أَلَمْ تَرَ كَيْفَ ضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلًا كَلِمَةً طَيِّبَةً كَشَجَرَةٍ طَيِّبَةٍ أَصْلُهَا ثَابِتٌ وَفَرْعُهَا فِى ٱلسَّمَآءِ 24
Translations
Have you not considered how Allāh presents an example, [making] a good word like a good tree, whose root is firmly fixed and its branches [high] in the sky?
Transliteration
Alam tara kayfa daraba Allahu mathalan kalimatan tayyibatan kashajratin tayyibatin asluha thabit wa far'uha fi al-sama'
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah presents a parable comparing a good word (kalimah tayyibah - the Islamic testimony of faith or virtuous speech) to a good tree with firm roots and branches reaching toward heaven. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir interpret the roots as representing a strong foundation in the heart and knowledge, while the branches symbolize its visible fruits and benefits that extend upward. Al-Qurtubi notes this parable illustrates how faith, when properly rooted in the heart, naturally produces good deeds and spiritual elevation.
Revelation Context
Surah Ibrahim, revealed in Mecca during the early Meccan period, focuses on themes of monotheism, rejection of polytheism, and the consequences of accepting or rejecting divine guidance. This ayah follows the preceding ayah (14:23) about the garden of Eden and serves to illustrate the spiritual transformation that occurs through accepting the divine message, emphasizing the permanence and fruitfulness of faith.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet ﷺ said: 'The example of a good word is like a good tree whose root is firm and whose branches reach to the sky' (Sahih Bukhari 4697). Also relevant is the hadith about the 'Kalimah Tayyibah' (good word) in Sahih Muslim, where the Prophet ﷺ describes La ilaha illallah as a firm word that brings salvation.
Themes
Key Lesson
Just as a tree requires firm roots to bear lasting fruit, genuine faith must be deeply rooted in the heart and mind to produce visible righteous actions that benefit oneself and others. Believers should cultivate strong foundational knowledge of Islam while continuously striving to elevate their spiritual practice toward the heavens.