ASK MAULANA

ASK MAULANA Your Questions Answered A Muslim neighbour of mine cut a beautiful tree from his compound citing the reason that the fallen leaves were a source of annoyance for him. Please tell us what Islam has to say about trees. Vegetation, plants and trees have been described in the Quran as special blessings of God. According to the Quran, Paradise is a world of highest quality, where the God’s chosen people, will be settled. Paradise, meaning a garden, the Quran also refers to it as “the Garden of Eternity”—gardens being a special feature of this abode. In the Quran, a believer has been likened to a tree (14: 24). This is a very meaningful simile. As we all know man receives shade, fruits and flowers from the tree. The sight of a green tree serves to cool the eyes. All such qualities should be found in human beings too. This is the spiritual lesson a tree gives us. So, having a tree in one’s own compound or in the vicinity is a source of spiritual food. Coming to other benefits of vegetation, the Quran mentions farming and gardening as means of human existence. The Prophet of Islam once observed: “When a person plants a tree and the tree grows and yields fruit which human beings and birds eat, then this will be an act of charity on the part of the planter of the tree.” In a similar vein there is another Hadith. The Prophet once observed: “If you have a plant in your hand and you can see the Doomsday approaching, even then, without any further delay, you should sow the plant in the earth". Such teachings show how great importance is attached to planting and vegetation in Islam. In this way Islam inculcates the spirit in a person to strive to make the earth green and verdant. Even if there is the fear that after planting a tree an earthquake was to come and destroy the earth, one should not hesitate to plant the tree. This is the lesson of planting for the sake of planting alone. Is there a special day or event for thanksgiving in Islam? Thanksgiving for man is to acknowledge the blessings of God. This acknowledgement first arises in the heart, then taking the form of words, it comes to the lips of the grateful person. From birth, man has been superbly endowed in body and mind by his Creator. All his requirements have been amply catered for, every object