Importance of plants in the religion of Islam

In the Light of the Qur’an

The Holy Qur’an repeatedly emphasizes developing the earth, bringing forth vegetation through water, and protecting the natural environment.

Surah Al-Mulk (67:15):

“It is He who made the earth manageable for you, so traverse its paths and eat from His provision.”

This verse indicates that the earth is a divine blessing, and it is man’s duty to keep it flourishing.

Surah Taha (20:53):

“It is He who made the earth for you as a bed and laid out pathways for you upon it and sent down rain from the sky, producing with it pairs of various plants.”

Here Allah declares plants and trees as a sign of His mercy and as a means of human survival.

Teachings of the Prophet ﷺ (Hadith)

The Prophet ﷺ strongly encouraged tree plantation and considered it a form of charity.

Sahih Bukhari & Muslim:
“When a Muslim plants a tree or sows a field, and birds, people, or animals eat from it, it is regarded as charity for him.”
Musnad Ahmad:
“If the Hour (Doomsday) comes while one of you has a palm seedling in his hand, and he is able to plant it before the Hour comes, let him plant it.”
Jami` at-Tirmidhi:
“When a Muslim plants a tree, whatever is eaten from it is charity for him.”

These hadiths establish that planting a tree is an act of continuous reward (Sadaqah Jariyah).

Opinions of Islamic Jurists and Fatwas

Fatawa Alamgiri (Al-Hidayah of Hanafi Jurisprudence):
“Cultivating land and planting trees are among the virtuous deeds because they bring public benefit.”
Contemporary Fatwas (Darul Uloom Karachi, Jamia Binoria, etc.):
Plantation is considered Mustahabb Mu’akkadah (a highly recommended act) and falls under the category of Sadaqah Jariyah. Every time a human, bird, or animal benefits, the planter continues to receive reward.