize the taste buds in a totally different manner. Date season is now at its peak of perfection in the cool palm glades of Madinah. During the past month workers have been laboriously covering the bountiful bunches with a mesh cloth, stitching it in place to prevent the birds from feasting on the crop. The plump ripe bunches having been kissed by the sun are harvested by workers precariously dangling from the tall palms.

 

Farmers with their loaded pick up trucks line the road sides creating make shift markets. The summer sunlight glistens on the multitude of boxes and containers proudly displaying Allah Ta’ala’s ancient fruit. So esteemed is the date palm and its fruit that Allah Ta’ala refers to it numerous times in His Qur’an Majeed and informs us that it is one of the trees in Jannah. SubhanAllah. From the beginning of recorded history, the date palms were known in all the lands between the Nile and the Euphrates.

 

The following events from the time of our Beloved Messenger SallAllahu alaihi wasallam reveal how prominent dates and many related topics were pivotal in their lives, and explain why we feel so attached to the date palms and their various stages of growth as we see them in Madinah. AsShukriLlah for these delicious bounties. May we too be the recipients of all the other qualities we learn from these inspiring accounts. Insha’Allah. Ameen.

The early days of establishing Islam in Madinah were beset with great hardship. Umar RadhiAllahu anhu said that the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and the Companions RadhiAllahu anhum were often hungry and that there were not even enough rejected dates for him to satisfy his, or his family’s hunger. In later years some one asked Aishah RadhiAllahu anha if they had a lantern. "If we had had oil to burn a lantern we would have drunk it."  The Muslims used to go out on expeditions with hardly any provisions. Abu Musa RadhiAllahu anhu tells of one time when there was only one camel between six. They used to take turns on riding it. The skin began to peel off their feet from the incessant walking, and they used to bind them with rags. This expedition became known as Dhat al-Riqa’, Battle of the Rags.

Food rations used to run so low that people would suck dates rather than eat them. Leaves and locusts would make up the rest of their diet. The Muhajiroun had to contend with a drastic change in diet. Previously they had been used to meat and milk, but in Madinah dates constituted the major portion of their diet. Tabarani has related once incident where one of the Makkan Muslims said to Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, "O Prophet of Allah, these dates have burnt our intestines."

Once Aishah RadhiAllahu anha said to Urwa RadhiAllahu anhu, "O my nephew! We used to see the crescent, and then the crescent and then the crescent in this way we saw three crescents in two months and no fire for cooking used to be made in the houses of Allah’s Apostle SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. I said, "O my aunt! Then what use to sustain you?" ‘Aishah RadhiAllahu anha said, "The two black things: dates and water."

The call for Jihad against the Byzantines to the north at Tabuk was announced at the height of the date harvest in the year AD 630. It was an exceptionally hot summer with an unusual plenteous amount of fruit on the trees, requiring a huge workforce to tend to the harvest. However such was the spirit for joining Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, and their love of Allah Ta’ala in these expeditions that the Sahabah’s strength in leaving the Dunya was shown in stories of how they rode on horseback through the laden trees, the bunches touching their shoulders, without concerning themselves with what normally would be their livelihood. The army prepared for this expedition was 30,000 with 10,000 horses! 

Once Bilal RadhiAllahu anhu was offered work to help the owner of a date plantation to harvest his fruit. At the end of the day he was given many dates as payment for his work. He ate some at the time to satisfy his hunger, wrapping the remainder in a cloth intending to eat them later. On returning from this place he met the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, who enquired what it was he was carrying. After explaining that he was saving these dates for later, Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam asked him what guarantee did he have that Allah Ta’ala would give him life till then. Bilal RadhiAllahu anhu, gave the dates to the next person he met!

 

Jabir bin ‘Abdullah Al-Ansari RadhiAllahu anhu on the day of the battle of Uhud, saw a Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhu eating some dates asking the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, "Can you tell me where I will be if I should get martyred?" The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam replied, "In Paradise." The Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhu threw the dates away and fought till he was martyred. He brought his Jannah for a handful of dates!

