The Hadith goes as follows: “If one of you has a palm sapling in his hand and the Day of Judgment is imminent, he should plant it immediately.”
For years, I’ve been trying to interpret this Hadith in various ways, but as someone who has never been fully satisfied with any interpretation, I find myself at a crossroads regarding the meaning of this Hadith and the rhetoric of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, at this age. I couldn’t quite decide whether I am unlucky or fortunate.
The blessed book says, “Saât,” referring to these verses. That is, the words of Allah related to the Day of Judgment. As I said, for years, I’ve been trying to understand this Hadith in connection with the Day of Judgment.
Let’s give credit where it’s due, many of our scholars and interpreters have offered original approaches to this Hadith.
But as I mentioned, for some reason, these interpretations have always left me with a sense of incompleteness.
To me, who abbreviated this blessed saying as “Plant it when you have a sapling, even if the Day of Judgment is imminent,” I realized in an IFLC program that these words are metaphorical.
Yes, for over 20 years, the saplings nurtured in educational institutions around the world have been coming together to organize language and culture olympiads in two different formats for some time now.
One of them, so to speak, is the showcase, and the other is the inward-looking organization, which I had the opportunity to closely observe this year. You will find my general evaluation of the musical called “The Most Beautiful Story” below.
However, I would like to convey a much more important awareness to you.
Of course, as I mentioned, many scholars throughout history have interpreted this Hadith wonderfully and provided commentary on it.
Indeed, all of them have their merits.
However, in my humble opinion, the fundamental concept here, which is “Sapling,” is used as a metaphor. The Messenger of Allah is telling the Ummah of the Seal of the Prophets: (Allah knows best) Whoever among you has produced something beneficial to humanity, no matter the circumstances, even if it’s the conditions of the Day of Judgment, they must definitely carry out that planting.
You know we are going through difficult times.
Almost the entire world, especially Turkey, is groaning under the rule of heartless, ignorant, and thoroughly evil leaders.
People are dying in their own countries. Hundreds of thousands of oppressed people are being held captive in prisons, tortured, kidnapped, and killed under extremely dire conditions.
The world seems to be experiencing a dress rehearsal for Doomsday. Unfortunately, we are living in a pitch-dark era.
In such a dark and challenging period, when someone is trying to plant a sapling in their backyard, those around them can understandably say, “People are suffering, and you are concerned about a tree,” and indeed, they do…
This Hadith seems to me like a blessed saying specifically intended for such times. If you have raised young saplings, regardless of the circumstances, you must plant them in the soil and hope for them to grow. Whether they grow or not is not your concern.
It seems that IFLC is doing exactly that. They are determined to plant the saplings they have, no matter the conditions.
Moreover, these saplings may be using aesthetics, the most powerful way to express the suffering, difficulties, and experiences, with the universal language of art to convey their message to the world and to preserve it in history.
Now, let’s talk about the musical…
As a journalist immersed in the realm of artistic expression, I had the opportunity to watch the musical known as “The Most Beautiful Story.” This impressive musical, which graced the stages of Frankfurt, Washington DC, Toronto, and Los Angeles, mesmerized large audiences and left an indelible impact, especially resonating within local art circles.
“The Most Beautiful Story” emerges as a captivating adventure that skillfully interweaves classic narratives from both Eastern and Western canons with the fabric of contemporary events. Its overarching story, a masterpiece of literary craftsmanship, actually contains themes that are familiar to almost all cultures. It delves into the intricacies of family dynamics while encompassing universal concepts such as jealousy, hatred, evil, and forgiveness. By delving into the depths of the human soul, it reveals the dual nature of humanity, where oppression and mercy dance in an eternal oscillation.
This musical, a symphony of emotions, utilizes the powerful language of utopias, narratives, visual spectacles, kinetic movements, and melodic tones. Meticulously selected compositions traverse the vast expanse of time by embracing both timeless classics and innovative original pieces. The enthusiastic and unwavering voices of talented actors become instruments that give voice to the innermost desires and tribulations of the characters. The harmonious combination of sound and emotion breathes life into the story, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of the audience.
According to an American pianist, “The Most Beautiful Story” presents itself as “a visual feast and an aesthetic masterpiece.” The masterful utilization of a colossal screen serves as a gateway to a realm where storytelling reaches its zenith. This spiritual canvas gives birth to breathtaking visuals, drawing inspiration from various cultures around the world. The choreographic skill of an international ensemble of 24 dancers infuses vitality and grace into the performance, elevating it to new heights. Impeccably designed sets and costumes, carefully selected lighting, and stage effects transform into a visual symphony, transporting viewers beyond temporal and geographical landscapes.
However, what sets this beautiful work apart from others is its ability to transcend cultural boundaries. Universal themes that resonate deeply permeate “The Most Beautiful Story,” regardless of the audience’s origin, transcending language and geographical boundaries. By uniting different souls through the collective resonance of our shared human experience, it bears witness to the profound capacity of art to connect.
“The Most Beautiful Story” not only captured the hearts of its audience but also garnered deep admiration from local art communities in every city it visited. The ability of the artist to ignite and inspire by fueling the ember in the inspiring furnace within the artist’s soul has demonstrated the pure brilliance of collaborative genius that gave birth to this ‘magnum opus.’ In the words of a German pianist, “This musical elevates the threshold of excellence in performing arts by seamlessly intertwining historical texture, contemporaneity, and artistic expression.”
In summary, “The Most Beautiful Story” has completed its journey by leaving an unforgettable memory in our minds and a unique taste in our memories, as a narrative, a musical symphony, and a rich tableau of visual art. With its profound exploration of human emotions, its capacity to transcend cultural boundaries, and its profound impact on local art communities, this musical was an important milestone in IFLC’s artistic journey.
“The Most Beautiful Story,” while showcasing the power of art, served as proof of the transformative power of art, which can stir our souls, ignite the embers of imagination, and unite us in the collective appreciation of beauty and the transcendence of storytelling.
