Fruits in the Qur’an

“Allah produces for you various crops, olives, palm trees, grapevines, and every type of fruit. Surely in this is a sign for those who reflect.” [Qur’an 16:11].

Did you know that olives are mentioned seven times in the Qur’an? This fruit is found in warm climates and the trees live for a very long time - many olive trees live beyond 1500 years!

“And shake toward you the trunk of the palm tree; it will drop upon you ripe, fresh dates.” [Qur’an 19:25].

Dates are actually more than any other fruit in the Qur’an - they are referred to 22 times! They are considered a super-food nowadays and used in many shakes and energy drinks. Dates are also one of the most commonly eaten fruits in the Islamic world.

“Or you have a garden of palm trees and grapes and make rivers gush forth within them in force?” [Qur’an 17:91].

Grapes are one of the oldest fruits to be cultivated by humans. They are mentioned eleven times in the Qur’an. There are over 8000 varieties of grapes today!

“By the fig and the olive” [Qur’an 95:1].

Did you know that an entire chapter of the Qur’an is named after figs? God swears by the fig, which some scholars think is a reference to Nuh A.S. and the ark. In many parts of the world, figs are dried and eaten year-round.

“And (banana) tree is layered (with fruit)” [Qur’an 56:29].

Bananas are mentioned just once in the Qur’an, described as one of the rewards for believers. Although the fruit was originally found in modern-day India, today bananas are the most popular fruit in places like the United States and Canada.

“And from the palm trees of its emerging fruit are clusters hanging low. And gardens of grapevines and olives and pomegranates, similar yet varied. Look at its fruit when it yields and its ripening. Indeed in that are signs for a people who believe.” [Qur’an 6:99].

Pomegranates are mentioned three times in the Qur’an. They are described as a wondrous fruit which are signs of God’s power and design. Did you know that the word ‘pomegranate’ comes from French and Latin, meaning ‘apple with many seeds?’