Surah 23. Al-Muminun, Ayah 20

I.e., the olive-tree, native to the lands around the eastern Mediterranean, where so many pre-Qur'anic prophets (here symbolized - because of its sacred associations - by Mount Sinai) lived and preached.

For Arabia the best olives grow round about Mount Sinai. The fig, the olive, Mount Sinai, and the sacred city of Makkah are mentioned together in association in xcv. 1-3, where we shall consider its meaning. Olive oil is an ingredient in medicinal ointments. If used for food, the olive has a delicious flavour, Cf. also xxiv. 35, where the olive is called a Blessed Tree, and n. 3000.