In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
Praise God, once again Tree Planting Day has arrived, and, God willing, the people of Iran will be able to successfully participate in the beautiful, profitable activity of planting trees. God willing, they will be able to do this across the entire country and be successful in doing this. From what I have heard, our officials have been able to reach their target of planting 250 million trees in 1402 AHS [2023-2024], which is very pleasing. It brings us closer to the one billion trees that they have promised to plant.
Before sharing two or three things with you about planting trees, I feel it necessary to refer to the important issue of the elections [Iran’s Majlis elections and the Assembly of Experts elections, which took place on March 1, 2024] and to express my gratitude to the Iranian nation for their presence at the voting polls. By way of this participation, the people of Iran both fulfilled a social and civilizational duty and took part in a jihad. Why was it jihad? Because it [was an act that] opposed the enemy’s propaganda. For almost an entire year, the enemies of the Iranian nation, the enemies of Islamic Iran, and the enemies of the Islamic Republic from around the world tried to dissuade the people from voting because they wanted there to be a low turnout. With their presence at the polls, the people made a remarkable, epic move in the face of this move by the enemies. That’s why it was jihad. I would also like to thank all those who were involved in the elections, including the organizers, those in charge of monitoring the campaigns, the officials in charge of security, and all those who helped in any way for the elections.
I would also like to say a few words about the recent floods in Baluchestan. The flooding that occurred in the southern region of the Sistan and Baluchestan Province was severe and has inflicted extensive losses on the people there. The relief operations that are being carried out must continue. Praise God, the relief groups, including both those run by government officials and others, are working hard and providing aid and assistance. This must continue and others who are willing, capable, and eager to help in this cause should also get involved and help this aid work. We hope, God willing, the people’s sufferings will end with the help that is provided.
As for planting trees, I would like to mention a couple of points. The first point is that planting trees is an investment, and a profitable, rewarding one at that. You put a piece of wood in the ground, it turns into a tree, and you benefit from it. You don’t need to do anything but look after it, because the nourishment and growth of this tree is taken care of by the earth and the sun. You simply look after it, give it water, and make sure it doesn’t get harmed. This tree itself will grow and provide you with fruit with the help of the natural elements that are determined by Almighty God. What kind of investment can one find that is more profitable than this? It is a profitable, rewarding investment. Therefore, anyone who takes part in this investment will definitely benefit from it. Because when you plant a tree, factors other than you are active in the tree’s growth, giving fruit, and the benefits coming from it, but you use its products.
The second point is that the benefits of a tree go beyond the fruit that you pick from a fruit tree. The shade of a tree is also a fruit. Its wood is also a fruit. The air it creates and the oxygen it gives is also a fruit. The tree’s ability to combat pollution and air pollutants is also a fruit. All of these things are the fruits of a tree. Therefore, you will reap all kinds of profits from this wonderful investment. Particularly, in today’s modern world, where unfortunately pollutants have increased and harm human beings, the existence of trees is truly a blessing and a divine grace.
The third point is that we need to understand that Islam places importance on being in contact with nature. In other words, Islam has not separated human beings from nature. It advises people to both care for nature and make use of it. It is stated in the Quran that God “made the earth your habitation” (11:61). So, Almighty God wants you to cultivate the earth and nature. The Quran also tells us to “eat of its fruits” — “Eat of its fruits when it fructifies” (6:141). We should make use of its fruits. Therefore, you take care of the earth and nature, and you also nurture and protect it, and in return you benefit from nature. This is emphasized in Islam. These are some of the things that are mentioned in the Quran, and we also have numerous hadiths about the environment.
The last point I want to mention is that we’ve planted three trees this year. Unlike [some] previous years when we planted two trees, this year we’ve increased the number of trees that were planted as a demonstration of more commitment to arboriculture. One of these three trees is an olive tree. It symbolizes our solidarity and empathy with the people of Palestine, which is the center for [the cultivation of] olives. We send our greetings from afar to these oppressed, beloved, truly resisting people. We want you to know that you are constantly in our thoughts, even as we the plant this olive tree in your honor.
I send my greetings and regards to our beloved nation, and I pray Almighty God will bless the entire nation and country with health, well-being, and divine grace.
May God’s greetings, mercy, and blessings be upon you.
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