Emir of Zazzau cautions residents against cutting down trees 

The Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Nuhu Ahmad Bamalli, has advised residents to embrace tree planting as a critical step toward protecting the environment from desertification and other climate-related disasters.

He also urged Muslims to make it a habit to replace any tree cut down within their communities in order to maintain ecological balance and combat environmental degradation.

The Emir made the call in Kaduna during a seminar and prize presentation ceremony at the 19th Annual International Youth Essay Competition, themed “Islam and Climate Change,” organized by the Crystal Muslim Organization (CMO).

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Represented by the District Head of Gabasawa, Alhaji Shittu Ibrahim Dikko, the Emir emphasized that environmental consciousness is a part of Islamic teachings.

“In the past, people tried to replace fallen trees in their environment, but such a culture has changed. The best practice is to replace any tree cut down so as to protect the environment.

“Islam encourages us to take care of our environment, including animals. Therefore, I’m calling on you to plant more trees, and whenever you cut down trees, make sure you replace them. It’s the best practice,” he said.

In her remarks, Hajiya Maryam Idris Othman, CMO’s National Education Directorate, explained that the essay competition is designed to promote reading culture and Islamic knowledge among young Muslims.

She noted that the competition has been held annually since the inception of the organization in 2006, making this the 19th edition.

“The essay competition is organized especially to encourage Muslim youths to learn more about Islam, get familiar with Islamic publications, and imbibe the culture of research and reading. Each year, a theme is selected for the essay competition with specific topics for the different categories,” she said.

Also speaking at the event, the Director-General of the Kaduna Environmental Protection Agency (KEPA), Dr. Yusuf Yakubu Alrigassiyu, urged Muslims to consider plants as their closest companions, stating that they serve as a reminder of Allah’s creation.

He warned against environmental practices such as tree cutting, air pollution, and bush burning, stressing that such acts harm the earth and the living creatures it sustains.

Similarly, another speaker, Air Commodore Imam Tahir, encouraged Muslims to pay close attention to their environment and nature, noting that “such plants show the wonders of Allah.”