Is cutting down trees and grass sinful as they worship Allah Ta’ala?

Al-jawab billahi at-taufeeq (the answer with Allah’s guidance)

Islam considers that all the creatures in the universe have their own lives, their own procreation, their own language and mode of communicating, and their own senses, which are particular to each kind of creature. So it all glorifies and worships its Lord in its own special way.

The Glorified and Elevated says,”Have you not seen that unto Allah pays adoration whosoever is in the heavens and whosoever is in the earth, and the sun, and the moon, and the stars, and the hills, and the trees, and the beasts, and many of mankind …” (Ch22;v18). Also,”The seven heavens and the earth and all therein praise him and there is not a thing but hymns his praise. Lo! He is ever Clement, Forgiving.” (ch 17;v 44).

The Qur’an states that man has dominion over living things: “He (Allah) it is Who made you vicegerents on earth.” (Qur’an 35:39).

Therefore, one must not cut down trees and grass unnecessarily, but only for one’s uses. However, if the plants etc, are rooted and cut out accidentally, it will not be sinful as the Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said (to the nearest meaning),”My followers will be not counted for their mistakes and forgetfulness.”

Also, With regard to trees that a person may have planted in his home or garden, there is no sin in cutting them down.

It will be permissible to uproot grass and wild plants in parks. (Raddul Muhtaar, Vol. 5, Page 312)

And Only Allah Ta’ala Knows Best.

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Moulana Qamruz Zaman
London, UK