The Parable of the Good Tree and the Evil Tree – The Power of Faith and Falsehood

The Analogy in the Quran

Allah says:

"Do you not see how Allah compares a good word to a good tree? Its root is firm and its branches reach the sky, ˹always˺ yielding its fruit in every season by the Will of its Lord. This is how Allah sets forth parables for the people, so perhaps they will be mindful. And the parable of an evil word is that of an evil tree, uprooted from the earth, having no stability."

The Quran

| Chapter 14, Verse 24 to 26

Context of the Parable

This parable was revealed to illustrate the contrast between the message of tawheed (the oneness of God) and the falsehood of disbelief or corrupt speech. It serves as a timeless lesson about the strength of truth and the instability of lies. Scholars link the "good word" to the declaration of faith—La ilaha illa Allah—which leads to growth, benefit, and eternal reward. On the other hand, the "evil word" may refer to shirk (associating partners with Allah), false ideologies, or slanderous speech that has no foundation and ultimately perishes.

Key Elements of the Analogy

The Good Tree (Faith and Truth)
- Represents the believer whose faith is rooted in sincerity and guided by revelation.
- Like a tree with deep roots and high-reaching branches, this person’s faith benefits both themselves and others.
- It continuously produces fruit—good deeds, beneficial words, and positive influence—at all times.
The Firm Root and High Branches
- The firm root symbolises solid belief grounded in knowledge and certainty.
- The high branches suggest growth, elevation, and a connection to the divine.
- It indicates that true belief uplifts the soul and brings lasting benefit.
The Evil Tree (Falsehood and Disbelief)
- Represents a word or belief system not based on truth.
- Uprooted and unstable, it neither grows nor benefits; it withers and disappears.
- Its lack of roots implies no foundation, leaving it vulnerable to being blown away by even the slightest disturbance.

The Warning in the Parable

This parable warns against adopting false beliefs or speaking words that contradict truth. Just as the evil tree is cut off and forgotten, falsehood ultimately leads to ruin. It also cautions against hollow faith—words unbacked by conviction and action are unstable and bear no fruit. The consequences are spiritual barrenness and disconnection from divine mercy.

Final Thoughts

This parable urges believers to cultivate faith that is deep-rooted and ever-growing. Just as a healthy tree thrives regardless of the season, true belief remains strong through trials and time. Conversely, falsehood may seem appealing briefly but lacks the strength to endure. We must strive for sincerity in our beliefs and truthfulness in our words, ensuring they are firmly planted in divine guidance.