That he asked Aisha (R.A) how was the prayer of Allah’s Apostle (S.A.W) in Ramazan....
BITS ‘N’ PIECES
Narrated by Abu Salama bin Abdur Rahman (R.A)
That he asked Aisha (R.A) how was the prayer of Allah’s Apostle (S.A.W) in Ramazan. She replied, “He did not pray more than eleven rakat in Ramazan or in any other month. He used to pray four rakat ... let alone their beauty and length... and then he would pray four... let alone their beauty and length... and then he would pray three rakat (witr).”She added, “I asked, ‘O Allah’s Apostle! Do you sleep before praying the witr?’ He replied, ‘O Aisha! My eyes sleep but my heart does not sleep.’”
Sahih Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 32, Number 230
The oldest known bristlecone pine, named ‘Methuselah’, is estimated to be over 4,800 years old.
The bristlecone pine (Pinus longaeva) is one of the oldest known living organisms on Earth. These ancient trees, found in the high-altitude regions of the western United States, particularly in California, Nevada, and Utah, have fascinated scientists and nature enthusiasts for decades. With some individuals exceeding 4,800 years in age, bristlecone pines are among the longest-lived trees in the world.
Bristlecone pines thrive in harsh, rocky environments where few other plants can survive. The dry, nutrient-poor soil and extreme weather conditions contribute to their slow growth, which, in turn, makes their wood incredibly dense and resistant to decay. Their twisted, gnarled appearance is a testament to their resilience against strong winds, freezing temperatures, and droughts.
Methuselah, the oldest known bristlecone pine, is located in the White Mountains of California. It is estimated to be over 4,800 years old, meaning it has been alive since before the pyramids of Egypt were built. To protect this ancient tree from vandalism, its exact location is kept secret.
Bristlecone pines owe their incredible longevity to several factors. Their slow growth plays a crucial role, as they sometimes add only a fraction of an inch to their trunks each year. This gradual development makes them less vulnerable to disease and environmental damage. Additionally, their wood is extremely dense and rich in resin, making it highly resistant to decay and insect infestations. Even dead parts of the tree can remain standing for thousands of years. Another key factor is the harsh environment in which they grow. Ironically, the extreme conditions of high-altitude regions offer protection, as few other plants or animals can survive there, reducing competition for resources and minimizing the risk of disease.
While bristlecone pines are the oldest known individually living trees, they are not the absolute oldest living organisms. Some types of clonal plants, like the Pando aspen grove in Utah, are estimated to be much older. Pando is a single organism made up of genetically identical trees connected by an underground root system, which may be over 80,000 years old. Similarly, certain types of fungi and marine life forms, like deep-sea corals, also have extremely long lifespans.
Despite this, the bristlecone pine remains one of the most remarkable examples of longevity in the natural world, standing as a living record of Earth's history and endurance.
