Agra: Khateeb of Masjid Nahar Wali, Sikandra, Maulana Mohammad Iqbal, urged worshippers during the Friday sermon to plant more trees and contribute to environmental conservation, saying that “Planting a tree is a righteous deed that continues to earn rewards (Sawab) even after a person’s death.”
Maulana Mohammad Iqbal said that Islam is an environment-friendly religion that encourages people to develop and protect the earth. Referring to Surah Hud (Verse 61), he said that Allah created human beings from the earth and entrusted them with the responsibility of cultivating and caring for it.
He urged people to reflect on their contribution towards making the world a better place. Islam, he said, is a faith of hope, construction and continuous good deeds until the very last moment of life. Quoting a Hadith, he said that even if the Day of Judgment were about to begin and a person had a sapling in hand, they should still plant it if they were able to do so.
The Khateeb described tree plantation as Sadaqah Jariyah (continuous charity), whose rewards continue even after death, while unnecessary cutting of trees is against the spirit of Islamic teachings. He added that Islam encourages planting trees, conserving water and protecting Allah’s creation.
Highlighting the environmental importance of trees, Maulana Iqbal said that trees provide the oxygen essential for human life, while the carbon dioxide released by humans serves as nourishment for plants, reflecting the wisdom and perfect balance established by Allah.
Concluding his sermon, he appealed to people to plant as many trees as possible during their lifetime and inspire others to protect the environment for future generations.
