Quranic Concept Of Eco-Protection: Eco-Friendly Iftar Celebration
By Grace Mubashir, New Age Islam
27 March 2023
Quran Has
Pointed Toward Believers’ Moral And Spiritual Responsibility Towards Nature And
The Protection Of Diversity. The Holy Qur’an Offers A Completely Integrated
View Of The Universe, Where The Human Soul And The Environment, Mind, And
Matter Are All Part Of One Living, Conscious Whole.
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Believers should try to celebrate virtuous
Iftar programs eco-friendly. Iftar is a pious ritual in Islam and the
protection of nature and the environment is at the core of Islamic teachings.
Iftar programs involving large-scale one-time-use-only plastics go against the
grain of Islamic teachings which demands optimal utilization of resources.
Across the world, some noteworthy movements are underway in this regard.
Shedding plastics is the major step. Steel
cutleries are easy replacement. Piety also includes responsibility toward the
larger society. Along with reining in profligacy, reducing ecologically harmful
conveniences are part of Islamic theology demanding positive social
responsibility.
Quranic Concept Of Eco-Protection
In various places, Quran has pointed toward
believers’ moral and spiritual responsibility towards nature and the protection
of diversity. The Holy Qur’an offers a completely integrated view of the
universe, where the human soul and the environment, mind, and matter are all
part of one living, conscious whole. Therefore, it exhorts man to live a
balanced, moderate and an eco-friendly life without causing any harm to nature.
It says, for instance: “And do not commit abuse on the earth, spreading
corruption.” (Qur’an, 2:60), and elsewhere: “And do not desire
corruption in the land. Indeed, God does not like corruptors.” (Qur’an
28:77).
Hadeeth also admonishes believers against
the reckless destruction of nature. Prophet has emphasized many a times respect
and moderate consumption of resources. Prophet has cautioned the faithful
against extravagantly using water for ablution, even from the overflowing
river. Islam considers man as representative of divine command and hence
responsible for his actions. He is accounted for all his actions and thus
admonish believers to lead conscientious life. The Prophet was keen on planting
trees and exhorted his Companions, too, to do so. He said, “Whoever plants a
tree and diligently looks after it until it matures and bears fruit is
rewarded” (Source: Musnad). This saying is sufficient to apprise us of the
eco-friendly nature of Islam. Planting a tree is a ‘Sadaqah Jariyah’ (continued
charity) in Islam, for the poor and the rich alike. Whenever a human being or
even an animal shelter under the shade of a tree or relishes a fruit that it
produces, the planter will earn rewards, even after his or her death.
Hussain Nasr’s works brought to prominence
the ecological teachings of Islam in the modern time. His coherent views
linking Islamic teachings with the developing literature in this regard gave to
environmental protection a religious vigor. Sadly, in India, such an
integrative approach is yet to develop.
Eco-Friendly Models From Muslim Countries
Besides academic guidance, many practical
exhortations have been given by the faithful across the world. Iraq leads the
example by strictly following green protocol during religious gatherings.
Plastic waste used to clog the inland waterways. To save the natural health of
water bodies, Green Pilgrim, an organization working for environmental
protection, replaced plastics with reusable sacks and water bottles. They
promote refill stations and contributions to environmental protection.
Saudi Arabia has come forward with
eco-friendly actions while ensuring physical safety. According to New Vision
Plan by 2030, the government plans to completely develop holy sites with
eco-friendly consumption.
UAE leads the efforts through government
coordination. Many Masjid committees in the west have taken lead to ensure
eco-friendly Iftar celebrations. These efforts are motivated out of the
conviction that nature and spiritual piety go hand in hand.
In India, Muslim communities are yet to
understand the gravity of the importance. It could be disproportionately
attributed to a lack of environmental awareness in the developing nation. But
according to religious literature, this is not a plausible excuse and the
faithful and Muslim organizations should take up initiatives in this regard.
Only then Muslim will be the community praised in Quran as an emulative
community for all human hood.
Malappuram District In Kerala Shows The
Way
A meeting of representatives of religious
organizations chaired by Malappuram District Collector VR Premkumar prior to
Ramadan called for making Iftar meetings environment-friendly. Use steel plates
and glasses instead of plastic thermocol, paper and aluminum foil type glasses
and plates for the distribution of food, beverages and tea at Iftar meetings,
use paper cups instead of plastic cups for ice cream and salad distribution
were some of the suggestions agreed upon. Use maximum steel cups, completely
avoid flex plastic products for signs, notices and banners and use paper or
fabric ones.
Although many gaps are still evident in
implementation, this is a praiseworthy initiative by the Muslim community
toward their larger social and religious interests.
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A regular columnist for NewAgeIslam.com, Mubashir V.P is a PhD scholar in
Islamic Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia and freelance journalist.
URL:
https://newageislam.com/islamic-ideology/eco-friendly-iftar-quran-muslims/d/129413
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