Tree of Charity

Illustration by Winry Marini, 2016

The Gift of Growth: A Story of Charity

In the quiet corner of the forest, a small sapling sprouted from the earth. Its leaves were tender, bright green, and reaching for the light that poured from the heavens. Above it, birds soared through the dappled sunlight filtering between the trees, their wings fluttering like the pages of an unwritten story.

As the days passed, the sapling grew stronger, its roots digging deep into the nourishing soil, connecting it to the life around it. Each passing breeze whispered stories of those who had come before—caretakers of the earth who understood that planting a tree was not just an act of creation, but an act of selflessness, a gift for all.

A wise elder, whose heart was filled with reverence for the earth, knelt beside the sapling. They spoke softly to the young tree, knowing that within its tender bark lay the potential to provide shelter for the birds, shade for weary travelers, and nourishment for creatures of the land. This act of planting was more than just tending to the earth—it was an act of charity, one that would ripple through time, benefiting lives they might never witness.

The elder remembered the words of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, echoing through the chambers of their mind: "If anyone who submits to the will of God plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, or a person or an animal eats from it, it is regarded as a charitable gift for that person."

In that moment, the elder felt at peace, knowing that their simple act of planting a tree had the power to reach beyond the here and now. The tree would serve without asking for anything in return. It would offer shade to those in need of rest, fruit to those who hungered, and branches for birds to nest in. Each small act of kindness woven into the tree’s very existence would multiply, blessing the earth and its inhabitants for generations.

As the elder rose, they looked up toward the sky, where two birds danced between the rays of sunlight, already taking refuge in the growing branches. The sight filled the elder’s heart with joy, for the tree was fulfilling its purpose. It had become a living testament to the beauty of giving—a silent but steadfast symbol of charity.

Though the elder’s hands would one day return to the soil, the tree would remain, standing tall as a testament to the simple yet profound truth: every act of planting, of nurturing life, is a gift that endures. For to plant a tree is not merely to give to the earth, but to give to all who walk upon it, fly above it, or dwell within its embrace.

And so, in that quiet corner of the forest, the sapling grew into a great tree, its branches stretching wide, offering refuge and sustenance. And though the elder had long since passed, their charity lived on, flourishing with every leaf and every life touched by the tree’s generous spirit.

Planting a tree is an act of charity

"If anyone who submits to the will of God (مسلم) plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, or a person or an animal eats from it, it is regarded as a charitable gift for that person."

~ Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Imam Bukhari)

Moral Message: The Gift of Growth

In giving back to nature, we nourish more than just the soil—we nurture life itself. Every tree planted and seed sown becomes a testament to the interconnectedness of all beings. A simple act of charity, such as planting a tree, offers shelter for birds, food for animals, and even sustenance for people. It is a selfless gift that continues to give long after we are gone, a legacy of compassion and care. Just as the tree provides shade to the weary traveler without expectation, true charity lies in the silent, unspoken acts that benefit others.

By investing in the earth, we participate in a cycle of life that sustains the world. Nature becomes our silent partner in this charity, transforming our smallest gestures into abundant blessings. In this way, every act of kindness to the earth is an act of kindness to all who live on it. 🌱🌍