Tree plantation is seen as a very significant act from both social and religious perspectives. Allah has created many creations such as human beings, jinn, animals, stars, planets, including trees. All those creations are playing important roles, supporting each-other to survive in this world and serving the purpose of Allah, the Islamic perspective on tree plantationExalted. Trees are playing a great role in the same way. So, Islam puts high emphasis on tree plantation.

The word ‘tree’ has been mentioned 27 times in the holy Qur’an. The book presents important information regarding trees as well as their benefits. It is mentioned that trees were also there in the Jannah when Adam and Hawah (a.) used to reside in it.In a verse, Allah says, “We cautioned, O Adam! Live with your wife in Paradise and eat as freely as you please, but do not approach this tree, or else you will be wrongdoers” (2:35). The Qur’an also says that trees prostrate to Allah as other creations do. It states: “Do you not see that to Allah bow down in submission all those in the heavens and all those on the earth, as well as the sun, the moon, the stars, the mountains, the trees, and all living beings, as well as many humans, while many are deserving of punishment. And whoever Allah disgraces, none can honour. Surely Allah does what He wills (22:18). In another verse, it says, “The stars and the trees bow down in submission” (55:6).

Besides, the Qur’an gives us some scientific information regarding trees. It informs us that trees preserve fire. It states, “[It is] He who made for you from the green tree, fire, and then from it you ignite (36:80). Modern science proves that the tree produces oxygen which is essential for fire.Trees are the main source of our food. These foods are not only for human beings but also for almost all other living beings on the earth. Allah says, “And We have placed in it gardens of palm trees and grapevines, and caused springs to gush forth in it, so that they may eat from its fruit, which they had no hand in making. Will they not then give thanks? Glory be to the One Who created all things in pairs—be it what the earth produces, their genders, or what they do not know!” (36:34-36). Usually, earth produces plants like trees, grass etc. The above verse also informs us that plants are also created in pairs: male and female. The Qur’an gave men all this information when people did not know about them. 

Trees are essential for bringing down rain and maintaining the earth’s ecological balance. In the Qur’an, Allah says, “And We send down rain from the sky, and therewith bring forth gardens and mature crops, the crops of which are reaped (18:7-9). In another verse, He says, “Do they not see that We cause water to flow over the barren land and to bring forth crops from which their cattle and they take food. (32: 27).

It is mentionable that trees have not only been created for providing us with food and other things but also for serving the purpose of their Creator. Therefore, the believers should plant as many trees as they can and keep away from harming them. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has also emphasised the necessity of tree plantation. In a hadith, it has been narrated that He (PBUH) said, “If you know for sure that the Hour (Qiyamah) has come, then if you have a sapling of a tree in your hand, which can be planted, then you will plant that one.” (Adabul Mufrad, Hadith: 479).

Tree plantation benefits us in many ways. The holy Prophet (PBUH) said, “There is none amongst the Muslims who plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, or a person or an animal eats from it, but is regarded as a charitable gift for him.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith no. 2320) Therefore, tree plantation is an act of charity which brings rewards to a believer even after his death. The person who plants a tree will be rewarded till any other living beings benefit from it.

Today, the whole world is facing a lot of environmental issues such as air pollution, heatwaves, landslides etc. And, to overcome all those challenges, tree plantation can be a good solution. And the responsibility must be shouldered by everyone who lives on this earth. Every single good initiative taken by an individual may make a greater change in the environment. And every believer should try to plant as many trees as he can in order to earn reward for this world and the hereafter.  

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The writer is a scholar in Islamic views on contemporary issues