Do Something Today That Will Benefit Others Tomorrow

“Whenever a Muslim plants a crop, and birds or humans eat from it, his action is considered a charity.”—{Al-Bukhari and Muslim}

Ali ibn Abi Talib {R} left his home and, as usual, proceeded towards the jungle to do something for the benefits of the future. He was familiar with the tangled path of the jungle. 

So he walked through the rough terrain, got what he wanted and immediately left. And while coming back, he was carrying it on his back.

On the way, a passerby asked him, “Ali, what is that weight you are carrying on your back?”  “Date-palms, Insha-Allah,” he replied.

“Date-palms?” the man was puzzled. Clearly, he did not understand what Ali {R} meant.

Some years later, he noticed an orchard of date-palms, stood tall and elegant where Ali {R} had planted and nurtured the saplings with his own blessed hands.

However, his amazement at Ali’s remark vanished when he saw the full-grown trees with his own eyes.

Now he was full of respect for the industry and imagination of Ali {R}. 

Ali certainly understood the words of the Prophet {S} in this regards:

“Whenever a Muslim plants a crop, and birds or humans eat from it, his action is considered a charity.”—{Al-Bukhari and Muslim}

Now this begs the question:  

What crops are we planting today for the future benefit of mankind {or animal-kind}?

May Allah {SWT} grant us foresight and imagination. Aameen

Reference: Daastaan e Raastaan by Ayatullah Murtadha Mutahhari