Jabir bin ‘Abdullah Al-Ansari RadhiAllahu anhu’s father was martyred on the day of Uhud and left six daughters and some debts to be paid. When the time of harvesting the dates came, he went to Allah’s Apostle SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and said, "O Allah’s Apostle! You know that my father was martyred on Uhud’s day and owed much debt, and I wish that the creditors would see you." The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, "Go and collect the various kinds of dates and place them separately in heaps"’ He did accordingly and then called the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. On seeing him, the creditors started claiming their rights pressingly at that time. When the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam saw how they behaved, he circled the biggest heap three times and sat over it and said, "Call your companions, the creditors." The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam kept on measuring and giving them, till Allah cleared all my father’s debts. By Allah, it would have pleased me that Allah would clear the debts of my father even though I had not taken a single date to my sisters. But by Allah, all the heaps remained as they were. I looked at the heap where Allah’s Apostle SallAllahu alaihi wasallam was sitting and noticed that it appeared as if not a single date had been taken from it.

When Abu Usaid As-Sa’idi RadhiAllahu anhu got married, he invited the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and his Companions. His wife prepared the food for them and brought it to them. She soaked some dates in water in a stone pot overnight, and when the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam had finished his food, she provided him with that drink of soaked dates.

Abu Hurairah RadhiAllahu anhu narrated that dates used to be brought to Allah’s Apostle SallAllahu alaihi wasallam immediately after being plucked. Different persons would bring their dates till a big heap collected in front of the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Once Al-Hasan and Al-Husain RadhiAllahu anhuma were playing with these dates. One of them took a date and put it in his mouth. Allah’s Apostle SallAllahu alaihi wasallam looked at him and took it out from his mouth and said, "Don’t you know that Muhammad’s offspring do not eat what is given in charity?" 

Anas bin Malik said that the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam forbade the sale of fruits till their benefit is evident; and the sale of date palms till the dates are almost ripe. He was asked what ‘are almost ripe’ meant. He replied, "Got red and yellow. Till there is no danger of blight." Allah’s Apostle SallAllahu alaihi wasallam further said, "If Allah spoiled the fruits, what right would one have to take the money of one’s brother?" Narrated Ibn Shihab, If somebody bought fruits before their benefit is evident and then the fruits were spoiled with blights, the loss should be suffered by the owner not the buyer. Narrated Salim bin ‘Abdullah from Ibn Umar, Allah’s Apostle SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, "Do not sell or buy fruits before their benefit was evident and do not sell fresh dates for dried dates."

Narrated Anas bin Malik, Allah’s Apostle SallAllahu alaihi wasallam never proceeded for the prayer on the Day of ‘Id-ul-Fitr unless he had eaten some dates. Anas said that the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam used to eat an odd number of dates. 

Jabala narrated "We were in Madinah with some of the Iraqi people, and we were struck with famine and Ibn Az-Zubair used to give us dates. Ibn ‘Umar used to pass by and say, "The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam forbade us to eat two dates at a time, unless one takes the permission of one’s companions."

Many narrations tell how the date stones would be saved and washed and dried by the Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum for keeping count of their Dhikr. They are like polished beads after excessive handling, "beads of the Angels tasbih." 

Once the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam distributed dates among his Companions and gave each one seven dates. He gave Abu Hurairah seven dates too, one of which was a Hashafa a type which dries on the tree before fully ripe, making it very dry and hard. Said Abu Hurairah that none of the other dates was more liked by me than that one, for it prolonged my chewing it.

Anas RadhiAllahu anhu narrated that the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam stayed three days at a place between Khaibar and Madinah, where he freed Safiyya bint Huyay and then married her, her Mahr was her freedom and a wedding banquet which included neither meat nor bread. The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam ordered for the leather dining sufra to be spread, and Haisa* was placed on them. That was the Walima of the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. The Muslims asked whether Safiyya would be considered as his wife or as a slave girl of what his right hands possessed. Then they said, "If the Prophet screens her from the people, then she is the Prophet’s wife but if he does not screen her, then she is a slave girl." So when the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam proceeded, he made a place for her on the camel behind him and screened her from people.

 

 

Narrated Anas bin Malik, "Whenever the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam passed by my mother Um-Sulaim he used to visit her and greet her. Anas further said: When the Prophet was a bridegroom during his marriage with Zainab, Um Sulaim said to me, "Let us give a gift to Allah’s Apostle." I said to her, "Do it." So she prepared Haisa, a sweet dish made from dates, butter and dried yoghurt and she sent it with me to him. I took it to him and he said, "Put it down," and ordered me to call some men whom he named, and to invite whomever I would meet. I did what he ordered me to do, and when I returned, I found the house crowded with people and saw the Prophet keeping his hand over the Haisa and saying over it whatever Allah wished him to say. Then he called the men in batches of ten to eat of it, and he said to them, "Mention the Name of Allah, and each man should eat of the dish the nearest to him." When all of them had finished their meals, some of them left and a few remained there talking, over which I felt unhappy. Then the Prophet went out towards the dwelling places of his wives and I too, went out after him and told him that those people had left. Then he returned and entered his dwelling place and let the curtains fall while I was in his dwelling place, and he was reciting the Verses,

