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Friday Sermon: The Importance Of Trees Planting In Islam, By Imam Murtadha Gusau

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3 months ago

October 25, 2024

Hammed Tajudeen

Friday Sermon: The Generosity Of Uthman Bin Affan, A Lesson To Rich People And Leaders! By Imam Murtadha Gusau In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy All praise is due to Allah, Lord of all the worlds. May His blessings and benedictions be upon the Messenger, his household and companions. Dear brothers and sisters! Indeed, the lives of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and his companions are role models for all Muslims. Muslims follow the instructions and try their best to design their lives according to the provided role models. A few stories are very inspiring and hearing them leaves an indelible impact on our minds. Islamic history is full of such inspiring stories. In today’s sermon, I will tell you a similar parable of a companion of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and I am sure this story will inspire you to expenditure in the way of Allah. Respected brothers and sisters! This story is the story of the generosity of Uthman Bin Affan, the third Caliph of Muslims. He was generous and pious by nature. Even before the message of Islam, he used to help the poor and needy. But, the Islamic teachings and the company of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) made him help others by leaps and bounds. Uthman Bin Affan, the third Caliph of Islam, known for his extraordinary generosity. One of his most notable acts of generosity was financing the release of prisoners held by enemies with his personal wealth. Uthman’s concern for the community sets an example worth following. During the time of the caliphate of Abubakar, food was scarce due to no rain for a longer period. People went to Abubakar and reported the public issue to him. He replied to them don’t be sad. Allah is the most generous and He will give you some relief. As head of the caliphate, He must have planned some strategy but at the same time, he was worried about the hardships of the people. A caravan approached Madinah in the evening. There were wheat-ladened camels in the caravan. They were carrying wheat from Syria to Madinah. All the traders of Madinah headed towards the house of Uthman Bin Affan. They went to him and narrated the condition of the production of the lands. They showed their wish to buy the grains from Uthman Bin Affan with a good deal of profit. He let them in and asked them to make a deal for the grains. They looked at unloaded wheat and offered him profit rates to make a deal. He asked how much you can pay for the food that I bought from Syria, a far-off land. They replied to the companion of the Prophet "We can pay you twelve in return for ten." Uthman did not agree and said I had a better offer than this. One of them offered "Fifteen for ten. "The companion of the Prophet answered, "I have a better offer than this." They were amazed and this answer compelled them to ask "There are no traders other than us then Who is offering you such a profit?" He replied that Allah has promised me to give ten for every Dirham. Can you give me enough profit?" They answered No. Uthman Bin Affan said: "I call upon Allah to bear witness that I am giving this food as charity for the poor." [See the book, Al-Raqqah wal - Buka', by Ibn Qudamah, page 190] Dear brothers and sisters! These stories should be a guideline for our behaviour today. We must be ready to sacrifice everything for the prosperity of our brothers and sisters. Allah made a promise to us in the Qur'an and He fulfills his promise. Allah Almighty says: "The example of those who spend their wealth on the cause of Allah is that of a grain that sprouts into seven ears, each bearing one hundred grains. And Allah multiplies ˹the reward even more˺ to whoever He wills. For Allah is All-Bountiful, All-Knowing." [Surah Al-Baqarah: verse 261] We should keep this verse of the noble Qur'an in our minds every time we donate in the way of Allah. Uthman Bin Affan gave a practical model of this verse from the Qur'an. No doubt, the life of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and His companions is an example of the instructions of the Qur'an. Respected servants of Allah! Have you ever felt inspired by the steadfastness and generosity of Islamic figures? They are not only historical figures who inspire but also role models in generosity and kindness. In this sermon, we also learn about some Islamic figures known for their extraordinary generosity. May their stories inspire you to become better and more generous, ameen. Dear brothers and sisters! Firstly, we have another Prophet’s companion, famous for his justice and generosity, Umar Bin Khattab. He became the second Caliph after Abubakar. Umar was known for his wisdom in managing the state’s finances, often personally ensuring that everyone received a fair share of the Islamic community’s wealth. His simplicity and concern for his people are highly inspirational. Next, there’s Ibn Sina, also known as Avicenna, he was a Muslim polymath in the medieval era. Besides being a great scientist in various fields like medicine and philosophy, he was also known as a very generous doctor. Ibn Sina often provided free medical services to those in need, regardless of their background. Rumi, or Jalaluddin Muhammad Rumi, was a famous poet, philosopher, and Sufi. His profound works on love, wisdom, and spirituality are still inspirational to many today. Besides, Rumi was known for his generosity to those in need, often aiding the poor and helpless. Imam Abu Hanifah, one of the great Imams of the Hanafi school in Islamic jurisprudence, was also known for his generosity. He was renowned for making large donations to those in need and often helped young scholars struggling with their education. Ummul Banin, or Fatimah Bint Hizam, was a Muslim woman known for her generosity and steadfastness in Islam. She was a companion of the Prophet and the wife of Imam Ali Bin Abi Talib. Ummul Banin was known for her care for orphans and the poor, often providing aid and food to those in need. Ibn Taymiyyah was a great scholar in Islamic history. Besides his profound works in religion and theology, he was also known for his firmness in defending social justice. Ibn Taymiyyah often advocated for justice and generosity toward the poor and oppressed. Dear brothers and sisters! After Uthman Bin Affan, the inspiring stories of the above figures teach us a lot about kindness and generosity. One doesn’t need to be a famous figure to benefit others. Here are some ways you can become more generous in your daily life: 1. Charity is one of the best ways to help those in need. Commit to giving charity regularly, no matter how small the amount. Every act of charity has great value in the eyes of Allah. 2. Don’t hesitate to help others in difficulty. It can be material assistance, physical effort, or simply providing moral support. Your small actions can make a big difference to those in need. 3. If you have certain knowledge or skills, share them with others. This can include teaching children religious studies, providing training, or sharing knowledge through social media erc. 4. Don’t forget to be generous to your parents. Respect them, take good care of them, and spend time with them. This is a very noble form of generosity. 5. Participating in social or charitable activities can be an effective way to help those in need. Joining charitable organisations or communities with good purposes is a great way to contribute. My Respected people! We can all learn a lot from the inspiring stories of generous Islamic figures. Generosity is a value highly prized in Islam, and our small actions can make the world a better place. May these stories inspire you to be more generous and benefit others. Remember, every act of kindness has a significant impact on building a better society. All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. May the peace, blessings and salutations of Allah be upon our noble Messenger, Muhammad (Peace be upon him), and upon his family, his Companions and his true followers. Murtadha Muhammad Gusau is the Chief Imam of: Nagazi-Uvete Jumu'ah Mosque; and Late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene Mosque, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: gusauimam@gmail.com; or +2348038289761. This Friday sermon (Jumu’ah Khutbah) was prepared for delivery today Friday, 08 Rabi'ul Thani, 1446 AH (October 11, 2024).

In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy

All praise is due to Allah, Lord of all the worlds. May His blessings and benedictions be upon the Messenger, his household and companions.

Dear brothers and sisters! Allah The Almighty has made the life of people on earth dependent on plants. Plants draw nourishment from the earth, while humans and animals depend on plants for their sustenance. In turn, humans also derive nourishment from certain animals. However, humans cannot directly derive nourishment from the earth itself. Where there is a lack of cultivation and trees, life ceases to exist.

Therefore, out of His mercy, Allah The Almighty caused plants and trees to grow, making this earth suitable for human life. Allah The Most High says in the Qur’an:

“It is He who sends down water from the sky for you, from it comes your drink, and from it comes foliage where you pasture your animals. With it, He grows for you crops, olives, date palms, vines, and every kind of fruit. Indeed, in that is a sign for people who reflect.” [Surah An-Nahl, 10-11]

Moreover, it is not limited to sustenance alone; Allah has also placed beauty and diversity in plants to enhance the lives of people. Allah The Almighty says:

“And a sign for them is the dead earth. We gave it life and brought forth from it grain, and from it, they eat. And We placed therein gardens of date palms and grapevines and caused springs to gush forth therein, that they may eat of its fruit. And their hands did not make it. Will they not then be grateful? Glory be to Him who created all the pairs, from what the earth grows and from themselves and from that which they do not know.” [Surah Yasin, 33-36]

In addition, in the noble Qur’an, there are numerous reminders of the blessing of plant and tree growth, drawing people’s attention to the importance of this blessing. This is to encourage them to thank Allah for it on the one hand, and to make them realise that their life on earth is not by chance or chaos but by a wise arrangement from Allah The Almighty. He is the one who has prepared the earth to be suitable for human life. Allah The Most High says:

“And We have spread out the earth, and how excellent We are in spreading it out! And of everything We have created pairs that you may remember.” [Surah Az-Zariyat, 48-49]

Just as Allah The Almighty has prepared the earth, He has also outlined the path to happiness for mankind upon it. Whoever obeys Him will find happiness, and whoever disobeys Him will suffer. Allah The Almighty says:

“Then whoever follows My guidance will neither go astray [in the world] nor suffer [in the Hereafter]. But whoever turns away from My Reminder will certainly have a miserable life, then We will raise them up blind on the Day of Judgment.” [Surah Taha, 123-124]

Thus, true happiness lies in benefiting from what Allah has created on earth and in obeying Him in how we conduct ourselves upon it.

On another note, Allah teaches people to preserve the plant resources because their lives depend on them. If they allow the desert to consume the greenery, they will have doomed their existence on earth.

