A “Hiba” reader advises us to get our hands dirty and reap rewards in
this world and the Hereafter.
Anas (rta) narrated that the Prophet (sa) said: "When
a Muslim plants a seedling, or cultivates crops and then the birds animals or
men eat from it, then it will be an act of charity for him."
(Bukhari and Muslim)
Jaabir (rta) narrated that the Prophet (sa) said: "There is no
Muslim except who plants a seedling then, if it is eaten from it, it will be an
act of charity for him, and also what is stolen from it is an act of charity
for him, and what the beasts eat will be an act of charity for him, and what
the birds eat from it will be an act of charity for him. None of it is a loss
for him, and all of it will be a Sadaqah (on the Day of Resurrection)."
(Muslim)
Anas (rta) narrated that the Prophet (sa) said: "If the last hour
comes and you have a date palm seedling in your hand, and you are able to plant
it just before that, then do so." (Ahmed)
Sheikh Naasir ud-Deen al-Albaanee said: "These noble Ahadeeth clearly
encourage one to cultivate, in particular the last Hadeeth. For it contains a
strong incentive to seize an opportunity in the last period of one's life in
the path of cultivating, so that people can benefit after ones death. The
reward will continue, and it will be recorded as an act of charity until the
last day."
It is reported about the companions that they were keen to act upon this
Sunnah, encouraging each other to build one's deeds for the future, even if it
was by planting one seed. Do not waste this opportunity, and do not think that
is unbeneficial to grow and water your plant at the end of your life.
Ibn jareer related that Umaarah bin Khuzaimah bin Thaabit (rta) said: "I
heard Umar bin al-Khattaab (rta) say to my father: `What prevents you from
cultivating your land?' My father said to him: `I am an old man and I may die
tomorrow.' Umar (rta) said to him: `I think you should cultivate it.' Then I
saw Umar bin al-Khataab (rta) planting with his hands along with my father."
And it is reported that Amr ibin al-Aas (rta) had a huge farm near Ta'if, where
he used to grow grapes. It had thousands of wooden posts, and each one cost one
Dirham.
Islam encourages the cultivating and farming of the earth.
Those, who enjoy gardening and planting trees, go for it! It has countless
merits to its effect. It helps clear out air pollution and invites rain. It
provides shade, fruits, and flowers. It adds to the beauty of the cities. It
gives everyone a chance to appreciate the wonders of nature. It provides
animals with habitats and prevents their extinction.
Parents with green thumbs have a deep impact on their children,
because they act as positive role models. It sets a chivalrous example for
children to respect other life forms, and contribute to improving the
environment they live in. When you are gone from this world and lying in your
grave, you will continue to reap the benefits from what you have planted,
Insha'Allah.
The colour green is said to be sight for sore eyes. People
working on their computers are recommended by researchers to place a plant
nearby, so that after staring at the monitor for hours, they can refresh their
vision by glancing at the plant at intervals.
