Resolution No.(59): “Ruling on Planting Trees in Graveyards“
Date: 9/11/1422 AH corresponding to 23/1/2002 AD.
Question:
What is the ruling of Islamic Sharia on planting trees in graveyards?
Answer: All success is due to Allah.
According to Islamic Sharia, planting trees in graveyards is permissible since it is included within the general meaning of the Sharia maxim which states that, in principle, things are permissible so long as there is no provision from the Quran and the Sunnah proving otherwise, and there is no evidence that forbids such an act. However, trees shouldn`t be planted directly above the graves, rather, they should be planted in the corridors and places where there are no graves. This is in order for their roots not to harm the dead because doing so is forbidden as stated in the Prophet`s Hadith {what means}: "Breaking a deceased body’s bones is exactly like breaking them when he is alive.” {Related by Abu Dawud in accordance with the conditions of Muslim}. And Allah Knows Best.
Iftaa` Board
Chairman of the Iftaa` Board, Chief Justice, Izz Al-Deen Al-Tamimi
Dr. Mohammad Abu Yahia
Dr. Ahmad Hilayel
Dr. Abdulsalam Al-Abbadi
Sheikh Mahmoud Shwayyaat
Dr. Yousef Gheezaan
Dr. Wasif Al-Bakhri
Sheikh Saeid Hijjawi