وَشَجَرَةً تَخْرُجُ مِن طُورِ سَيْنَآءَ تَنۢبُتُ بِٱلدُّهْنِ وَصِبْغٍ لِّلْـَٔاكِلِينَ 20
Translations
And [We brought forth] a tree issuing from Mount Sinai which produces oil and food [i.e., olives] for those who eat.
Transliteration
Wa shajaratan takhrujo min toori Sinaa' tanbutu bid-duhni wa sibghin lil-akileen
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the olive tree that grows on Mount Sinai, which produces oil (duhn) and is a condiment (sibgh) for those who eat. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi interpret this as Allah's mention of the olive tree as a sign of His creative power and provision, emphasizing its dual benefit of yielding nutritious oil and serving as a food seasoning. The olive tree is presented as evidence of Allah's wisdom in creating trees that sustain human life with multiple uses.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Mu'minun (a Meccan surah), which enumerates the signs of Allah's creation and the characteristics of true believers. The ayah appears within a passage (23:12-32) that discusses Allah's creative miracles—from human creation to the vegetation and natural resources He has provided—to remind the Meccan polytheists of His oneness and power.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said regarding olive oil: 'Eat the olive oil and anoint yourselves with it, for it is from a blessed tree' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi). Additionally, the olive is mentioned in Surah At-Tin (95:1), where Allah swears by the fig and olive as signs of the blessed land where prophets were sent.
Themes
Key Lesson
The ayah teaches us to recognize Allah's wisdom and mercy in creation by reflecting on the simple blessings we often take for granted, such as the olive tree, which sustains us in multiple ways. This reflection cultivates gratitude and strengthens our faith in Allah's perfect provision and design.