Daily Times

“There is none amongst the Muslims who plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, or a person or an animal eats from it, but is regarded as a charitable gift for him,” Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

God has blessed this universe with uncountable blessings. We can see art of His crafts in every single piece. He has given us apparent and hidden blessings like twinkling of the stars, shine of the moon, chirping of birds, blowing of trees and blooming of flowers that remind us that there is a Lord who made it all so perfect.

He has made everything in the heavens and Earth is for our service. But it depends on to use our knowledge, skills and expertise to gain benefits from them.

Trees are one of the most valuable and precious gifts of nature. Not only for human beings but also for all species living on the planet. Trees help to boost wildlife, grow economy, strengthen the communities and protect our future. Planting a tree is very valuable thing to the world, but many people don’t realise it.

“A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people,” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

Trees are very essential for many reasons. Now a days, our environment has a large quantity of carbon dioxide which is poisonous and has a harmful effect on human health. Trees are considered as a natural air-conditioner since, in one year, an acre of mature trees can provide enough oxygen for 18 people.

“Save trees and be oxygenated”

Many trees are known by their medicinal properties such as Cidar, Apple, Aloe Vera and White Pine trees. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer and trees reduce UV-B exposure which minimises the chances of suffering from the disease. Many diseases are also caused due to noise pollution, which is increasing every day. To this end, the trees block sounds and reduce almost 40 percent of noise related pollution.

“To exist as a nation, to prosper as a state, and to live as people, we must have trees” – Theodore Roosevelt

Trees also provide life to animals living in forests and provide shelter and food to them. In short, trees have countless blessings on human as well as on animals.

However, the unfortunate thing is that people are cutting down trees in Pakistan just to build shopping malls, buildings and plazas for expansion of business. The residential areas are turned into industrial areas which is an alarming situation too.

Due to industrialisation and deforestation, Earth is falling victim to global warming day by day, while deforestation is causing major flooding. Rain is not possible without trees – if there is no tree, it means no rain, and if there is no rain then we can’t grow crops.

“Trees on, global warming gone”

Not only Government and other stakeholders, but every individual must take this issue seriously and should take steps to maintain greenery. Seminars should be conducted to create awareness among masses, who are not aware of the importance of planting. Many NGO’s are working to save the environment so join your hands with them too and also ask your friends and family to do the same.

The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said:

“If the Final Hour comes while you have a palm-cutting in your hands and it is possible to plant it before the Hour comes, you should plant it.”

Besides, if each student from each school and college in the country takes part in tree plantation campaign, we can boost the number comprehensively. We must plant more and more trees and also encourage those around us to do so.

As the chinese proverb says: “The best time to plant a tree was 200 years ago. The second best time is now”

So lets come and save the trees and decorate the nature with green.