The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) passed by some people who were at the top of the palm trees. He said: `What are these people doing?` They said: “They are pollinating (the trees), putting the male with the female.” He said: `I do not think this can help in any way.” They were told about that and they stopped doing it. News of that reached the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and he said: “If it will benefit them, then let them do it. It was only a passing thought. Do not blame me for a mere thought, but if I tell you anything about Allah (may He be glorified and exalted) then accept it from me, for I will never tell a lie about Allah.`
Musnad of Abu Muhammad Talhah bin 'Ubaidullah - Musnad Ahmad 1395
This narration from Musnad Ahmad demonstrates the Prophet's humility and distinction between personal opinion and divine revelation.
Contextual Analysis
The incident occurred when the Prophet saw people practicing artificial pollination of date palms, a common agricultural technique in Medina.
His initial remark reflected personal observation rather than religious ruling, showing his human judgment in worldly matters.
Scholarly Commentary
Classical scholars emphasize this hadith establishes the principle that the Prophet's statements fall into two categories: revelation-based commands and personal opinions in worldly affairs.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes this incident teaches Muslims to distinguish between Prophetic guidance in religious matters and his personal expertise in temporal affairs.
Al-Qurtubi explains the profound lesson in the Prophet's correction: it demonstrates honesty in retracting personal views when evidence proves otherwise.
Legal Implications
This narration forms the basis for the Islamic legal principle that the Prophet's statements about worldly matters not related to revelation represent his personal ijtihad (legal reasoning).
Scholars derive from this that following scientific evidence and practical experience in agricultural, medical, and technical fields is obligatory when it contradicts mere personal opinion.
Spiritual Lessons
The Prophet's humility in admitting his personal error serves as a model for Muslim leaders and scholars.
His clarification emphasizes the absolute trustworthiness of his teachings regarding divine matters while acknowledging human limitation in worldly knowledge.