The Objectives of Protecting Forests in the light of Quran and Sunnah

Abstract

Forests are an integral part of the universe and are significantly playing their role in maintaining the ecological system of the universe. In this article, the importance of forests have been explained in the light of Quran and Sunnah. Allah almighty has mentioned different kinds of trees and plants in His divine book. The article sheds light on multiple significancies of planting trees in the light of Quranic verses. The importance of forests may be judged by the fact that Allah almighty has declared them as the beauty and ornament of this universe, the basic food for human being and an important source of comfort and recreation for mankind.The Holy Prophet ﷺ has also laid stress on growing trees and forests declaring it as charity. He even prohibited His followers from cutting trees during Jihad and in Makkah and Madina for their importance. The sayings of Holy Prophet about the medicinal and other benefits of trees and plants are narrated in the article.The last part of the article describes the main purposes and objectives of maintaining and protecting trees and plants in the light of Quran and Sunnah. The article throws light on the fact that the basic purpose of protecting forests is to provide mankind with basic necessaries ; air, water and food.  
٭٭Mphil, Islamic Studies, Bhimbhar AJK, aziaqazi@gmail.com