"The Prophet [SAW] said: 'The parable of the believer who recites the Qur'an is that of a citron, the taste and smell of which are good. The parable of a believer who does not read the Qur'an is that of a date, the taste of which is good but it has no smell. The parable of a hypocrite who reads the Qur'an is that of basil, the smell of which is good but its taste is bitter. And the parable of a hypocrite who does not read the Qur'an is that of a colocynth (bitter-apple), the taste of which is bitter and it has no smell.'"
The Book Of Faith and its Signs - Sunan an-Nasa'i 5038
This noble hadith from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) provides profound insights into the spiritual states of believers and hypocrites through four distinct parables. The Messenger of Allah (SAW), in his infinite wisdom, employs tangible examples from creation to illustrate spiritual realities that are otherwise imperceptible to human senses.
The Believer Who Recites Qur'an
The citron (utrujjah) represents the complete believer who combines both recitation and implementation of the Qur'an. Its pleasant fragrance symbolizes the spiritual light and guidance that emanates from such a person, benefiting others through knowledge and good character. Its sweet taste represents the inner sweetness of faith and the pleasure this believer finds in obedience to Allah.
The Believer Without Qur'an Recitation
The date signifies a believer who possesses genuine faith but does not engage in Qur'an recitation. While the date's sweetness indicates the person's sound belief and good deeds, its lack of fragrance represents the absence of the special spiritual light and comprehensive guidance that comes from regular engagement with Allah's words.
The Hypocrite Who Recites Qur'an
Basil (rayhan) depicts the hypocrite who outwardly recites Qur'an. Its pleasant fragrance symbolizes the apparent righteousness and religious observance that may impress others, while its bitter taste represents the inner corruption, lack of true faith, and ultimate disappointment in the Hereafter when deeds are weighed according to intention.
The Hypocrite Without Qur'an Recitation
The bitter-apple (colocynth) represents the worst state - a hypocrite who neither recites Qur'an nor possesses genuine faith. Its complete bitterness in taste and absence of fragrance indicate total spiritual bankruptcy, lacking both inner faith and outward manifestations of piety, resulting in double loss in this world and the Hereafter.
Scholarly Commentary
Imam an-Nawawi explains that this hadith emphasizes the superiority of combining both faith and action. The believer with Qur'an recitation achieves completeness in both essence and attributes, while the believer without recitation maintains sound faith but lacks certain perfections. The hypocrite, regardless of outward actions, remains fundamentally deficient in spiritual reality.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes that the parables demonstrate how Allah distinguishes between people of faith and hypocrisy through both hidden realities and apparent states. The wisdom behind these comparisons lies in making spiritual conditions comprehensible through tangible examples familiar to the Arabs.