And the intended meaning is that the date-palm is wholesome in and of itself even though its root is not especially impressive. In the same way, the Prophet ﷺ stated that he is the finest of people both in person and in lineage.

Al-Tirmidhī likewise relates—through the chain of al-Thawrī, from Yazīd ibn Abī Ziyād, from ʿAbd Allāh ibn al-Ḥārith, from al-Muṭṭalib ibn Abī Wadaʿah—that al-ʿAbbās came to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, having apparently heard certain remarks. The Prophet ﷺ then ascended the pulpit and said:

“Who am I?”

They replied, “You are the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon you.”

He said,

“I am Muḥammad son of ʿAbd Allāh son of ʿAbd al-Muṭṭalib. Indeed Allah created all creatures and placed me among the best of them. He then divided them into two groups and put me in the best group; then He made them tribes and put me in the best tribe; then He made them households and put me in the best household and the best of them in person.”

Al-Tirmidhī commented, “This ḥadith is ḥasan.” That is how I found it recorded, though the correct wording is: “So I am the best of them in household and the best of them in person.”

Aḥmad has also transmitted this ḥadith in his Musnad through the narration of al-Thawrī, from