Statements After Planting Trees on Arbor Day

In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Thanks be to God, Arbor Day has arrived once again, and God willing, the people of Iran will succeed in the beautiful and fruitful work of tree planting; God willing, this work will be carried out throughout the country and they will be successful in it. As I have heard, the officials have managed to fulfill the 250 million tree planting share for the year 1402, which is very valuable and brings us closer to the promised one billion trees.

Before I mention two or three points regarding tree planting, I find it necessary to refer to the important issue of elections and to thank the people of Iran for their presence at the ballot boxes. The people of Iran, with this presence, have fulfilled both a social and civil duty, as well as a jihad. We say "jihad"; why? Because it was in the face of the propaganda of the enemies. For almost a year, the enemies of the Iranian people, the enemies of Islamic Iran, the enemies of the Islamic Republic have tried from all over the world to dissuade the people from participating in the elections and to undermine the elections. The people, with their presence at the ballot boxes, faced this enemy movement with a great and epic action; therefore, this was a "jihad." We also thank those involved in the elections; the officials of the elections, the officials of the propaganda, the officials of security, and all those who helped in any way to hold the elections.

I would like to mention one point regarding the recent flood in Sistan and Baluchestan. This flood that occurred in the southern region of Sistan and Baluchestan was significant and has caused considerable damage to the people; therefore, the aid that is being provided must continue. Thanks be to God, the relief groups — both from government officials and others — are working, making efforts, and providing assistance; this must continue, and others who wish to contribute and are eager to join in these efforts can come forward and add to this assistance. We hope, God willing, that the suffering of the people will be alleviated through the assistance that is provided.

Now regarding tree planting; I will mention two or three points about tree planting. The first point is that tree planting is an investment, a profitable and fruitful investment. You put a piece of wood into the ground, it turns into a tree, and you reap its benefits, while you have nothing to do but care for it, as the nourishment and growth of this tree is provided by the earth and the sun; you only take care of it, water it, and ensure it is not harmed; this tree grows with the help of the natural factors that God the Almighty has determined and gives you fruit. What more profitable investment can one find? A profitable and fruitful investment. Therefore, anyone who participates in this investment will certainly benefit; because you plant the tree, but factors other than you are active in the growth of this tree and its fruit-bearing, yet you benefit from this fruit.

The second point: the fruit of the tree is not just the fruit you pick from the fruit-bearing tree; the shade of this tree is also a fruit, the wood of this tree is a fruit, the air it creates and the oxygen it provides are fruits, and the fight this tree has against pollution and air contaminants is also a fruit; all of these are fruits of this tree. Therefore, you reap various and diverse benefits from this good investment. Especially in today’s mechanical life, where unfortunately pollutants have increased and are harmful to humans, the existence of trees is truly a blessed gift and a divine grace.

The third point is that we should know that in Islam, there is an emphasis on the relationship with nature; that is, Islam has not separated humans from nature, but has advised humans to both care for nature and benefit from it. In the Holy Quran, it is stated "And He made you successors therein"; that is, God the Almighty has asked you to cultivate the earth, to cultivate nature, "Eat from its fruit"; therefore, you both take care of the earth and nature and benefit from it; this is emphasized in Islam; this is among the things mentioned in the Quran, and there are numerous narrations regarding the environment.

The last point is that this year we planted three trees; unlike previous years when we planted two trees, this year we increased the number of trees planted, indicating greater attention to tree planting. One of these three trees is an olive tree; this signifies our solidarity and empathy with the people of Palestine — where the center of olives is located — and we want to send our greetings to these oppressed, dear, and very resilient people from afar, and say that we remember you in every way, including planting the olive tree in your memory.

I send greetings and salutations to all our dear people and ask God the Almighty for health, well-being, grace, and blessings for all the people and the entire country.

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings.