Question

There was a tree which the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) used as a mimbar and when Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) changed his pulpit, the tree wept. Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) then hugged it.

What is the source of this?

Answer

This narration is recorded in Sahih Bukhari.

Sayyiduna Jabir ibn ‘Abdillah (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) reports: “Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) used to stand by a tree stump [while delivering the khutbah]. When the pulpit was placed for Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) we heard the trunk making a sound like a pregnant camel until Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) stepped down and placed his hand on it.”

(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 918)

Other versions mention the tree cried out so loudly that it almost split. Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) hugged it until it sobbed and then stopped crying altogether.

(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 2095, 3584-3584)

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar