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 ----- 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. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Also Read: Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam Must Discover Their Spiritual Symbiosis for a Conflict-Free, Environment Conscious World ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 . ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Also Read: Climate Change and Environment Conservation – Concerns of Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism and Other Faiths Are the Same ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Also Read: Environment And Human Life Are Inter-Dependent in all World Religions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Also Read: Islam and the Environment: an Indian Muslim’s Perspective ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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. --- 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 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism