Muslim

Hadith Commentary:
The context of this hadith has been described by Imam Muslim as follows:
The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam entered upon Umm Mubashshir al-Ansariyyah in her date orchard, and the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said to her:
«مَنْ غَرَسَ هَذَا النَّخْلَ؟ أَمُسْلِمٌ أَمْ كَافِرٌ؟» She replied:
Rather, he is a Muslim. He said:
«لَا يَغْرِسُ مُسْلِمٌ غَرْسًا، وَلَا يَزْرَعُ زَرْعًا، فَيَأْكُلَ مِنْهُ إِنْسَانٌ، وَلَا دَابَّةٌ، وَلَا شَيْءٌ، إِلَّا كَانَتْ لَهُ صَدَقَةً»
That is, the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam saw a date tree planted by an Ansari woman named Umm Mubashshir. He sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said that when a Muslim plants a tree, and then a person, bird, or animal eats from it, all of this is written as charity (sadaqah) on his behalf.

In the narration of Anas reported by Imam Bukhari, the wording "or sows a crop" (aw yazra‘ zara‘an) is also present, meaning whether he plants an orchard or cultivates a field.

So, whatever benefit is derived from it by any person or animal, it is written as charity in the owner’s record of good deeds.

Hafiz rahimahullah says:
And in the hadith is the virtue of planting trees and cultivating crops, and encouragement towards the development of the land.

Indeed, agriculture holds great importance, as it is a major means of fulfilling human sustenance.

If cultivation is not done, then the production of grain cannot take place; for this reason, this craft is mentioned in the Qur’an and Hadith as well.

However, any occupation that becomes an obstacle to the remembrance of Allah and the fulfillment of the obligations of Islam, turns into a calamity instead.

The same is the case with farming: most farmers become heedless of the remembrance of Allah and lazy in fulfilling the obligations of Islam.

In such a state, condemnation of farming and its tools has also been reported.

In any case, it is necessary for a Muslim, along with his worldly occupation, to always remember Allah and fulfill the obligations of Islam.

And Allah is the Granter of success. All praise is due to Allah. In view of the above hadith, I too have had several trees planted in my fields located in Mauza Rahpoh, which will soon be able to provide shade.

This year, dear Nazir Ahmad Razi has planted a banyan sapling, which he brought from Delhi.

May Allah cause it to flourish and become a storehouse of good deeds for hundreds of years, and grant dear ones Khalil Ahmad and Nazir Ahmad the ability to engage in farming in the light of these very ahadith, so that they may attain the blessings of both worlds.

Today, on the Day of Ashura, Muharram 1390 AH, I am presenting this request before the Lord of the Ka‘bah in the Sacred Ka‘bah.

Ameen, O Lord of the worlds.

Hadith Commentary:
(1)
Imam Bukhari rahimahullah has established from this hadith the virtue of gardening, agriculture, and cultivating land.
The specification of "Muslim" is because a disbeliever will not receive reward in the Hereafter; however, in this world, he may receive a good recompense for a good deed.
For a Muslim, this reward is until the Day of Resurrection.
(Fath al-Bari: 6/5)
(2)
Some scholars say:
Farming is superior to other occupations, while some hold the virtue of industry and craftsmanship.
Some scholars consider trade to be superior, but in most ahadith, the virtue of manual labor is mentioned.
In reality, superiority depends on the circumstances of people: where people are in greater need of food, agriculture is superior so that they do not suffer from famine; where there is a greater need for business, trade is superior; and where there is a need for craftsmanship, industry and handicrafts are superior.
In the present era, the situation demands that each has its own virtue in its respective place.
And Allah knows best. (Umdat al-Qari: 9/5)

Hadith Commentary:
In this, there is a very great glad tidings for those who engage in agriculture, and likewise, there is good news for gardeners as well. May Allah, the Exalted, make all of us deserving of this glad tidings.
Ameen.

Hadith Commentary:
This hadith discusses showing compassion and kindness towards humans and animals, stating that by treating them gently, a person becomes deserving of reward from Allah, the Exalted. Furthermore, it mentions the elevated status of a believer, that he becomes entitled to reward even if he did not intend a specific action.
There is also glad tidings for those engaged in agriculture and gardening.
These are indeed very blessed acts. May Allah, the Exalted, make all of us deserving of these glad tidings.
Ameen.