Ramadan in Bloom at Kew Gardens
We chose to present this year's Ramadan Collection at the historical Kew Gardens for its stewardship and extensive collection of plants. Kew Gardens is a botanical wonder that captivates visitors with its lush greenery and its role in the preservation and study of plant life.
The Holy Quran and Plants
The Holy Quran contains numerous references to plants, emphasising their significance in the natural world and their metaphorical representations in spiritual teachings. Plants are often mentioned in the Quran as signs of God's creation, His mercy, and as a sign of the intricate balance and harmony in nature.
Narrated by Anas bin Malik, the Prophet (Peace and Blessings Upon Him) said,
“If a Muslim plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, or a person or an animal eats from it, it is regarded as a charitable gift for him." Sahih al-Bukhari 2320
The Quran also directly mentions several plants that can be found in our everyday lives, like the fig and olive from surah At-Tin (Quran 95:1), pomegranates in surah Al-An'am (Quran 6:99) and surah Ar-Rahman (Quran 55:68), and grapevines in surah Al-Kahf (Quran 18:32).
"Several plants are mentioned in the Qur’ān that have a history of use as food, medicine or have value for a particular characteristic they hold. Most of the plants mentioned in the Qur’ān can be identified to present day plants." - Plants of the Quran: History & Culture by Dr. Shahina Ghazanfar and illustrated by Sue Wickison.
Kew Gardens
Established in 1840, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that spans 330 acres and houses over 50,000 living plants. It serves as a global resource for plant research, conservation, and education.
Kew Gardens features a diverse range of plant species from various climates and ecosystems, contributing to scientific understanding and the preservation of biodiversity.
Kew Gardens also hosted an enriching exhibition showcasing "Plants of the Quran" by Dr Shahina Ghazanfar of the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew and artist Sue Wickison. In this way, we believe that Kew Gardens is a fantastic and meaningful choice of location to showcase the Ramadan in Bloom collection.
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