Never does a Muslim plants a tree except that he has the reward of charity for him, for what is eaten out of that is charity; what is stolen out of that, what the beasts eat out of that, what the birds eat out of that is charity for him. (In short) none incurs a loss to him but it becomes a charity on his part.
The Book of Musaqah - Sahih Muslim 1552a
This noble hadith from Sahih Muslim's Book of Musaqah (Sharecropping and Agriculture) reveals the immense spiritual rewards Allah grants to those who engage in planting and cultivation.
Comprehensive Charity
The Prophet (peace be upon him) teaches that planting a tree becomes a continuous act of charity (sadaqah jariyah) for the Muslim. Every benefit derived from it - whether consumed by humans, animals, or birds - generates reward for the planter.
Even what is taken without permission or lost unexpectedly becomes a source of divine recompense, demonstrating Allah's boundless mercy toward those who improve His creation.
Scholarly Commentary
Classical scholars explain that this hadith encourages environmental stewardship and sustainable development. The planter benefits spiritually regardless of how the tree's produce is utilized, emphasizing intention over control.
Imam Nawawi notes this demonstrates Islam's comprehensive view of charity, extending beyond monetary giving to include any act that benefits creation. The continuous reward persists as long as the tree benefits any creature.
Practical Implications
This teaching encourages Muslims to engage in agriculture, forestry, and environmental conservation. Each planted tree becomes a perpetual source of reward, benefiting the planter even after death.
The hadith also illustrates Islam's balanced approach to property rights - while theft remains prohibited, the planter still receives spiritual compensation, turning potential worldly loss into eternal gain.