Gardening is more than just a rich hobby or a luxury; in fact, especially in our Western society, it is a form of spiritual reflection, community building, and environmental stewardship. In Islamic tradition, gardens hold profound symbolic and practical importance. The Qurʾān often describes Paradise (Jannah) as a lush, well-watered garden filled with fruits, shade, and rivers made for those who do righteous deeds. “The gardens of perpetual abode which they will enter along with those who do good from among their parents and their spouses and their offspring.” (Noble Qurʾān, Sūrah ar-Raʿd (13), Verse 23).
In our first part we discussed the importance of gardening and cultivating food (Read more here). In this post, we’ll explore the concept of Islamic gardening and provide a step-by-step guide to starting your own garden, whether in your backyard, on a balcony, or as a community project.
The Roots of Islamic Gardening and Farming
Islamic gardening is deeply rooted in both faith and function. There are parallels drawn between the life of a Muslim and the “gardens” that they cultivate for themselves through their actions.
Prophet Muḥammad (ṣ) has said, ‘Be mindful that a grave is either a garden from the gardens of Paradise or a pit from among the pit-holes of Hell Fire…’ (Tafsīr al-Qummī, V. .2, pP. 94). We can understand that our day to day actions have consequences and that will lead us to creating either a “garden” or “pit of Hell Fire” for ourselves.
The gardens that we create through our actions are a manifestation of our oneness with Allah (swt) and His will. The gardens we can create in our homes or communities are also a manifestation of the Will of Allah (swt) through being in line with a Divine way of living. We keep in mind attributes of justice towards the land, good (ṭayyib) eating practices, a withdrawal (or a step back) from the corruption of our food systems and capitalist markets, which are antithetical to the teachings of Allah (swt). It is for this reason that Imām Jaʿfar aṣ-Ṣādiq (ʿa) has said, “There is no occupation more beloved to Allah than agriculture, and every single prophet that Allah sent down was a farmer except Prophet Enoch (Idrīs).” [Mustadrak al-Wasa’il, V. 13, P. 461, Ḥadīth #15898]
How to Start Your Own Islamic Garden
Whether at home or in a shared space, starting a garden can be a rewarding way to practice and uphold your Islamic values. Here’s how:
1. Intention (Niyyah)
Begin with the right intention: to exist in Oneness with the commands of Allah (swt), to practice living as the Ahlul Bayt (ʿa) did, to beautify the earth, grow food sustainably, and to serve your family or community.
2. Assess and Find Your Space
Gardening does not need to be an inaccessible practice or constrained based on space or location. Allah (swt) has mercifully provided everything we need in order to grow our own food. As Imām Muḥammad al-Bāqir (ʿa) has said, “He who, in spite of having water and soil at his disposal, is still poor, is dissociated by Allah.” [Qurb al-Isnād, P. 115, Ḥadīth #404]
For a home garden, you can use your backyard, front yard, balcony, or even just a windowsill to get started! If your home is absolutely not an option to use as a garden, there is also the option of beginning a community garden. For a community garden, you can partner with a local mosque, school, or neighborhood group. To see this in action, see the Masumeen Islamic Centre’s (Brampton, Canada) community garden: MIC Community Garden
3. Choose Your Plants
It is important to note that you do not need to start with planting everything right at the beginning of your gardening journey. If you are building a community garden, there is a greater chance that you can start with growing a more significant amount of plants at the beginning – but it is important to start with assessing your resources and capabilities so as not to overburden yourself or others and ensure you are justly treating the plants that you choose to care for.
In your garden, you can include a mix of:
- Fruits & Vegetables: Tomatoes, cucumbers, spinach, herbs.
- Trees & Shrubs: Olive, pomegranate, citrus, fig (climate permitting).
- Fragrant Flowers: Jasmine, rose, marigold, basil.
- Pollinator-Friendly Plants: To support bees and butterflies.
In order to determine what to plant, you must also understand what you want out of your garden. Do you want to be able to feed your family? Do you want to grow to feed others? Are you trying to grow a specific plant/fruit/vegetable that is needed in your home or your community? Understand your objective and then plant accordingly.
4. Use Sustainable Practices
Gardening is a beautiful way to understand the resources we have right under our noses!
- Compost kitchen waste (or community compost!): Composting is an easy practice to start with just a couple of bins with lids, either in your backyard or outside of your community center or masjid. This will act as a perfect fertilizer for your garden, giving it the nutrients your plants need to thrive!
- Collect rainwater: Allah (swt) has provided an abundant source of rain for us, and it can be collected in rainwater barrels in order to water your plants whenever needed.
- Avoid chemical pesticides: Chemical pesticides, fertilizers, or chemical-laden soil will have a direct impact on the nutrient quality and the ṭayyib or good quality of your food that you grow. In order to keep your food as pure as possible, begin with healthy, nutrient-dense soil. When the ground and foundation is healthy, that which is grown will mirror it.
- Plant companions that benefit each other (e.g., basil near tomatoes): Companion planting is a beautiful way for plants to work in tandem and provide nutritional benefit to each other, in the same way that a community or a family operates! The strengths of one plant can aid in the growth of those around it. Research which plants should be planted next to each other, and how to maximize the strengths and benefits of each plant!
5. Involve Others
- Encourage children and elders to help.
- Host gardening days at the mosque (if planning a community garden).
- Donate excess produce to neighbors or local food banks.
6. Create a Spiritual Atmosphere (Optional! Space and Cost Permitting)
- Add a small bench for reflection or dhikr [remembrance of Allah (swt)]. Using the creation of Allah (swt) as a way to reflect on His greatness is directly from His words, “You cannot see Me. But gaze upon the mountain [My creation]. If it stands still in its place, then you will see Me.” [Noble Qurʾān, Sūrah al-Aʿrāf
- (7), Verse 143]
- Place Qurʾānic calligraphy or peaceful artwork nearby.
- Garden mindfully—recognize Allah’s signs in every leaf, fruit, and insect.
Note about Costs:
Gardening can have costs associated with it, but it is not meant to be inaccessible. The best way to start reducing costs is to remember that you do not need to make your garden look “picture perfect” or “Instagram worthy” for it to meet the objectives you have in mind. Look first at the resources you have in your home and already present in the land around you. If there are specific things you need for your garden, there are groups on social media for gardening or even neighbours or friends, which can be invaluable in helping find an alternative for what you need. Remember, this can also be an exercise in creativity to make your garden what you need it to be!
Conclusion
Gardening the Islamic way is an act of worship, care, and community. It’s a way to live harmoniously with nature, give back to the earth, and reflect on the beauty and balance of Allah’s creation. Whether it’s a single potted plant on your windowsill or a full community plot, your efforts will not only bear fruit in this life but, inshāʾAllāh, in the next as well.
“Indeed, the righteous will be among gardens and rivers, in a seat of honor near a Sovereign, Perfect in Ability.” [Noble Qurʾān, Sūrah al-Qamar (54), Verse 54-55]
May our actions and intentions be manifested in our graves as beautiful gardens in Paradise!