Islam, Environment and Eco-Muslim
By
Bilal Ahmad Paray, New Age Islam
5 June 2022
Islam Is
An Eco-Friendly Religion And Represents A Unique Model For A Transition To
Sustainable Development By Focusing On Justice And Harmony Between Human And
Nature
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World
Environment Day is celebrated on 5th June across the world . It is important to
care for the environment we live in, not only for our health but for our
survival too. This special day urges all at both individual and collective
level to explore renewable energy, green technologies and restore our
ecosystem. Islam is an Eco-friendly religion and represents a unique model for
a transition to sustainable development by focusing on justice and harmony
between human and nature.
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Islam has a
rich tradition of highlighting the importance of environmental protection,
ecological restoration and conservation of resources. Islam views the
environmental challenges as an indicator for a moral and ethical crisis.
Looking at the creation of humans, earth, and cosmos as signs of the Creator is
a key in Islamic values . The Qur'anic injunction “And do good as Allah has
been good to you. And do not seek to cause corruption on the earth ” (Al
Qasas : 77) teaches to live good life on the planet .
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There
offers a sense of hope and optimism in Islam about the possibility of attaining
harmony between human and nature. The planet Earth finds balance, when humans
rethink about their lifestyles and mind-sets as stated in the Holy Quran;
"Corruption has appeared in both land and sea, because of what people’s
own hands have brought." (Al Rum: 41)
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. The ecological crisis is linked to
human ethics and values. Today human actions are responsible for its global
ecological crisis that reflects on the main environment includes the
destruction of natural habitats, loss of biodiversity, climate change, Ozone
depletion, Global warming and erosion of soil. Human responsibility is to save
and protect livelihood and ecosystem. To celebrate the symphony of life, all
humans need to celebrate and protect its biological and cultural diversity.
Islamic
worldview calls to make a transition for a sustainable society and economy by
adopting responsible development and respecting sustainability principles. This
change requires a shift in our norms and practices. Islam being an Eco-friendly
religion became a powerful part of the solution if humans embody a holistic
spiritual view towards mankind.
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 its environmental conservation. The first principle
which guides Islamic teachings on environmental sustainability is the concept
of trusteeship. Being a responsible guardian, 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)
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Also Read: Environment And Human Life Are Inter-Dependent in all
World Religions
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According
to Islam every human being is the custodian of nature, and must live with
harmony with other creatures. It is enjoined upon us all to be eco-Muslims. All
kinds of corruptions including environmental corruption, environmental damage,
reckless exploitation and mismanagement of natural resources are disliked by
the almighty Allah (SWT). The Holy Qur’an mentions it as; “And Allah loveth
not those who do mischief .” (Al Ma’eda: 64)
The
exploitation of a particular natural resource is directly related to
accountability and maintenance of the available resources . The traditions of
the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also deal extensively with various aspects of
environment including resource conservation, land reclamation and environmental
hygiene. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) discouraged over-consumption, luxury and
lavishness and encouraged moderation in all walks of life.
The Prophet
Muhammad (PBUH) also forbades destruction of trees and crops even during in
war. 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.
Planting a tree is a charitable gift which motivates one towards the green
environment. The Prophet (PBUH) recognized that natural resources should not be
exploited or abused any more. Islam doesn't like wasters (Al-Ar'af : 21)
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Also
Read: Islam and the Environment: an Indian Muslim’s Perspective
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The Holy
Qur’an and the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) are guiding to promote
sustainable development around the Globe. 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. The use of refrigerants (CFC's, halons and freons) should
be avoided especially in Masjids as a Green Islam in order to save the
protective ceiling "And We made the sky a protected ceiling (canopy)
(Qur'an, 21:32)
In short,
Islam stressed in the preservation of environment without any disturbance and
destruction. Let us follow the teachings of Eco-Islamic ideas to make our
selves Eco-Muslims for its best, cleanest, green and corrupt free environment.
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Bilal
Ahmad Paray hails from Tral and can be reached at paraybilal2@gmail.com
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-environment/environment-eco-muslim/d/127175
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