Islam teaches balance in all aspects of life. It not only regulates the relationship between humans and Allah SWT, but also governs relationships among human beings and with the natural environment. One clear example of Islamic teachings on environmental responsibility can be found in the encouragement of the Prophet Muhammad SAW to plant trees. This teaching highlights that caring for nature is an integral part of faith.

The Prophet Muhammad SAW encouraged Muslims to plant trees and crops that bring benefits to all living beings. He said:

مَا مِنْ مُسْلِمٍ يَغْرِسُ غَرْسًا أَوْ يَزْرَعُ زَرْعًا، فَيَأْكُلُ مِنْهُ طَيْرٌ أَوْ إِنْسَانٌ أَوْ بَهِيمَةٌ، إِلَّا كَانَ لَهُ بِهِ صَدَقَةٌ

“No Muslim plants a tree or sows seeds from which a bird, a person, or an animal eats, except that it is counted as charity for him.” (Reference: Bukhari, Hadith No. 2320)

This hadith emphasizes that planting trees is not merely a worldly activity, but an act of worship that carries the value of continuous charity. As long as the tree provides benefits, the reward continues to flow to the one who planted it.

In addition, the Prophet Muhammad SAW emphasized the importance of continuing good deeds regardless of circumstances. This message is conveyed in another hadith:

إِنْ قَامَتِ السَّاعَةُ وَفِي يَدِ أَحَدِكُمُ الْفَسِيلَةُ، فَإِنِ اسْتَطَاعَ أَنْ لَا تَقُومَ حَتَّى يَغْرِسَهَا فَلْيَغْرِسْهَا

“If the Day of Judgment comes while one of you has a seedling in his hand, and he is able to plant it before it occurs, then let him plant it.” (Reference: Bukhari in Al-Adab al-Mufrad, Hadith No. 479)

This hadith conveys a profound moral lesson about hope, perseverance, and responsibility. Planting a tree symbolizes the obligation of human beings to act as stewards (khalifah) of the Earth, even in the face of the greatest uncertainty.

The teachings of the Prophet Muhammad SAW on planting trees remain highly relevant today, as the world faces serious environmental challenges such as deforestation and climate change. By planting trees, Muslims not only help preserve the environment but also fulfill a prophetic teaching that integrates spiritual devotion, social responsibility, and ecological awareness.