A bedouin with unkempt hair came to Allah’s Apostle (S.A.W) and said, “O Allah’s Apostle! Inform me what Allah has made compulsory for me as regards the prayers.”
BITS ‘N’ PIECES
Narrated Talha bin Ubaid-Ullah (R.A):
A bedouin with unkempt hair came to Allah’s Apostle (S.A.W) and said, “O Allah’s Apostle! Inform me what Allah has made compulsory for me as regards the prayers.” He replied: “You have to offer perfectly the five compulsory prayers in a day and night (24 hours), unless you want to pray nawafil.” The bedouin further asked, “Inform me what Allah has made compulsory for me as regards fasting.” He replied, “You have to fast during the whole month of Ramadan, unless you want to fast more as nawafil.” The bedouin further asked, “Tell me how much zakat Allah has enjoined on me.” Thus, Allah’s Apostle informed him about all the rules (i.e. fundamentals) of Islam. The bedouin then said, “By Him Who has honoured you, I will neither perform any nawafil nor will I decrease what Allah has enjoined on me. Allah’s Apostle said, “If he is saying the truth, he will succeed (or he will be granted paradise).”
Sahih Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 31, Number 115
Titan arum is one of the largest flowering plants in the world.
The titan arum (Amorphophallus titanum), also known as the “corpse flower,” is one of the largest and most fascinating flowering plants in the world. Native to the rainforests of Sumatra, Indonesia, this rare and extraordinary plant is renowned for its massive size, unpredictable blooming cycle, and distinctive odor, which resembles rotting flesh.
The titan arum is famous for producing one of the largest unbranched inflorescences in the plant kingdom, reaching heights of up to 10 feet (3 meters). Unlike typical flowers, it consists of a tall central spike called the spadix, surrounded by a petal-like structure known as the spathe. When in full bloom, the spathe unfurls to reveal deep burgundy inner coloring, mimicking the appearance of decaying meat.
One of the plant’s most remarkable features is its strong, foul odor. The stench, often compared to that of rotting flesh, attracts carrion beetles and flesh flies, which serve as pollinators. This adaptation increases the chances of successful pollination in its natural habitat.
Titan arums are notorious for their unpredictable blooming cycles. It can take anywhere from a few years to over a decade for a single plant to bloom. When it does, the bloom lasts only 24 to 48 hours before wilting. Because of its rarity, botanical gardens worldwide closely monitor their titan arums, drawing large crowds whenever a flower is about to open.
After blooming, the plant enters a dormant phase before producing either a new leaf or another flower. The leaf, which resembles a small tree, helps the plant store energy for future flowering events.
Due to deforestation and habitat loss, titan arums face threats in the wild. Botanical gardens play a crucial role in conservation by cultivating these plants and raising awareness about their ecological significance. Some of the most famous titan arums are grown in gardens such as those at the United States Botanic Garden and the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, England.
The titan arum remains a marvel of nature, captivating scientists and plant enthusiasts alike. Its gigantic size, rare blooming cycle, and unforgettable scent make it one of the most extraordinary plants in the world.