Believers, do not enter the Prophet’s apartments for a meal unless you are given permission to do so; do not linger until (a meal) is ready. When you are invited, enter; then when you have taken your meal, depart. Do not stay on and talk for that would offend the Prophet, though he would shrink from asking you to leave. Allah does not shrink from the truth.  When you ask his wives for something, do so from behind a screen; this is purer for your hearts and theirs. It is not right for you to offend Allah’s Messenger. (33-53) Abu Uthman said Anas served the Prophet for ten years.

*Haisa is regularly offered to guests by the Madanians. The following is how one family make it here. They love to tell that this is what the Ummul-Mu’mineen RadhiAllahu anhunna would make for Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam.

Melt 100grams of butter in a saucepan, add half a cup of plain flour and stir gently until the mixture becomes reddish. Meanwhile, remove the date stones from approximately a kilo of dates. The mushy ones you can now buy in the vacuum packs. This is a sticky job! Add this date "puree" to the butter and flour mixture and mix thoroughly. Remove from heat and when cooled knead until it is a smooth consistency. Press onto a tray and if liked you can add chopped nuts. Some roll it into small balls. Alhumdulillah, very sweet and delicious!

 

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen. 

 

 

Dates

 

Subhanallah, how resplendent these dates; green gems strung on a golden chain, suspended from a most elegant palm. Fashioned by the most Artistic of Jewellers! Allahu Akbar. This photo was taken a few weeks ago in one of the dense groves hugging the foot of Mount Uhud.

The very same bunch having been artistically rendered with a subtle palette of ruby by Al-Khaliq, The Creator during the time in between visits. Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar.

 

I was momentarily transported back in time whilst standing on a track inside this plantation. Imaging that it could very well have been where,  Khalid ibn Al Waleed RadhiAllahu anhu, (before he was the Sword of Allah) had so aggressively ridden to the surprise attack on the Muslims as they left their position on top of Mount Ramah.

 

Khalid ibn Al Waleed Radhiallahu anhu, rode around the back of mount Uhud appearing from the opposite side to where the Qureysh army had originally attacked. At the time the date plantations were extremely dense, providing an excellent camouflage. He was noted for his courage, intellect, firm determination, as well as an unparalleled rider, expert swordsman, and equally adept with the spear or any other weapon. The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: "Khalid ibn Al Waleed! On the basis of your intelligence and foresight I was very hopeful that one day you would finally accept Islam." Masha’Allah, what stunning attributes he did bring to the Muslims and their numerous battles requiring his impeccable skills in warfare, after realizing the Truth and embracing Islam.

As I walked on this dirt track, the houses around Uhud vanished on my inner screen. Replaced by imaginative scenes of tension, disobedience, death, pain, loss, amidst valour and heroics on this small battlefield. The Sahabah Radhiallahu anhum, were fearless in their sacrifices for the sake of Islam, their ardent trust in our Noble Messenger SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and their firm belief in all the promises of the Akhirah. May Allah Ta’ala bestow the highest Ajar on the martyrs of Uhud, especially the cherished uncle of the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, Sayyiduna Hamza, RadhiAllu anhu. And may He bring them close to Him in Jannatul Firdous, along with all true Shaheed. Ameen.

 

I did not linger, the sun was scorching.

 

Tal’a  is the very first stage of the date and it is small pearly fruits that have quite a  slightly astringent taste. This is the most liked by birds so they feast on it, leaving just enough SubhanAllah, on each corymb (the long stalk with the numerous stems carrying the dates) so as not to be overweighed by the ripened fruit later on. The corymb can be 25-100 centimeters long, Masha’Allah.

The fruit pass through several separate stages of maturity, traditionally described by changes in colour, texture taste and flavour. Green dates contain maximum moisture and are firm in texture. These are now available in the market. Some traditional Arabs particularly enjoy them, in this form. Though we have been told that after a few days they become soft and have a distinct flavour compared to the ripe or dried dates. Reflect on the Hadith where the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam was offered a bunch of dates composed of various stages of development so he SallAllahu alaihi wasallam could choose the ones he SallAllahu alaihi wasallam preferred.

