Teens Firmly Rooted

Trees are powerful symbols in Islam and are often presented in the Holy Quran as metaphors of good and bad.  For example, the Tūbā  or Blessed Tree mentioned in Surah Ar-Ra'd refers to a tree that grows in paradise – Jannah.  Whereas the tree of Zaq’qum is mentioned in at least five ayahs refers to the torment of the hellfire.  Besides representing the bounty that comes from Allah, trees are associated with knowledge in reference to Prophet Adam (AS) and his wife Huwa, to a source of relief and sustenance for Maryam mother of Isa (AS) to a place where the sincere believers took a sacred oath under the tree at Hudaibiya, known as Bay'at ar-Ridwan mentioned in Surah Al Fath.

Perhaps one of the best lessons for Muslim youth in regard to the symbolism attached to a tree comes from the following ayah:

Do you not see how Allah has given the example of a good word? It is like a good tree, whose root is firmly fixed, and whose branches reach the sky

Surah Ibrahim14: 24

Ibn Kathir tafseer explains this verse as The Parable of the Word of Islam and the Word of Kufr

`Ali bin Abi Talhah reported that `Abdullah bin `Abbas commented that Allah’s statement, (a parable: a goodly word), refers to testifying to La ilaha illallah, (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah) while, (as a goodly tree), refers to the believer, and that, (whose root is firmly fixed), indicates that La ilaha illallah, (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah) is firm in the believers’ heart, (and its branches (reach) to the sky.) with which the believer’s works are ascended to heaven. Similar is said by Ad-Dahhak, Sa’id bin Jubayr, `Ikrimah, Mujahid and several others. They stated that this parable describes the believer’s deeds, good statements and good actions. 

From this short ayah, Muslim teens have several powerful takeaways

Importance of la ilaha illallah

• Muslim teens are merging adults, and therefore they have the rights and responsibilities of adults.  Faith – Iman comes from within the self.  Too often Muslim teens may assume that because they are born of Muslim parents that the importance of uttering these words is not necessary.  Every believer must make this declaration.  This is not something to take lightly or to be ignored.  Examples of how to honor this:
  • Begin any public speaking, especially in a gathering of Muslims with this phrase
  • Explain the meaning of shahadah to non-Muslim family or friends
  • Consciously make the shahadah

Firm hearts

• Muslim teens are bombarded with unIslamic influences that lead them astray.  But the Muslim teen with the firm heart and belief in Allah, His Angels, His Books, His prophets, the day of Decision and the Qadr of Allah is highly equipped with resources to fight against negative and misleading ideals.  Example of a firm teen heart:
  • Making good statements that refer to Allah in the highest form. 
  • Choosing words carefully that refer to the prophets in Islam in the best manner and offer peace and blessings to them.  
  • Defending misconceptions or jokes about Islam and Muslims. 

Firmly fixed

• Trees not only stand tall and are sturdy – they are often unmovable.  When something is firmly fixed that means that it is not easily removed.  A Muslim teen whose love of Islam and this way of life is firmly fixed can withstand the wind of change.  These may be winds that blow softly through the ear inviting one to wrong deeds to aggressive winds that blow racism and discrimination.  Like a tree, a Muslim teen is fixed within the ummah.  Examples:
  • Standing up against injustice within and towards the Muslim community
  • Respecting other people’s religion, but not imitating or initiating their religious rituals and celebrations

Works Ascend

• The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “If any Muslim plants any plant and a human being or an animal eats of it, he will be rewarded as if he had given that much in charity.”  This planting of a tree is considered sadaqah jariyah.  This concept of sadaqah jariyah refers to a charity that is continuous or ongoing.  This means the charitable act benefits others even after the donor's death, earning them rewards in the afterlife Sadiqah.  A tree serves mankind by providing oxygen, cleaning the air, giving shade, sometimes bearing fruit, nurturing the soil and even helping other trees live through their underground network of roots.  Therefore, it is easy to see how planting a tree is a charity for humans, animals and the planet itself that long outlives the planter.  The tree planter’s works rise to more than just that one good deed in one moment of time.  

Muslim teens can take this symbolism onto themselves and reflect it in their work of community building.  Examples

• Serving as a good role model to younger Muslims
• Correcting a fellow teen who is falling into misbehavior
• Offering your service to those in need – those who ask as well as those who you know need help.  For example – cutting the grass of a senior citizen, helping someone carry groceries up their stairs, stopping little children from running in the street, interrupting bullying etc.  The benefits – helping to prevent a senior from overtaxing their bodies, reducing the muscle strain on a person, preventing a child’s injury or death and helping with the psychological well being of another.  All of these have benefits beyond the moment in time of help.

Author bio: Mahasin D. Shamsid-Deen is the news curator and content manager for Muslim Network TV (MNTV) and contributing writer for Sound Vision.  She holds a Master in English Writing and has worked as both a High School and College ESL Instructor and Writing Instructor for more than a decade.  Mahasin has numerous published articles, books, essays and is a published playwright with three award winning stage plays.  She currently has a screenplay under consideration.