Will you explain the following verse: “Seest thou not how Allah sets forth a parable? - A goodly word like a goodly tree, whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches (reach) to the heavens,- of its Lord..." (Ibrahim, 14/24)

Will you explain the following verse: “Seest thou not how Allah sets forth a parable? - A goodly word like a goodly tree, whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches (reach) to the heavens,- of its Lord. So Allah sets forth parables for men, in order that they may receive admonition”? (Ibrahim, 14/24)

Dear Brother / Sister,

"Seest thou not how Allah sets forth a parable? - A goodly word like a goodly tree, whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches (reach) to the heavens,- of its Lord. So Allah sets forth parables for men, in order that they may receive admonition." (Ibrahim, 14/24)

The phrase "kalima tayyiba" translated as "goodly word" means "true word, sound belief, kalima at-tawvhid, that is, "lailaha illallah", prophethood, revelation and the hereafter." (Asad, II, 506)

Belief in Allah’s existence and oneness, that is, the "goodly word" that expresses kalima at-tawhid is likened to a tree whose root is firmly fixed and whose trunk and branches rise to the heavens and that yields fruit all the time. Just as this tree yields fruit all the time with the permission of Allah and is always useful so too is “kalima at-tawhid” useful. When it settles in the heart of believers and its root is firmly fixed, it affects their behaviors and its fruits are seen on them. They try to fulfill their duty of worshipping toward Allah and try to be useful to humanity through their knowledge and good deeds.

On the other hand, a tree needs maintenance like irrigation and pruning; belief in the heart is like that too. If a believer does not feed his belief with useful knowledge, good deeds, dhikr and meditation, it may weaken and disappear. (Diyanet Tefsiri, Kur'an Yolu, the interpretation of the relevant verse)

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