Is the cultivation of bonsai trees, which involves stunting the tree by preventing its vertical growth and removing some branches and roots, considered an alteration of Allah's creation, or is it permissible in Islamic law?
Dwarfing trees is permissible because it adorns them, and it is part of cultivating the earth and improving it, as long as there is no extravagance. For Allah is beautiful and loves beauty. Allah Almighty says: (He produced you from the earth and settled you in it). This is not considered changing the creation of Allah, which is prohibited, because everything in the universe is subjected to humans for them to enjoy and do with as they wish, as long as it is regulated by the Sharia's guidelines. Allah Almighty says: (And He has subjected to you whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth - all from Him. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought).
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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