For whenever anything eats from that crop it is registered for him as charity. More astonishing still is the case in which a thief steals from it—imagine someone approaching a date-palm and snatching some dates: its owner nevertheless earns a reward. Had he known of the thief he would have taken him to court, yet Allah most High records that very theft for him as an act of charity until the Day of Resurrection!

Likewise, if any beast of the earth or creeping creature feeds on the planting, it is charity for its owner. This ḥadith, then, is plain evidence that the Prophet ﷺ urged sowing and planting because of the religious benefit it contains as well as the worldly advantages.

It also proves how numerous the avenues of good are: whatever benefit people derive is a source of reward and goodness for the one who provided it, whether he intended it or not. The same meaning appears in Allah’s words: “There is no good in most of their private conversations, except for those who enjoin charity, kindness, or reconciliation between people; and whoever does that seeking the pleasure of Allah, We shall grant him a tremendous reward” (al-Nisāʾ 4:114). Allah, exalted is He, thus states that these deeds are good in themselves—enjoining charity, promoting kindness, reconciling people—whether one intends them or not. Yet if a person performs them seeking the Face of Allah, then Allah says: “We shall grant him a tremendous reward.”

This shows that whenever people benefit from something useful, it is deemed goodness and reward for its owner even without intention. Should he make the intention, his goodness only multiplies and Allah, exalted be He, will grant him out of His bounty an immense reward. I ask the Almighty Allah to bless me and you with sincerity and with adherence to the Messenger ﷺ. He is Ever-Generous, Most Kind.