Be Like a Tree: Give Fruit (Kindness) and Provide Shade (Help Others)

Imagine walking through a beautiful garden filled with trees. Some trees are tall and strong, providing cool shade on a hot day. Others are full of delicious fruits, offering nourishment to anyone who passes by. Have you ever thought about how trees help the world without asking for anything in return?

As Muslims, we should try to be like trees—always giving, helping, and making the world a better place. Just like a tree provides fruit for others to eat and shade to rest under, we can also offer kindness and help to those around us. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was the best example of this, as he was always generous and caring toward others.

Let’s explore how we can be like a tree in our daily lives!

Giving Fruit: Spreading Kindness

Trees produce fruit, and they don’t eat their own fruit—they share it with others. Similarly, when we have goodness in our hearts, we should share it with others through kind words, actions, and attitudes.

1. Smile – A Simple Yet Powerful Gift

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “Your smile for your brother is charity.” (Tirmidhi)

Just like a tree gives fruit freely, we can give smiles without losing anything! A smile can brighten someone’s day, bring comfort to a sad heart, and create warmth between people.

2. Speak Kind Words

Allah tells us in the Quran: “And speak to people good [words].” (Quran 2:83)

Just as a tree provides sweet fruit, our words should be sweet and kind. We should avoid harsh words, teasing, or hurting others with our speech. Instead, we should use words that encourage, comfort, and bring happiness to people.

3. Share What You Have

If a tree kept all its fruit to itself, no one would benefit from it. We should also learn to share—whether it’s our toys, food, or time.

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity.” (Tirmidhi)

Even giving a small piece of food to a friend, donating clothes, or sharing our knowledge is a way to be like a tree that bears fruit.

Providing Shade: Helping Others in Need

A tree’s shade provides relief from the burning sun. In the same way, we can help others who are going through difficult times.

1. Helping Parents and Siblings

Helping at home is one of the best ways to provide “shade” to our families. Helping your parents set the table, clean your room, or take care of younger siblings is an act of kindness that brings blessings from Allah.

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “The best of you are those who are best to their families.” (Tirmidhi)

2. Being a Good Friend

A tree doesn’t choose who can sit under its shade—it helps everyone! We should also help our friends by being there for them when they feel sad, standing up for them if they are being bullied, and sharing our happiness with them.

3. Helping the Needy and the Elderly

A tree helps people without being asked. We should also look for ways to help others. Maybe an elderly neighbor needs help carrying groceries, or a classmate needs help with schoolwork.

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “Whoever removes a hardship of a believer in this world, Allah will remove a hardship from him on the Day of Judgment.” (Muslim)

Even small acts of help—like picking up trash, holding the door for someone, or giving a kind word—can be like the shade of a tree on a hot day.

The Bigger the Tree, the More It Gives

A small seed, when nurtured with care, grows into a strong tree that benefits many people. In the same way, if we practice kindness and helpfulness every day, we will grow into strong, loving, and generous Muslims who bring goodness into the world.

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “The best of people are those who bring the most benefit to others.” (Ahmad)

The more we give, the more Allah blesses us in return. And just like a tree continues giving for many years, our good deeds will continue to benefit us even after we leave this world.

Conclusion: Plant Seeds of Goodness

Every time you smile, speak kindly, share, and help others, you are planting seeds of goodness—just like a tree. Over time, these small acts will grow into something big, benefiting you and the people around you.

So, let’s be like trees:

• Give fruit by spreading kindness.

• Provide shade by helping others.

• Grow strong in our faith and character.

May Allah make us all like strong, giving trees in this world and reward us with the beautiful gardens of Jannah! Ameen.