Sustainability is one of the most widely discussed concepts in modern science and policy-making. Governments, industries, and environmentalists emphasize the need for sustainable practices to combat climate change, conserve resources, and ensure a better future. However, a critical question arises: Does the concept of sustainability, as presented in scientific discourse, align with the religious teachings such as Qur’anic understanding of how nature functions?Sustainability in science credits the cycles and processes of sustenance, but Ignores sustainer? At first glance, sustainability and the Qur’an seem to share common ground—both emphasize balance, responsibility, and conservation. But a deeper examination reveals a fundamental difference: modern science views sustainability as a self-sustaining system, while the Qur’an presents it as a divinely sustained order. This contrast raises essential questions about the limitations of human intervention and the ultimate fate of our planet.
Science Says, Sustainability A Self-Regulating Mechanism: Science defines sustainability as maintaining ecological balance to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same. It assumes that ecosystems, climate patterns, and natural resources, if managed wisely, can sustain themselves indefinitely. The focus is on reducing human interference—limiting carbon emissions, preserving biodiversity, and promoting renewable energy sources. Modern sustainability efforts operate on three key assumptions:
1. Nature Is Self-Regulating – Climate cycles, ecosystems, and biodiversity can maintain themselves if left undisturbed.
2. Sustainability Is human-controlled – Through technology and policy, humans can ensure the long-term survival of Earth’s resources.
3. Earth’s survival is indefinite – With proper management, the planet can sustain life forever.
The believers of Islam (the Quranic teachings and Sahi Hadith)shall argue with the case of Prophet Noah and the great floods. How did the great floods occur? There was no industrialisation, no pollution, or no man-made disturbances. How did rains lash the region to an extent that all the mankind of the times of the Prophet Noah except his followers were perished in floods? There are hundreds of such examples in Islam which clash with the concept of sustainability in science.
Qur’anic Views Sustainability As Divine Sustenance: The Qur’an, however, challenges these assumptions by introducing the concept of Al-Qayyūm (The Self-Sustaining). This divine attribute signifies that all existence—living beings, natural cycles, and cosmic systems—functions not autonomously, but under the direct sustenance of Allah. “Allah! There is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of all existence” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:255). According to the Qur’an, no system—be it the rain cycle, gravity, or biodiversity—sustains itself. Everything depends on divine will, and nothing continues to function without Allah’s command. The balance of nature is not an independent mechanism but a deliberate order. “And We sent down from the sky water in due measure, and We caused it to settle in the earth…” (Surah Al-Mu’minun 23:18). This verse highlights that rainfall, essential for agriculture and ecosystems, is not a random process but a divinely measured phenomenon. If sustainability were truly self-sustaining, then why do climate imbalances, droughts, and environmental collapses occur despite conservation efforts?
“Science believes humans sustain the Earth, while the Qur’an asserts that only Al-Qayyūm sustains all existence that is on earth and sky. This understanding transforms sustainability from a human-centered effort into a God-conscious responsibility. While conservation efforts must continue, they should be driven by an awareness that ultimate control lies not in policies or technologies, but in divine will.
The Clash: While science and the Qur’an both advocate for responsible resource use, they fundamentally differ in three areas:
1. Sustainability’s Dependence; Scientific View: Earth’s systems are autonomous and can function indefinitely with proper management.
Qur’anic View: All systems, including sustainability itself, are dependent on Allah. If divine sustenance is withdrawn, no human effort can prevent collapse.
2. Causes Of Environmental Crisis; Scientific View: Climate change and environmental destruction result from industrialization, pollution, and overconsumption.
Qur’anic View: While human actions cause disruption, the deeper cause is moral and ethical corruption. The Qur’an explicitly links environmental decay to human wrongdoing. “Corruption has appeared on land and sea because of what people’s hands have done…” (Surah Ar-Rum 30:41)
3. The Future of Earth; Scientific View: With enough conservation, Earth can sustain life forever.
Qur’anic View: No matter how sustainable our actions are, the world is temporary.“Everything upon it will perish, and there will remain the Face of your Lord, Owner of Majesty and Honor” (Surah Ar-Rahman 55:26-27). Thus, while science seeks eternal sustainability, the Qur’an warns that Earth has an expiration date. The true focus should not only be sustaining the planet but also preparing for the Hereafter.
A Middle Path: Does this mean sustainability efforts are futile? Not at all. The Qur’an commands responsible consumption and environmental care.“Eat and drink, but do not waste. Indeed, He does not love the wasteful.” (Surah Al-A’raf 7:31). The key difference is perspective. Science promotes sustainability for survival.The Qur’an promotes sustainability for stewardship (Khilafah). Islam teaches that humans are caretakers of the Earth, not its masters. True sustainability is not just about preserving resources but using them responsibly with gratitude and recognizing divine sustenance.
Will Human Technologies and Policies Ensure Sustainability? Science and modern policy efforts have introduced remarkable innovations to promote sustainability—renewable energy, carbon capture, organic farming, afforestation projects, and climate agreements like the Paris Accord. These advancements undoubtedly reduce environmental damage and mitigate risks. But do they make the planet truly self-sustaining? The Qur’anic perspective suggests otherwise. While technologies and policies help regulate and slow down environmental decline, they do not grant sustainability in an absolute sense. Every technological fix depends on other factors—resources, climate stability, and ultimately, divine will. For example: Renewable energy (solar, wind) reduces reliance on fossil fuels, but what if natural disasters disrupt infrastructure? What if wind blow out of order (more intense or insignificant)? These solutions work only as long as Allah permits them to work. No matter how advanced our science becomes, it cannot prevent the natural decay of the Earth, nor can it reverse divine decree. Policies, innovations, and conservation efforts are necessary, but they are not the ultimate answer.
Conclusion: The clash between science and the Qur’an on sustainability is not about whether conservation is necessary, but about who sustains whom? Science believes humans sustain the Earth, while the Qur’an asserts that only Al-Qayyūm sustains all existence that is on earth and sky. This understanding transforms sustainability from a human-centered effort into a God-conscious responsibility. While conservation efforts must continue, they should be driven by an awareness that ultimate control lies not in policies or technologies, but in divine will. Instead of asking, “How can we sustain the Earth forever?” we should ask, “How can we fulfill our duty as caretakers/stewardship (Khilafah) before this world inevitably ends?” That is the true essence of sustainability in light of the Qur’an. After all, there is an infinite difference between words of Almighty-Allah and the words of Humans.
(The author a freelancer is also teacher and a researcher based in Gowhar Pora Chadoora. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
Dr. Ashraf Zainabi
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