وَٱلنَّخْلَ بَاسِقَـٰتٍ لَّهَا طَلْعٌ نَّضِيدٌ 10
Translations
And lofty palm trees having fruit arranged in layers -
Transliteration
Wan-nakhla basiqatin laha tal'un nadid
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the date palm trees standing tall and lofty with clustered, tightly-arranged fruits. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, the word 'basiqat' (lofty/towering) emphasizes the height and majesty of these trees, while 'tal'un nadid' (clustered fruits) refers to the densely-packed dates on their bunches. The ayah is part of a passage enumerating Allah's signs in creation, demonstrating His power and mercy in providing sustenance through the beauty and utility of the date palm.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Qaf, a Meccan surah focused on resurrection, divine signs in creation, and the Hereafter. The broader context (verses 7-11) lists various creations—mountains, fruits, palms, and gardens—as evidence of Allah's existence and power, serving to convince the Meccan disbelievers of monotheism and the reality of the afterlife.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'Among the trees, the date palm is like a Muslim; its fruits are its charity, and its shade provides comfort.' This hadith, found in various collections, emphasizes the virtue and blessing of the date palm, which aligns with this ayah's celebration of this tree. Additionally, the Prophet encouraged planting date palms, as recorded in multiple hadith collections.
Themes
Key Lesson
Observing the ordered, purposeful beauty in creation—such as the date palm's towering height and abundant fruits—should inspire believers to recognize Allah's wisdom and power, and consequently strengthen their faith and gratitude. This reflection on creation serves as a reminder that the One capable of such intricate design is certainly capable of resurrection and divine accountability.