Cleanliness the half of faith

Environment protection is an important concept of Islam. It’s one of the essential beliefs in Quran, so it’s the responsibility of Muslims to care for the environment in a proactive manner. Cleanliness is half of faith is one of the important saying by our beloved Prophet Muhammd, here half does not literally mean half as this expression is used to show the significance of the act. According to the Holy Quran, environmental conservation is a religious duty as well as social obligation, and not an optional matter. Prophet Muhammad’s dealt extensively with various aspects of environment including resource conservation, land reclamation and environmental hygiene. One of the most popular Hadith on environment States “The earth is green and beautiful and Allah has appointed you his stewards over it” which reiterates Quran teaching that human beings have been given the responsibility of guardianship over the natural resources” “Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves (2:222) . Allah sent his last messenger as an example to the mankind who taught also the health and personal hygiene to follow ablution. Following our Creator and his last messenger we protect ourselves from the diseases, calamities and prepare for the final destination, Paradise, by God’s will. According to Islam each man is the custodian of nature, and must live with harmony with other creatures, it is the duty of Muslim to oblige the commandments of God. The exploitation of a particular natural resource is directly related to accountability and maintenance of the resource. In Islam the conservation of an environment is being considered the worshiping of God. In the Quran there are several verses explaining sustainable way of living care. These verses in fact has offered steps than common man are in track to preserve the environment. Almighty Allah says in Quran “and do not desire corruption in the land. Indeed God does not like corruptors”. 28:77. Islam gives great emphasis on environment as it is preserved and protected under the Maqasid Al-Shariah (Objectives of the Islamic law ). The general outlook of Quranic paradigm and sayings of Prophet Muhammad(saw)on utilizing natural environment is based on prohibition of aggression and misuse. It is likewise founded on the construction of sustainable use. The holy Quran And Hadith gives specific references to ecology and also contains some important principles for environment. Prophet Muhammad saw discouraged them who destroyed the ecology of earth, in any form like deforestation, water pollution or corruption. He also recognized that natural resources should not be overexploited or abused. “Whoever plants a tree and diligently looks after it until it matures and bears fruit is rewarded” (Musnad). Protection of environment the fundamental principles in Islam reflects a positive image if Islam and how it embraces every matter the humans face on earth, it also shows how sustainable way of development, and prohibition of over exploitation.
It’s essential to provide civic education in order to aware the people of a society. So it’s a wakeup call before it gets too late. In this time we have to organise environment awareness programs and demonstrates it how Islam justifies the conservation and protection of environment.
When Islam came into existence the environmental awareness and protection of its natural resources have been an integral part of Islamic beliefs. As viceroys on his earth we have to utilize natural resources in a sustainable and proactive manner in order to ensure that’s Allah Boutines to continue. When Prophet Muhammad sayings came into existence and they became obligatory for us because his ideas, traditions and values provide an effective and comprehensive solution to the problem. As humans we are the guardians of this environment so, It’s our duty to fulfill the commandments of God. Cleanliness is the pathway to health and strength. Islam wants a healthy and strong Muslim society which is capable of understanding and applying Allah’s message and carrying it away to the whole world. Islam is a religion that encourages and loves cleanliness – of the mind, soul, and body. From verses of the Holy Quran to the Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad, the importance of cleanliness is deeply apparent. It would be great if we start from our home, neighborhood, localities, towns and cities to campaign for sustainable way of living. In short, cleanliness is a part of faith or we can say it is half the faith. No Islam teaches us to throwing garbage into Rivers and lakes, streets, roads or parks, it has become a common practice in our society. There are many other examples which can be cited to indicate the pathetic condition of cleanliness and hygiene in our society. It’s essential to provide civic education in order to aware the people of a society. So it’s a wakeup call before it gets too late. In this time we have to organise environment awareness programs and demonstrates it how Islam justifies the conservation and protection of environment. However, this fundamental and powerful tenet of our faith, unfortunately, is not reflected in our society practically. Serious reflection is required in order to make this valuable principal of Islam part of our lives. Hence, there is a dire need to make conscious efforts in educating the people about the importance of cleanliness.
( The author is a freelancer . Views are his own)
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