The Date Palm and the Stranger
Long ago, in the blessed lands of the Arabian Peninsula, there lived a pious old man named Harith. He was known among his people not for his wealth, but for his generosity, humility, and unwavering faith in Allah. Harith lived a simple life, tending to a small garden behind his home. In the center of this garden stood a single, towering date palm tree, strong, tall, and fruitful.
Each season, the tree produced dates that were sweet and abundant. Harith would never hoard its fruit for himself. Instead, he would gather the ripest dates and distribute them among the poor, widows, and orphans of the town. It became known as the "tree of mercy," for it fed many who would otherwise go hungry.
One particularly hot afternoon, Harith was watering his garden when a weary traveler appeared at his gate. Dust-covered and thirsty, the stranger looked like he had been walking for days.
"Peace be upon you," the traveler said, his voice dry and weak.
"And upon you be peace," Harith replied with a smile, recognizing the stranger's need. Without hesitation, he invited him into the shade of the date palm and brought him cool water from his well.
As the man drank, Harith plucked several dates and handed them to him.
"Eat, my brother," he said kindly. "These dates are a blessing from Allah."
The man ate slowly, savoring the sweetness. After a few moments, he looked up and asked, "Why do you give so freely, even to someone you do not know?"
Harith replied, “Because I know the One who gives to all of creation. Allah loves those who give in His name, expecting no reward but from Him. These dates are not mine, they are a trust, a gift from Allah to share.”
The stranger nodded silently. After resting, he stood up and thanked Harith sincerely. "May Allah reward you for your kindness," he said.
As he turned to leave, the man looked once more at the tree and asked, “What if someone came and offered you a bag of gold for this tree? Would you sell it?”
Harith shook his head. “This tree has been the source of sustenance for many. I would not trade its blessings for gold. Its roots are not only in the soil but also in the hearts of those who have tasted its fruit.”
The traveler smiled knowingly and said, “Then may its reward be eternal.”
Unbeknownst to Harith, the traveler was not an ordinary man. Some say he was a righteous servant of Allah, perhaps even an angel in human form, sent to test Harith’s heart. Others say he was a wandering saint. Regardless, his visit left a deep impression.
Years passed, and Harith eventually returned to his Lord, leaving behind his humble garden and the beloved date palm. The townspeople continued to care for the tree, remembering Harith’s legacy of generosity and faith.
Strangely, the tree never withered. Season after season, it bore even more fruit than before. The poor continued to be fed, and travelers continued to rest under its shade. It became a symbol of barakah (blessing), a living reminder of what it means to give sincerely for the sake of Allah.
People would tell their children, “This is no ordinary tree. It is the date palm of the righteous Harith, who gave without seeking, who loved for the sake of his Lord.”
And so, the story of the date palm and the stranger lived on — a timeless lesson in selflessness, faith, and the unseen blessings that grow when we give for the sake of Allah alone.
