BITS ‘N’ PIECES
Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A.):
The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) said, “Allah created Adam, making him 60 cubits tall. When He created him, He said to him, “Go and greet that group of angels, and listen to their reply, for it will be your greeting (salutation) and the greeting (salutations of your offspring).” So, Adam said (to the angels), As-Salamu Alaikum (i.e. Peace be upon you). The angels said, “As-salamu Alaika wa Rahmatu-l-lahi” (i.e. Peace and Allah’s Mercy be upon you). Thus the angels added to Adam’s salutation the expression,
‘Wa Rahmatu-l-lahi,’ Any person who will enter Paradise will resemble Adam (in appearance and figure). People have been decreasing in stature since Adam’s creation.
Sahih Bukhari, Volume 4, Book 55, Number 543
The oldest known living land animal is a 193-year-old tortoise named Jonathan.
Giant tortoises are among the longest-living animals on Earth. These reptiles can generally live up to 150 years, although some are thought to be over 200 years old, a claim that is difficult to verify since they tend to outlive their human observers.
Adwaita (c. 1750 – 22 March 2006), a male Aldabra giant tortoise that lived in the Alipore Zoological Gardens of Kolkata, India, is estimated to have been at least 255 years old at the time of his death, potentially making him the oldest known tortoise of modern times, although the claim remains unverified.
As of 2025, Jonathan, a 193-year-old, Saint Helena-dwelling Seychelles giant tortoise, is thought to be the oldest living terrestrial animal on Earth.
Jonathan is estimated to have hatched no later than 1832, and was brought to the remote island of Saint Helena from the Seychelles (then under the British Crown colony of Mauritius) in the Indian Ocean in 1882, along with three other tortoises. He was photographed as far back as 1886, an image that shows Jonathan was fully mature – and therefore at least 50-years-old – at the time.
He continues to live on the grounds of Plantation House, the official residence of the governor, and is cared for by the government of Saint Helena.
Because of his exceeding age, Jonathan has issues with his sight and has lost his sense of smell, but his hearing remains sharp. He spends the day with Frederik, another male tortoise he was introduced to in 1991. His favourite food is lettuce, and he also enjoys eating carrots, apples, bananas, guava, cabbage, and pears.
Over the years, Jonathan has met many dignitaries and even royalty.
Though his date of birth is unknown, his birthday is marked on 4 December, when locals arrange special celebrations to honour the beloved old tortoise.