Rafiq-ul-Haramayn - Islamic School System - Dawat-e-Islami

Rafiq-ul-Haramayn 242
There is no expiation for cutting the trees that come into the first
three categories. However, if there is an owner of the tree, he will
claim compensation. As for cutting the tree coming into the fourth
category, penalty must be paid, and if there is an owner of the tree,
he will receive compensation as well. Penalty will be paid provided
the tree is fresh before being cut, not damaged or uprooted. In order
to pay the penalty, the one who has cut the tree is required to buy
grains for as much money as is the price of the tree, and distribute it
among the Masākīn (considered destitute by Sharī’aĥ). He must give
one Ṣadaqaĥ to each Miskīn. If the quantity of grains bought for as
much money as the price of the tree, is less than even one Ṣadaqaĥ,
he must give it to only one Miskīn. It is not necessary to give these
Ṣadaqāt to the Masākīn of Ḥaram. He can give the price of the tree
as Ṣadaqaĥ or can also buy an animal of the same value and slaughter
it in Ḥaram. To keep fast to pay this expiation is not sufficient.
Ruling: The tree that has dried can be uprooted and can be benefitted
from. Ruling: If someone has plucked leaves off the tree, causing no
damage to the tree, no expiation is required. Similarly, there is
no harm in cutting a growing tree provided the owner has given
permission. The one who has cut the tree is to pay its price to the
owner. Ruling: If some people have jointly cut the tree, only one
penalty will be jointly paid by all of them whether all are Muḥrim or
non-Muḥrim or some are Muḥrim and some are non-Muḥrim.
Ruling: It is not permissible to make a Miswāk by cutting a twig off
the Pilu (salvadora persica) tree or any other tree of Ḥaram. Ruling:
If some trees are broken or damaged because of a person walking,
camping or riding his animal, there is no expiation. Ruling: Due to
the need, the Fatwā is that it is permissible to graze animals on the
grass of Ḥaram. As for cutting or uprooting it, there is the same
ruling on it as on cutting the tree except for dry and naturally