The Gift of the Date plam

In a quiet village nestled between golden sands and a shimmering oasis, lived a young boy named Zayd. He was kind-hearted, respectful to his elders, and always eager to learn about Allah and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Zayd’s village was known for its beautiful date palms. These trees provided food, shade, and a symbol of life in the desert. Every family in the village owned at least one date palm tree—except for Zayd and his mother. His father had passed away when Zayd was very young, and they lived humbly, surviving on small earnings from his mother’s weaving.

One day, while returning from the mosque after Fajr prayer, Zayd saw an old man struggling to gather fallen dates under a large, magnificent date palm. The tree stood beside a wealthy man’s house—Malik, who was known for his arrogance and greed.

Zayd rushed to help the old man.

“Thank you, young one,” the old man said. “I come here every morning to collect a few dates that fall, for I have no tree of my own.”

Zayd smiled and said, “May Allah bless you with ease.”

Suddenly, Malik came out of his house and shouted, “Get away from my tree! Those dates are mine!”

The old man bowed his head and walked away. Zayd felt sorrow and anger in his heart. He approached Malik and said respectfully, “Brother Malik, please allow the old man to take the dates that fall. They are of no loss to you.”

Malik scoffed. “Why should I? I own the tree. Not a single date is free.”

Zayd thought for a moment and said, “If I could give you something in return, would you give me this tree?”

Malik laughed. “You? What could you possibly offer?”

“I have nothing now,” Zayd replied. “But I will work and find something you want.”

Malik was amused. “Very well. Bring me ten silver coins, and the tree is yours.”

Zayd ran home and told his mother. She wept at his intention but supported him. Over the next several weeks, Zayd worked tirelessly—cleaning, delivering goods, helping travelers—until finally, he collected ten silver coins.

He returned to Malik and gave him the coins. True to his word, Malik handed over the ownership of the date palm.

Zayd then went to the old man and said, “This tree is now yours. Take its fruit and shade for as long as you live.”

Tears welled up in the old man’s eyes. “Why would you do this for me?”

Zayd replied, “Because the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: ‘The best of people are those who are most beneficial to others.’”

News of Zayd’s kindness spread throughout the village. That night, he dreamed of the Prophet (peace be upon him), who smiled at him and said, “What you gave today will be a tree for you in Paradise, more fruitful than you can imagine.”

Zayd awoke with peace in his heart, knowing that Allah sees every good deed, no matter how small.

Moral of the Story:

A selfless act done for the sake of Allah can bear fruit beyond this world. Always be kind, especially when you have little to give.