“And Allah has sent down rain from the sky and given life thereby to the earth after its lifelessness. Indeed in that is a sign for a people who listen.” Quran, 16:65
“And Allah has sent down rain from the sky and given life thereby to the earth after its lifelessness. Indeed in that is a sign for a people who listen.” Quran, 16:65
In a time when our environment is constantly deteriorating causing extreme weather and climate change, we must turn to the ultimate guide in the words of the Qur’an which reminds us of the perfect creations of our Lord as well as our entrusted responsibility as khalifahs on Earth.
1. Protection from corruption
“…And do not commit abuse on the earth, spreading corruption.” Quran, 2:60
Corruption can have many forms like theft, fraud, and political crime. But you can’t forget the corruption that has led to environmental issues seen through the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and the mass deforestation of the Amazon rainforest. The Qur’an reminds us to always be wary of our actions and the impact it can have on our world.
2. The gardens of paradise
“And it is He who sends down rain from the sky, and We produce thereby the growth of all things. We produce from it greenery from which We produce grains arranged in layers. And from the palm trees – of its emerging fruit are clusters hanging low. And [We produce] gardens of grapevines and olives and pomegranates, similar yet varied. Look at [each of] its fruit when it yields and [at] it’s ripening. Indeed in that are signs for a people who believe.” Quran, 6:99
The Qur’an here talks more in-depth about plants and fruits mentioning how Allah has created grapevines, olives, and pomegranates. Allah’s intricate creation and unique design is discussed here as a reminder that only He can create what is perfect on this earth.
3. Respecting all creations
“And there is no creature on [or within] the earth or bird that flies with its wings except [that they are] communities like you. We have not neglected in the Register a thing. Then unto their Lord they will be gathered.” Quran, 6:38
Allah uses communities (umma) to bridge the similarities between animals and humans. There is a beauty and majesty in the innate construct of swimming shoals of fish or flocks of birds dancing in the skies. The Qur’an reminds us about how animal rights must be respected as well and it is a shame to see animals abused all around the world whether it is by hunting or in laboratories.
4. Preserving the ozone layer
“And We made the sky a protected ceiling, but they, from its signs, are turning away.” Quran, 21:32
The Qur’an reminds us that Allah cares for us by creating our world with the ozone layer to protect us from UV rays that can harm us and other organisms. But Allah already knows that humans will destroy the ozone layer away in their greed. This reminds us that we need to protect Allah’s creation in order to protect ourselves as well.
5. The blessing from above
“And Allah has sent down rain from the sky and given life thereby to the earth after its lifelessness. Indeed in that is a sign for a people who listen.” Quran, 16:65
Water is a huge life-providing theme in the Qur’an. Allah talks about how He creates life through water then sustains it by streams, the rains, rivers, and oceans that are homes for so many. Allah here uses the analogy of life and death for Muslims to recognise the value of water reminding us to provide clean water for all.
6. The perfect creation
“Verily all things We have created in proportion and measure.” Quran, 54:49
Allah has created everything on this earth with intricacy making it completely perfect. This serves as a timely reminder to those who are changing the perfect world created by Allah through land reclamation.
7. Human responsibility on earth
“Remember when your Lord said to the angels, ‘I am going to place a successive human authority on earth.’” Quran, 2:30
Allah has chosen and created us humans to preside over the earth. The Qur’an, similar to the bible, alludes to a stewardship role for humans through their title of being “khalifahs” over all of the earth. It is therefore our responsibility to fulfill this role that Allah has entrusted us with and this can be done through the safeguarding of the environment.
