Who has planted these trees of dates-a Muslim or a non-Musim? She said: A Muslim, of course, whereupon he said: Never a Muslim plants, or cultivates a land, and it out of that men eat, or the animals eat, or anything else eats, but that becomes charity on his (planter's) behalf.
Hadith Text & Reference
"Who has planted these trees of dates—a Muslim or a non-Muslim? She said: A Muslim, of course, whereupon he said: Never a Muslim plants, or cultivates a land, and it out of that men eat, or the animals eat, or anything else eats, but that becomes charity on his (planter's) behalf."
Book: The Book of Musaqah
Author: Sahih Muslim
Reference: Sahih Muslim 1552 b
Commentary on the Narration
This noble hadith establishes the immense virtue and continuous reward for planting trees and cultivating land. The Prophet's inquiry about the planter's faith highlights that this specific virtue is exclusive to Muslims, as their actions are imbued with intention for Allah's pleasure.
The phrase "never a Muslim plants" employs comprehensive language (nafi al-jins) indicating that every single act of planting by a Muslim falls under this ruling. The reward is not limited to human consumption but extends to animals and any living creature that benefits, demonstrating Islam's comprehensive mercy.
Scholarly Explanations
Imam An-Nawawi comments that this hadith shows the expansiveness of Allah's mercy, where a Muslim receives ongoing reward for any good that comes from their planting, even after their death. This falls under the category of "sadaqah jariyah" (continuous charity).
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains that the condition for this reward is proper intention. The planter should intend to benefit Allah's creation, seeking Allah's pleasure through this act of cultivation.
Scholars derive from this that agriculture and environmental cultivation are highly recommended acts of worship in Islam, not merely worldly pursuits. The hadith encourages Muslims to engage in activities that bring sustained benefit to all creation.
Legal & Spiritual Implications
This narration establishes planting trees as a form of ongoing charity that continues to benefit the planter in their grave and hereafter. The reward continues as long as the tree or its produce benefits any creature.
The hadith encourages environmental stewardship and demonstrates Islam's concern for ecological balance long before modern environmental movements. It transforms mundane agricultural work into acts of worship when done with proper intention.
Muslims are encouraged to plant trees and cultivate barren lands, making the earth fruitful and benefiting all of Allah's creation, thereby accumulating continuous reward until the Day of Judgment.