Islam and Environment

World Environment Day is celebrated on 5th June across the world . It’s important to care for the environment we live in, not only for our health but for our survival too. This special day urge us all at both individual and collective level to come together and explore renewable energy, green technologies and restore the ecosystem. Islam represents a unique model for a transition to sustainable development by focusing on justice and harmony between human and nature. Islam views the environmental challenges as an indicator for a moral and ethical crisis. Looking at the creation of human, earth, and cosmos as signs of the Creator is a key in Islamic values. Water is the basic origin of every life that exists on earth . ‘We made from water every living thing’. (Qur’an, Al-Nur : 41) Islamic worldview defines a good life living lightly on Earth and caring for both people and nature. Qur’anic injunction is “And do good as Allah has been good to you. And do not seek to cause corruption on the earth. ” (Al Qasas : 77). Islamic discourse offers a sense of hope and optimism about the possibility of attaining harmony between human and nature. Earth will find a balance if humans rethink their lifestyles and mindsets as stated in the Quran: “Corruption has appeared in both land and sea, because of what people’s own hands have brought.” (Al Rum: 41). Here the consequences of evil by the acts of people are shown in order to understand the reality and turn to the righteous path. To revive the holistic view of Islam which is founded on the notion of harmony and natural state and in respecting balance and proportion in the systems of the universe. These notions provide an ethical dimension and a mandate for all humans to respect nature and all forms of life. Hence, the overcoming environmental crisis and mitigating the impact of climate change, from an Islamic perspective is underpinned by defining the role of humans as trustees and stewards of the planet earth. This balance has been disturbed because to human choices which result in over-consumption, over-exploitation and over-use of all its available resources. Islamic values call to save integrity and to protect the diversity of all forms of life. The ecological crisis is linked to human ethics and values. Human actions are responsible for the global ecological crisis. “Reflecting on the main environmental problems, such as the destruction of natural habitats, loss of biodiversity, climate change, Ozone depletion, Global warming and erosion of soil, we see that all are triggered by human greed and ignorance. Human responsibility is to save and protect livelihood and ecosystem services to ensure a sustainable civilization learning from and reflecting on the fate of past civilizations in Islam. To celebrate the symphony of life, all humans need to celebrate and protect biological and cultural diversity.
Islamic worldview calls to make a transition to a sustainable society and economy by adopting responsible development and respecting sustainability principles. This change requires a shift in norms and practices. Islam being a religion can become a powerful part of the solution if humans embody a holistic spiritual view towards mankind. To see a new Islamic discourse that emphasizes and links faith, reason and empathy to ensure an ecological insight restoration, we have to rethink educational systems that neglected the beauty and majesty of nature and the cosmos. The extinction of species around us which are simply communities like us may extend to humankind unless we change our worldviews and development models. Islamic beliefs, traditions and values provide an effective and comprehensive solution to the current environmental challenges faced by the human race. The Holy Qur’an has a number of specific references to ecology and also contains some important principles for environmental conservation. The first principle which guides Islamic teaching on environmental sustainability is the concept of trusteeship. Being a responsible guardian, a man should take all necessary steps to ensure that the entrusted property is passed on to the next generation in as pure form as it is possible. The holy Qur’an teaches as “And do not mischief on the earth after it has been set in order .” (Al A’raf : 85). According to Islam each man is the custodian of nature, and must live with harmony with other creatures. It is the duty of all Muslims to respect, nurture and care for the environment. Corruption of all kinds, including environmental corruption, which includes air, water, noise and industrial pollution, environmental damage, and reckless exploitation and mismanagement of natural resources are disliked by Allah (SWT). The Holy Qur’an directs it as; “And Allah loveth not those who do mischief .” (Al Ma’eda: 64). According to the teachings of Islam, It is not an optional matter to remain exemped in any way . The exploitation of a particular natural resource is directly related to accountability and maintenance of the available resources. The traditions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also deal extensively with various aspects of environment including resource conservation, land reclamation and environmental hygiene. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) discouraged over-consumption, luxury and lavishness and encouraged moderation in all walks of life. The Prophet (PBUH) clearly forbade destruction of trees and crops even during war times as long as their existence remains advantageous to the enemy. The Prophet (PBUH) gave high degree of importance towards sustainable cultivation of land, waste minimization, humane treatment of animals, preservation of natural resources and protection of water and wildlife. In Islam, planting a tree is a charitable gift which motivates one towards the green environment. The Prophet (PBUH) recognized that natural resources should not be over-exploited or abused any more. Islam doesn’t like wasters; ‘ Eat and drink: but waste not by excess.’ (Al-Araf : 21). Islam cares about each drop of water even though there is a flowing river. One day Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) passed by Hazrat Sa`d ibn Abi Waqas (R.A) while he was performing ablution (wudu) ’. Then the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) asked Sa`d: “What is this wastage?” Hazrat Sa`d (R.A) replied: “Is there wastage in wudu also?” The Prophet (PBUH) said, “ Yes, even if you are at an abundantly flowing river.” (Ibn_Majah). Islam has a rich tradition of highlighting the importance of environmental protection, ecological restoration and conservation of natural resources. According to Islamic law, the basic elements of nature – land, water, forest, and light – belong to all living things, not just human beings. The Holy Qur’an and the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) are guiding to promote sustainable development around the Globe . Allah (SWT) commands human beings to avoid doing mischief and wasting resources as these acts cause degradation of the environment. The privilege to exploit natural resources was given to the mankind on a guardianship basis, which implies the right to use another person’s property on the promise that it will not be damaged or destroyed. Islam stressed in the preservation of environment without any disturbance and destruction. Let us all together inspire ourselves through the teachings of Islam in order to make it best, clean, green and corrupt free environment around the world to make the ecological restoration.
(Author a freelancer hails from Tral area of Pulwama district. Views are his own)
[email protected]