What is the interpretation of the verse, "Neither of the East nor of the West..." regarding the olive tree?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
The exegetes differed regarding the meaning of the description of the olive tree as "neither eastern nor western." It was said: it is a tree upon which the sun shines at its rising, setting, and meridian, and this type of olive bears the best fruit. It was also said: it is a tree in a grove that is not exposed to the sun from the east or the west. Another interpretation was: it is not from the trees of this world, but rather a similitude Allah struck for His light. And it was also said: it is from the trees of Syria (Sham) which are not described as eastern or western.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- 82689
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