Grade 6IRE

Hadith on Planting

'If a Muslim plants a tree…all of it is charity' (Muslim); environmental consciousness (2.3, 3 lessons).

📖 6 min read · 3 worked examples · 6 practice questions

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The lesson

Take a look at the title — it tells us we're going to connect something we do every day, like planting a tree, to our Islamic beliefs. We'll be studying a special Hadith from Prophet Muhammad (SAW) about planting. A Hadith is a saying or action of the Prophet. This one is very important for us here in Kenya, where farming and caring for the environment are part of our daily lives. First, we welcome you to IRE Grade 6. Then we discover something amazing: did you know that planting a tree is like giving ongoing charity, called Sadaqah Jariyah? Yes — every time someone eats its fruit or rests in its shade, you keep earning rewards, even after you're gone! That's powerful. We'll also learn why planting matters for Kenya's environment. Our country has beautiful forests and farms, but we face challenges like soil erosion and climate change. As Muslims, following the Prophet's example of planting trees can help our land stay healthy and green. I want you to keep a question in your mind: How can a small act like planting a tiny seed become a huge blessing? As we explore the Hadith, we'll find the answer.

A beautiful teaching from our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It's a Hadith that shows how even the smallest good deed can bring big rewards. The Prophet said: 'If a Muslim plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, a person, or an animal eats from it, it becomes a charitable gift – a Sadaqah – for that Muslim.' Think about that: every bite taken from that tree is a reward for you! This Hadith is recorded in Sahih Muslim, one of the most trusted collections. It's a strong proof that Islam encourages us to care for the environment. The key lesson: even small actions like planting a tree or a seed bring continuous rewards from Allah. The tree keeps giving, and so does your reward – as long as people, birds, or animals benefit from it. That's amazing, isn't it? This Hadith teaches us two things: first, that every good deed counts, no matter how small. Second, we have a responsibility to take care of our environment. In Kenya, many of us live in farming areas – imagine planting a tree and knowing that every mango or shade it gives is a Sadaqah for you! Let's remember: our faith encourages us to be kind to the earth. Even a simple act of planting can become a lasting charity that pleases Allah.

We just learned from the Hadith that planting trees is a good deed. How do we do it in Kenya? During the rainy seasons — March to May and October to December — that's the best time to plant so the young trees get enough water. Trees also help prevent soil erosion in places like Kiambu and Machakos. Their roots hold the soil together during heavy rains, which protects our farms and homes. We can plant fruit trees like mango and avocado, or trees like grevillea. They give us food to eat and shade to cool us. Imagine sitting under a mango tree you planted yourself! The Kenyan government has a big goal: 15 billion trees by 2032. That's a huge number, but if every one of us plants a few trees, we can do it together. Let's think about how we can help.

Class, let's take a moment to wrap up everything we've learned today about being Khalifah – that means we are caretakers of Allah's creation. You've done a great job so far! First, we learned that planting trees is a form of Sadaqah Jariyah – an ongoing charity. Every time someone gets shade or fruit from a tree you planted, you keep earning good deeds. Amazing, isn't it? As Khalifah, Allah has entrusted us to take care of the earth. Here in Kenya, we know how important trees are – they prevent soil erosion, give us clean air, and provide food. That's our duty. Here's your challenge for this week: plant one tree or even a simple seed at home or at school. It doesn't have to be big – even a sunflower in a pot counts! Every small action makes a difference. Next lesson, we'll share our planting stories. I can't wait to hear what you've done! Remember, being a good Khalifah starts with one small step. Let's think together about how we can take this challenge seriously.

Worked examples

Planting a Mango Tree

We're going to look at our first worked example. This is Ali's story — and it shows how even a simple action can become a source of ongoing charity. Ali planted a mango tree in his school compound. Think about it — a single seed, put in the ground, watered and cared for. That's all it takes to start something big. Who benefits? First, the students — they get to eat the sweet mangoes when the tree fruits. Every time a student enjoys a mango from that tree, it counts as a reward for Ali. Birds come and perch on the branches — they find shade and maybe a snack too. Every bird that rests there adds to Ali's reward. Even the teacher benefits — the tree provides shade on a hot day. You see, one tree keeps giving, and everyone around enjoys it. The Prophet taught us that every benefit that comes from this tree — for students, birds, teacher, or anyone else — is recorded as sadaqah for Ali. That's the beauty of it: the rewards keep flowing as long as the tree keeps giving. Here's the best part: you can do the same with a simple seed. Plant a tree at your school, at home, or anywhere safe — and start your own ongoing charity. It doesn't have to be big. A small seed can grow into something huge, in rewards and in blessings.

A Shamba Story

Another story from a shamba, right here in Kenya. This one is about Amina's family. Amina's family plants sukuma wiki and maize in their shamba in Kisumu. One day, a neighbour's goat comes and eats some of the sukuma. Does Amina lose her reward? Even though the goat ate it, Amina still gets Sadaqah because she planted with a good intention. Then a bird comes and eats some maize seeds. Is that a loss? Not at all! Allah still rewards Amina for her good deed of planting. The bird eating is still a charity from her. Here's the key takeaway: planting is always a good deed. No matter who eats from it—a goat, a bird, or even a person—you still get the reward from Allah. Isn't that amazing? Remember: every seed you plant is like a charity. Even if you don't eat the harvest yourself, you earn good deeds. What a beautiful way to think about farming!

A School Garden

Class, let's move on to our third and final worked example. This one is about a school garden in Nairobi. Mwangi and his friends started a garden at their school. They planted tomatoes, spinach, and beautiful flowers. Every day, the students work together to water and care for the plants — this is real teamwork. Take a look at this picture. What do you see? Visitors come to enjoy the flowers, and the school cooks use the fresh vegetables for lunch. The garden benefits so many people. Here is the key idea: every single benefit from this garden — the food, the beauty, the happiness — it all counts as ongoing Sadaqah for Mwangi and his friends. Even long after they leave this school, the garden keeps giving. As we saw with the water well and the mango tree, this example shows again that a simple act of kindness, done well, can become a lasting charity that keeps rewarding you.

Practice questions

  • For the first question, the correct answer is C: 'It is a source of Sadaqah (charity) when people or animals eat from it.
  • For the second question, the correct answers are A, B, and D. Any time a person eats fruit from the tree, an animal eats leaves or fruits, or a bird eats from it, that is a Sadaqah for the planter.
  • Remember, every time you plant a tree — even a mango or avocado tree — you are earning ongoing charity. Keep planting and let others enjoy the blessings too.
  • At question one: 'How can planting a tree help your community? Give two examples.
  • 'What type of tree would you plant in your area and why?
  • Asks why tree planting is considered Sadaqah Jariyah — a continuous charity. Think about it: every time a bird eats a fruit or a person rests under its shade, you earn rewards even after you're gone.

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