By Dr. Syed Ahmed, for TwoCircles.net,
Imphal: Like elsewhere, World Environment Day was observed in various parts of Manipur on June 5, 2013. The State-level observance was held this year under the theme ‘Think, Eat, Save.’ The day was also observed in various parts of the State by government departments, NGOs, civil society organizations and other bodies.
Islamic Research & Da’wah Centre (IRDC), based at Babupara, Imphal, also observed the day by launching Green Masjid Campaign in the Muslim inhabited areas of Manipur in association with the Directorate of Environment, Government of Manipur.
Mufti Salatur planting a tree sapling
The campaign was formally launched by planting tree saplings at M.M. Masjid at Sangaiyumpham, in Thoubal District. The function was attended by the Director of IRDC Mufti Salatur Rahman, Associate Professor of D.M. College of Science Dr. Raheijuddin Sheikh, Pradhan of Sangaiyumpham Part-I Mrs. Alipjaan Begum, Member of Gram Panchayat Md. Ramijuddin, Imams of Masjids Moulana Nursafi and Moulana Ibocha, local elders, students and members of IRDC.
Convener of the campaign Dr. Raheijuddin Sheikh stated the purpose of organizing the campaign in his speech. He said, “The Green Masjid Campaign aims to mobilize Muslims to plant trees around the masjids to improve the natural surroundings. To achieve the aim we are going to take the help of the Imams of masjids. The Imams are requested to give environmental awareness to the Muslims in their mohallah from an Islamic perspective.”
“It is going to be a year-long campaign. If necessary we will continue further. Saplings of trees will be distributed to the Muslim localities to plant in the surroundings of the masjids. The Imams of the masjids will have to lead the localities in planting and looking after the trees. We will be assessing the growth of the trees after five year. The masjid which has the best growth of the trees will be given cash reward of Rs. 50,000,” he added.
Sheikh also highlighted the importance of planting trees based on modern science. He said, “Modern science has shown that trees are key components to global ecosystem. Trees act as natural filters of our air. Through the process of photosynthesis trees absorb carbon dioxide, which is a key greenhouse gas and principle contributor to global warming, from the atmosphere and store the carbon in their trunk, branches, leaves, roots, soil and foliage, while releasing oxygen back into the atmosphere. Trees improve biodiversity and provide habitat for wildlife, check soil erosion, help in conversing water and controlling temperature, besides the ascetic benefits. It is because of all these benefits that trees have always been a key symbol of the environmental movement.”
He thanked Director of Environment Department Dr. M. Homeshore Singh for sponsoring the tree saplings and extending support to the campaign.
Addressing the gathering, Mufti Salatur said, “Allah has created everything, including the plants and animals, with specific purposes. Thus it is our duty to look after and protect all these creations. Prophet Muhammad had also stressed the importance of conserving the nature. He had said that whoever plant trees Allah will give him reward to the extent of their fruit. A popular Hadith says if you have a sapling, if you have the time, be certain to plant it, even if Doomsday starts to break forth. He also said that those who reclaim and cultivate dry and barren land will be rewarded by Allah. It is said that Prophet Muhammad organized planting of trees and of date groves. We have to follow the traditions of the Prophet.”
Mufti Salatur urged the Imams of the masjids to make the Muslims in the mohalla aware about the importance of conserving the environment citing example from the traditions of the Prophet. “The young children should also be given proper knowledge about the various issues relating to our environment. They should be encouraged to develop the habit of planting trees and nurturing them,” he added.
“We should start by planting trees in the surroundings of the masjids. Everybody who comes to masjid for prayers should look after the plants by giving water and other needs. This way we can conserve our environment,” Mufti Salatur further said.