FROM THE EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

‘When a person plants a tree or cultivates a crop, from which birds or human beings eat it is accounted as a (rewardable) charity for the one who plants’. Stressing the importance of irrigation and land reclamation for agricultural purposes, the Prophet also said: ‘Whoever brings dead land to life, for him there is a reward in it, and whatever any creature seeking food eats of it, shall be considered as charity from him.’ Agriculture is a vital activity which has benefits in this world and rewards in the Hereafter. This was one occupation, which the Prophet considered very dignified. Although many people do not look upon farmers and shepherds with respect, the Prophet gave dignity to this occupation when he said: “God did not send a prophet without his having tended sheep.” “You too, O Messenger of Allah?” asked his Companions. “Yes, I tended sheep for wages for the people of Makkah.” One should observe all the Islamic advice and regulations about the proper care and treatment of animals: to provide for them all that their kind require, not to burden them beyond what they can bear, not to injure them and if they are used for food, to slaughter them in the most kind and efficient manner. INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION While agriculture is essential and highly encouraged as an occupation, the Prophet saw that it was undesirable that people should confine their economic efforts solely to agriculture and pastoral pursuits. In addition to agriculture, Muslims needed to develop the industries, crafts and skills needed to build a strong community. The Quran mentions the opportunities and the needs for various types of industrial production involving the use of iron, copper and other minerals—resources which God has placed at the disposal of man. 'And We provided and revealed the use of iron, in which there is great power and benefits for mankind...' (57: 25) It speaks, for example, of the value of shipbuilding and the vast expanses of ocean, which can be explored in various ways for the benefit of mankind.