Why Did the Prophet (Allah Bless Him and Give Him Peace) Comment on Date-Palm Pollination, and How Should We Understand This Hadith?
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
Why did the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) speak spontaneously about date-palm pollination, knowing his words might be taken as absolute truth? Does this conflict with Quranic guidance against speaking without knowledge (Al-Isra: 36)? How should we interpret this Hadith if his opinion was Intentional or Unintentional? Why didn’t he later clarify or explain the wisdom behind the event?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate. May Allah alleviate our difficulties and guide us to what pleases Him. Amin.
The Context of the Hadith
The Hadith relates to the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) advising farmers on the pollination of date palms. When his advice was followed, the crop yield diminished. Upon hearing this, the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) remarked: “If it benefits them, let them continue doing it, for I am human. When I command you regarding religion, adhere to it. But when I give an opinion, I am only human.” [Muslim]
In another narration, he said: “You are more knowledgeable of your worldly affairs.” [Muslim]
This incident highlights the distinction between the Prophet’s (Allah bless him and give him peace) role as a Messenger in spiritual matters and his human capacity in worldly affairs. Moreover, it subtly emphasizes that religious guidance does not contradict human effort and material means.
Does This Conflict with Quranic Guidance?
The Quran warns against speaking without knowledge: “Do not follow what you have no knowledge of.” (Quran, 17:36)
The Prophet’s (Allah bless him and give him peace) statement about date-palm pollination does not conflict with this Quranic guidance for several reasons:
Nature of the Advice
The advice given was not a definitive statement of Divine law but a worldly opinion. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) clarified the scope of his infallibility, restricting it to matters of religion.
Role of Experimentation
This event underscores the principle of human effort and experimentation in worldly matters. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) acknowledged the expertise of the farmers, teaching that his guidance in non-religious affairs was not binding.
Teaching Humility and Discernment
The incident educates the Umma to distinguish between religious directives and worldly advice, encouraging critical thinking and active participation in worldly endeavors.
Scholarly Commentary on the Hadith
Imam Nawawi (Allah have mercy on him) compiled the reports about the artificial pollination of palm trees in Sahih Muslim under the chapter titled:
“On the Obligation of Compliance to His Commands Regarding Religious Matters rather than His Personal Opinions on Worldly Matters.”
In his commentary, Imam Nawawi states:
“Scholars said that this means [the companions] are more aware of worldly matters rather than those about the legislation of religion (Sacred Law). As for what the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) declared as part of Sacred Law, it is obligatory to act upon it.
The pollination of palm trees does not fall under this category but rather the one mentioned before it. The scholars explain that this statement was an assumption, as clarified in other versions of the Hadith. His (Allah bless him and give him peace) personal opinions on worldly matters are like those of any other person, which is why it is conceivable that such a situation could occur without implying any deficiency in his noble station.” [Nawawi, Sharh Sahih Muslim]
Additional Reflections on Prophetic Wisdom
From this incident, it is evident that the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) sought to teach his companions—and by extension, the Umma—that:
– Faith and Divine revelation do not contradict natural human endeavors.
– Working within the means provided by Allah (Most High) is an integral part of fulfilling the purpose of creation: to populate and cultivate the earth as stewards.
This wisdom highlights the compatibility of the spiritual and material, ensuring balance in religious practice and worldly engagement.
Conclusion
The incident of date-palm pollination showcases the distinction between the Prophet’s religious commands and his human advice. His infallibility remains absolute in matters of revelation, and his guidance on worldly matters serves to encourage human responsibility and effort without undermining his noble status.
As Imam Malik (Allah have mercy on him) said: “The Sunna is like Noah’s Ark; whoever boards it survives, and whoever fails to do so drowns.” [Ibn ‘Asakir, Tarikh Dimashq]
May Allah grant us adherence to the Sunna and understanding of its profound wisdom.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Mohammad Abu Bakr Badhib
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy Prophetic living and fitness.
