An Olive Tree, called Shajarat az Zaytun in Arabic, is not a particularly striking tree. It does not have the height of a majestic redwood nor does it provide the shade of a massive oak. It is not prized for its timber like the juniper or the maple tree and it has a withered and dry look that gives it an aged presence. The secret of the Olive Tree is in two things: its fruit, the olive itself and its massive underground root system that can extend over twenty feet. An Olive Tree symbolises solid growth. This is a similitude comparable to our children and what we aim to achieve at our school, through growth and nurturing. The roots are so extensive and strong that in times of drought, when other trees die, the Zaytuna Tree is still standing because it draws from deep within the earth when the heavens withheld their life-giving water. This symbolises the growth of our pupils with the water of emaan.

Another aspect of these trees is that they enable the roots to produce olives for hundreds of years; even after the tree looks as if there is no life in it - it continues to produce olives.  This is the example of our legacy having studied at our school.

As for its fruit, the olive is second only to the fig of purifying foods. It is unique amongst the produce of other trees, in that it is treated by human hands, in order for it to become a palatable food. The olives are cut and then cured for a long period until they lose their extreme bitterness.  This process acts as a metaphor for our children’s hearts. The pressing of mature olives to produce oil is another extraordinary aspect of the trees fruit as this is one of the most ancient of all oils and was used by the entire Mediterranean people to light their lamps for millennia, treat their skin and nourish their bodies. This tree’s wood has been used traditionally to make artefacts.

There are numerous references to the olive tree in the Quran:

Allah Ta’ala says:

The likeness of His light is as a niche wherein is a lamp; the lamp is encased in a glass.  The glass is like a brilliant star.  It is lit from a blessed tree, an olive tree that is neither of the East nor the West.  It is as if its oil would give light even if fire had not touched it.  Light upon light.  And Allah guides to His light whom he pleases.  (This lamp) is in houses that Allah has permitted to be erected wherein His name is oft remembered.  They glorify Him in them in the early morning and evening, men who are not distracted by commerce and trading from the remembrance of Allah. (24:35-37)

Also, Allah the Exalted swears an oath saying, “By the Fig and the Olive, and by Mount Sinai.  Surely, We created man in the best stature” (Quran 95:1-4). 

The Prophet Muhammad, sallAllaah alayhi wa salam (peace and blessings be upon him), is reported to have said’ “Anoint yourselves with olive oil, because it comes from a blessed tree”.  In his book on the qualities of the Prophet, peace be upon him, Imam Tirmidhi mentions that it was reported that the Prophet, sallAllaah alayhi wa salam, used so much olive oil that his shawl was often saturated with it.