The next stage (Arabic khalal), the dates begin to lose moisture and in parallel accumulate considerable quantities of sugar. The Bedu farmers love the intense heat we are experiencing these days, saying that the success of the date crops depends on this intense blast between the green stage and then the gradual transformation into the ripe crispy juicy phase. The average palm tree can produce 40 kilograms of dates.

There are approximately 300 varieties of dates in the Kingdom.

Alhumdulillah, how Allah Ta’ala is constantly revealing His signs across the spectrum of His Grandeur. For men of understanding, so that we may be grateful, for people who believe, for people who know, for people who believe with certainty.  Subhanallah.

 

With it He causes to grow for you the crops, the olives, the date-palms, the grapes, and every kind of fruit. Verily! In this is indeed an evident proof and a manifest sign for people who give thought.  (16:11)

 

Then We brought forth for you therewith gardens of date-palms and grapes, wherein is much fruit for you, and whereof you eat. (23:19)

 

Therein are fruits, date-palms producing sheathed fruit-stalks (enclosing dates).  (55:11)

 

In them (both) will be fruits, and date- palms and pomegranates.  (55:68)

 

And out of the date palm and its pollen come forth clusters of dates hanging low and near, (6:99)

 

Allah Ta’ala mentions dates and the palm tree numerous times in His Book. Alluding to the significance and the beneficial qualities of all aspects of the palm and its produce. May we take heed of this repetition of the Signs from Allah Ta’ala, Insha’Allah and bring these lessons into our lives today. May our hope to be in the bliss of Jannah amidst groves of heavenly trees, and all the untold unimaginable features, inspire us to have the sincerity of intention that all we do is for Allah Ta’ala, and that we are accruing Amal Salih in the hope of securing a place in His Garden. Ameen Ameen Ameen.

 

The story of Maryam Alaiha Salam attests to the high regard Allah Ta’ala has for the palm tree and its fruit

 

And the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a date-palm. She said: "Would that I had died before this, and had been forgotten and out of sight!" 

(19:23)

"And shake the trunk of date-palm towards you, it will let fall fresh ripe-dates upon you." 

(19:25)

Harun Yahya in the chapter Eat Dates from his book ‘Maryam: An Exemplary Muslim Woman’ gives a detailed outline of this beautiful story as well as an excellent commentary on the amazing nutritional values of the date. (ignore the illustrations, a sad addition) Additional nutritional information.

Ajwa dates are the most famous ones from Madinah.

Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam has said: “The Ajwa dates is from Jannah and in it is a cure from poison." (Tirmidhi and Ibne Maja). In another hadith Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam has said: "He who eats seven ajwa dates in the morning will not be harmed by poison or black magic for that day. (Bukhari and Muslim)

 

Narrated Ibn ‘Umar Radhiallahu anhu: The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam said, "There is a tree among the trees which is similar to a Muslim (in goodness), and that is the date palm tree." (Bukhari and Muslim)

The Ulema say that dates speed digestion, clears the bowels, forms a balanced diet, provides energy and zest, increases and enriches the blood, strengthens the functions of the kidneys, removes throat and skin infections and removes biliousness.

 

Ayesha Radhiallahu anha reports that our Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam was very fond of eating dates with sweet melon. This diet is said to be very good as a neutralizer as well as very good food, acid stomach, dryness and itchiness, biliousness and also when a person is feeling melancholic and depressed. This diet also opens the bowels and clears the urinary tract and assists in removing any stone which may be lodged in the gallbladder.

 

Accounts from the time of Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam tell how Bedouin trackers were able to discern from the droppings of the camels if they were from Madinah by the distinct small rounded shape of the Ajwa date stone. Hence aiding them with information of the movement of armies and traders. Subhanallah.

 

Another important feature of the date is Tahneek, a the Sunnah of the Prophet SallAllahu alahi wasallam for a new born baby. Allahu Akbar. Subhanallah, how we have been blessed with the correct Way to conduct every aspect of our lives, and with all the means of achieving this. Alhumdulillah.

 

Insha’Allah, my intention is to parallel my writing about dates and the palm tree with the stages it goes through. So more in a few weeks as the green gradually changes to ruby red and golden yellow. How majestic the plantations are, continually offering a feast for the eyes, seasonal feasts for the tongue, and a continual boost to our Iman!

Masha’Allah!

 

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Bless all readers.