Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society (AIS), an Abuja faith-based organisation, has launched the “Project Make It Green”, an initiative target to promote a friendly environment and to make the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad whose preachings laid emphasis on green environment.
The national chief Imam, AIS, Fuad Adeyemi, in an interview with Tribune Online on Sunday in Abuja, said it’s time to start making people realise the importance of planting trees in respect of environmental degradation being witnessed across the country.
According to Imam, Adeyemi, the tree being planted, soursop, will not only provide shade but also serves as a source of food and medicine for the people.
“Today is Maulud Nabiyy day of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). And among the lessons the Prophet has taught us is taking care of the environment and especially planting of trees. And if you also see what is happening in Maiduguri and other places, you will know that there is a challenge because of environmental issues. If you also look at the glorious Quran, it said when you see that the environment is corrupted, it said it’s because of what we have used our hands to do. How do we prevent this? Hence, the launching of what we called “Project Make it Green”.
“The essence is to commence our full efforts in talking, fighting and teaching people about environmental issues as far as Islam is concerned. And if you open the Quran and the life of the Prophet, you’ll discover that tree planting is a big aspect of a life of a Muslim which is taking care of the environment. Unfortunately, most of us have abandoned it or probably we do not consider it as necessary or important. But Allah said that we have to do this.
“In planting the trees, we are also looking for the ones that will not only serve as a shade but will serve as food and also be medicinal. Like I always tell people, we are not looking for shade per see in this country, but we are looking for two things; food and what will take care of your medical needs. And we now got a leaf or a tree (soursop) that can serve the two or even serve the three: provide shade, food and medicine.
“The leaf of the tree we just planted is used for so many things. It cures cancer, it cures infertility. The leaf is even much more effective than the fruit. And that is why it’s good for us. It means the leaf will not be anyway constitute dirt to the environment. The tree is a win-win in all aspects,” the Islamic cleric told Tribune Online.
Corroborating Adeyemi’s submissions, the national Amirah (President) Al-Habibiyah Islamic Society, Hajia Rekiya Gambo Ilyasu and a member, Major General Abass Adekanye (retd) described the initiative as a welcome development saying it will promote a friendly and greener environment.
“This (the tree planting) is a welcome development and it is commendable. I’m somebody that believes in green environment. We are not just planting ordinary trees, we are planting a tree that is a fruit, is a medicine and can also rejuvenate human beings. Everything about the tree is good. The bark, the fruit, the leaf. We are planting a tree that will improve our health, our system and give us a nourishing life,” Hajia Gambo Ilyasu said.
“The Sunnah (tradition) of the Prophet enjoins us to be planting trees. The Prophet said so many things about trees. He talks about shade. Even if you are not the one that planted it, don’t defecate or urinate there because it can serve as an abode or a resting place for people. And the Prophet even gave order during war there are some sacred places you must not touch.
“The Geneva Convention came after the second world war in 1945 when the world felt there must be regulations on how people fight wars. And it came up with a lot of laws. And many of those laws were the laws given by the Prophet. So many centuries ago, he (the Prophet) was talking about don’t kill a monk, don’t kill the Imams, don’t kill the Bishops, don’t destroy the synagogues, don’t destroy the churches, don’t destroy the mosques because these are places where the name of God is always being called. He talks about preserving our environment. What we are doing today is to preserve the environment, moreso that we are planting a very important tree,” the retired General said.
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