Therefore, the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) encouraged farming and planting in numerous Hadiths. Among them is his saying:

“There is no Muslim who plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, a person, or an animal eats from it, but it is regarded as charity for him.” [Bukhari and Muslim]

The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) also said:

“If the Hour (the Day of Judgment) is about to be established and one of you has a sapling in his hand, if he can plant it before it is established, then let him do so.” [Imam Ahmad and others]

This means that planting trees is a righteous deed that reflects the application of Allah’s wisdom on earth. It is not merely a commercial endeavour focused on profit and its extent.

It goes without saying that attention to agriculture is a sign of civilisation, reflecting a society’s understanding of Allah’s laws in His creation and its advancement in the ladder of human civilisation. We have seen Muslims in their prosperous eras take care of trees, even those that do not bear fruit, as their shade alone is valuable during the summer days, and the birds that perch on them glorify Allah and pray for those who provided them with this comforting shade. Our Islamic poets have often sing the praises of trees, their shade, and the birds and their melodies, weaving these themes into their poetry and songs.

The hallmark of a refined person is their selflessness rather than selfishness. Thus, they plant because Allah has commanded them to, to benefit His servants, and to represent the civilisation of their nation and people. They plant because greenery symbolises life and to benefit future generations, whether or not they themselves will directly benefit from that planting. This is why our righteous ancestors said:

“They planted, and we ate; we plant, and they will eat. Through this, life on Earth continues.”

Imam Ahmad and others narrated that Salman Al-Farisi (may Allah be pleased with him) embraced Islam while he was a slave. His master agreed to grant him freedom if he planted five hundred palm trees, and if they survived, he would be set free. When Salman consulted the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), he approved of the condition and instructed Salman to prepare the seedlings and dig the necessary holes. When everything was ready, the Prophet himself planted the trees. The palms thrived, Salman was freed, and he joined the esteemed companions in spreading Islam and serving the Muslim Ummah. You see, the initial act of planting those palm trees led to his freedom and a pivotal role in the Islamic mission. We should follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and fill our lands with blessed trees that bring joy to the hearts, provide shade, and nourish future generations.

In Surah Al-Waqi’ah, Allah Describes four key elements that contribute to life on Earth: the increase of human beings, the growth of plants, the falling of fresh water, and the existence of fire. All of this is due to Allah’s grace, mercy, and power, and its continuation also depends on His will and power.

Regarding the growth of plants, Allah The Most High says:

“Have you seen what you sow? Is it you who make it grow, or are We the Grower? If We willed, We could certainly make it crushed debris, and you would still be wondering, ‘Indeed, we are laden with debt. Rather, we have been deprived.” [Surah Al-Waqi’ah, 63-67]

Therefore, Dear brothers and sisters! Observe how the Qur’an guides us to the essentials of human civilisation: humanity, plants, water, and fire. This guidance directs us to be thankful to Allah and to preserve these essentials so that human life may continue by His will. It is as if Allah is telling us that just as you take various measures to preserve your own life, you should also preserve the life of plants through agriculture, for you cannot live on earth without them.

Indeed, the silent plant speaks to those who are wise, declaring:

“Nothing creates me except the All-Wise, All-Knowing.”

This reflects the essence of our Muslim poet’s contemplative verse on the creation of Allah:

“In every thing, there is a sign *** That points to the One, the Unique.”

The believer harmonises with the wisdom and power of Allah in this universe, recognising the beauty and majesty of Allah in all things. They build rather than destroy, plant rather than cut down, and glorify Allah with their words while listening to the glorification of His creation. In contrast, the disbeliever and ingrate, as described by Allah:

“And when he goes away, he strives throughout the land to cause corruption therein and destroy crops and animals. And Allah does not like corruption.” [Surah Al-Baqarah, 205]

When Allah The Almighty entices the believers towards Paradise, He describes its gardens, orchards, trees, plants, rivers, and fruits. He emphasizes that the path to such a reward is through righteous deeds, fulfilling the rights of Allah through obedience, and the rights of others through compassion, mercy, and efforts to save them from the fire of this world and the Hereafter.

Indeed, this is the season for planting trees. Let each of us contribute by planting trees of all kinds and taking care to protect them from damage. This will ensure that our land remains green and our gardens flourish. Our land is blessed by its location, its people, its climate, and its environment. It is where righteous people lives. Thus, it deserves to be lush and vibrant, providing sustenance and beauty for future generations.

All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. May the peace, blessings and salutations of Allah be upon our noble Messenger, Muhammad (Peace be upon him), and upon his family, his Companions and his true followers.

Murtadha Muhammad Gusau is the Chief Imam of: Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah Mosque; and Late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene Mosque, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: gusauimam@gmail.com; or +2348038289761.

This Friday sermon (Jumu’ah Khutbah) was prepared for delivery today Friday, 22 Rabi’ul Thani, 1446 AH (October 25, 2024).