The Muslim and the Date Palm Tree

Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) reported that Allah’s Messenger ﷺ (peace be upon him) said, “There is a tree amongst trees, the leaves of which do not wither and that is like a Muslim; tell me what that (tree) can be?” The people began to think of the trees of the forest. Abdullah said, “I thought it could be the date palm tree, but I feel hesitant (to say it).” They (the companions) then asked, “Allah’s Messenger, (kindly) tell us which it can be?” Thereupon he ﷺ replied, “It is the date palm tree.” Abdullah made a mention of that to his father, Umar ibn Al Khattab (ra), whereupon he said to Abdullah: “Had you said that it meant the date palm tree, this statement of yours (would have been dearer to me) than such and such things.” (Source: Sahih Al-Bukhaari and Sahih Muslim)