Like a Good Tree | The Sunday Guardian | August 22, 2010 | Page 15
According to the Quran, man must be like a good tree. A good tree is a natural analogy for a good man. The translation of the relevant verses is a follows:
“Do you not see how God compares a good word to a good tree? Its root is firm and its branches are in the sky, it yields its fruit each season with its Lord’s permission- God makes such comparisons for people, in order that they may take heed.” (14:24:25)
The tree is a unique phenomenon of nature; moreover, the tree sets an example for man. It is required of man that he translates this tree culture into his own life. A good man is one who is like a good tree. What is a tree? A tree beings from a seed, turn into a plant, then a strong trunk, then branches and leaves, and then flowers and fruits. A stone cannot grow, but a tree always grows till it becomes a complete lush green tree with many fine attributes. The same is required of us. One must develops himself like a tree. Where the tree develops itself in physical terms, man must develop the same qualities in terms of morality.
Every human beings should firmly establish himself on his roots; he should be strong like a tree trunk, have a vibrant character like the leaves, prove himself fruitful for society, he should convey for people positive vibrations of life, just as a tree supplies fresh oxygen to man, and he should provide shelter to his fellow human beings. A tree is a giver member of our world. It gives everything, but on a unilateral basis. Similar behaviour is required of both men and women.