The Prophet (ﷺ) said: There is a tree in Paradise (so huge) that a fast (or a trained) rider may travel: for one hundred years without being able to cross it.
The Immense Tree of Paradise
This hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari 6553, found in the book "To make the Heart Tender (Ar-Riqaq)", describes one of the magnificent wonders of Paradise that Allah has prepared for the believers. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) uses a tangible analogy from the human experience to help our limited minds grasp the boundless scale of Allah's creation in the Hereafter.
Scholarly Commentary on the Hadith
Classical scholars explain that this tree is likely the "Ṭūbā" tree mentioned in the Quran (13:29). The description of a rider traveling for one hundred years without crossing it demonstrates the vastness of Paradise that transcends human comprehension. This duration signifies completeness and perfection in Arabic usage, not necessarily a literal century.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani in Fath al-Bari comments that this description serves to awaken longing for Paradise and to emphasize that whatever delights we experience in this world are insignificant compared to what Allah has prepared for the righteous in the Hereafter.
Al-Qurtubi notes that such descriptions should increase our faith and motivate us to perform good deeds, knowing that the reward for patience and obedience is beyond our imagination. The tree's immense size reflects the generosity and majesty of Allah, who creates without measure or limitation.
Spiritual Lessons and Reflections
This hadith reminds believers of the temporary nature of this world and the permanence of the Hereafter. It encourages us to persevere through life's difficulties, knowing that our patience will be rewarded with blessings beyond comprehension.
The imagery also teaches us about the power and creativity of Allah - if a single tree in Paradise is of such magnitude, how magnificent must be the Creator who brought it into existence? This realization should increase our awe, love, and devotion to Allah.
Ultimately, such descriptions of Paradise serve as spiritual nourishment for the soul, strengthening our resolve to worship Allah sincerely and to avoid whatever may distance us from His mercy and the eternal gardens He has promised.