The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "There is a tree in Paradise (which is so big and huge that) if a rider travels in its shade for one hundred years, he would not be able to cross it."
Beginning of Creation - Sahih al-Bukhari 3251
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "There is a tree in Paradise (which is so big and huge that) if a rider travels in its shade for one hundred years, he would not be able to cross it."
Commentary on the Magnificent Tree
This hadith describes one of the magnificent creations of Allah in Paradise, known as the Tree of Tooba (Ṭūbā). Scholars explain that this description serves to illustrate the vastness and grandeur of Paradise, which the human mind cannot fully comprehend in this worldly existence.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani comments in Fath al-Bari that the "rider" mentioned refers to someone riding a fast horse, emphasizing that even with such speed over a century, one could not traverse the tree's shade. This demonstrates the immense scale of divine creation beyond earthly measures.
Al-Qurtubi notes that such descriptions are meant to inspire longing for Paradise and to strengthen faith in the unseen. The tree's enormous size reflects Allah's infinite power and the boundless blessings prepared for the believers.
Spiritual Significance
This narration reminds believers that Paradise contains wonders beyond human imagination, encouraging them to perform righteous deeds to attain this eternal abode. The tree serves as a tangible example of how Allah's rewards exceed our limited understanding.
Scholars emphasize that such descriptions should increase our gratitude to Allah for promising such magnificent rewards for relatively small acts of obedience performed in this temporary world.