May You Not Be Like My Papaya Trees AND MAY YOU BE MY PAPAYA TREES - EID MUBARAK

As we celebrate this sacred season of sacrifice, I am reminded of the lesson I recently learned from my garden.

I had sixteen Papaya trees that stood moderately tall. They were producing bountifully at the early stage. Later they grew tall reaching the height of a two-storey building. They bore fruits in abundance, but unfortunately, they grew beyond my reach. My harvesting stick couldn’t get to them, and so, despite all their promise, the birds had a feast while I watched from below—unable to harvest the fruits.

Eventually, I made a tough decision: I started cutting them down one after the other and planning to plant dwarf Papaya trees in their place—trees that would bear fruit within reach, where I could harvest with ease and benefit from their blessing.

This brought to mind the reality of our deen. Many of us strive to observe the Five Pillars of Islam—we pray, we fast, we give zakat, we perform the pilgrimage, we declare our faith—but if we’re not mindful, sincere, and present in our worship, our efforts may become like those tall Papaya trees: full of fruit, yet out of reach. It’s possible to fulfill the external duties of Islam and still miss the true reward if we lack humility, sincerity, or compassion in our hearts.

Let this Eid be a reminder to plant our deeds wisely—close to our hearts, within reach of Allah’s mercy, rooted in sincerity and watered with genuine love for humanity and devotion to our Creator.

May our sacrifices be accepted like that of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). May our worship bear fruits that we ourselves can taste, not just perform.

My family and I say Eid Mubarak to you and yours.
May this celebration bring peace, blessings, and spiritual growth to your life.

Chief Femi Odufowokan

Share to: