By working together to protect the environment, we can ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy the beauty and resources of the earth and fulfill our responsibility as trustees of Allah’s (SWT) creation.
By working together to protect the environment, we can ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy the beauty and resources of the earth and fulfill our responsibility as trustees of Allah’s (SWT) creation.
Islam, as a religion, places great emphasis on the conservation and protection of the Earth and its environment. The Quran and the Sunnah, the two primary sources of Islamic teachings, provide clear guidance and directives on the importance of environmental protection, and many Muslim scholars and thinkers have contributed to this discourse throughout history.
One of the most significant teachings in Islam regarding the environment is the concept of “Khalifa,” which refers to the concept of human beings as stewards of the Earth, responsible for its protection and care. This concept is rooted in the Quranic verse, which states: “It is He who has made you Khalifa on the earth” (Quran 6:165).
Islamic teachings also emphasize the importance of conservation and sustainability in the use of natural resources. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have said, “The Earth is green and beautiful, and Allah has appointed you his stewards over it. The whole Earth has been created for your benefit, and He has appointed you as His trustees over it” (Sahih Muslim).
In addition, Islamic teachings also emphasize the importance of the ethical treatment of animals and the preservation of biodiversity. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have said, “Whoever kills a sparrow or anything bigger than that without a just cause, Allah will hold him accountable on the Day of Judgment” (Sunan al-Nasa’i).
Numerous Islamic scholars and thinkers throughout history have contributed to the discourse on environmental protection and conservation. The renowned Muslim scholar and philosopher, Ibn Rushd, also known as Averroes, wrote extensively on the importance of preserving the natural environment. He argued that the natural world should be protected and preserved for the benefit of all humanity, and that the destruction of the environment is a violation of the trust that Allah has placed upon human beings.
Another prominent Muslim thinker, Al-Ghazali, emphasized the importance of conserving water resources, arguing that water is a precious and finite resource that should be used wisely and sparingly.
In addition to these Islamic teachings and the contributions of Muslim scholars throughout history, scientific research has also provided evidence of the importance of environmental protection and conservation. For example, research has shown that deforestation and the destruction of natural habitats can have devastating effects on ecosystems and the biodiversity of the planet. Additionally, climate change and pollution have been identified as significant threats to the health and well-being of both humans and the natural environment.
In recent years, many scintillating scientific researches have been done on the topic of Islam’s concerns towards the conservation and protection of the Earth and the environment and therefore so many Muslim intellectuals have emerged with resolutions and arguments. One such scholar is Dr. Seyyed Hossein Nasr, a renowned Islamic scholar and environmentalist. He has written extensively on the importance of Islamic teachings in relation to the environment, and has emphasized the need for Muslims to take an active role in environmental conservation.
Dr. Nasr argues that the Islamic view of the environment is holistic and based on the principle of tawhid, or the oneness of Allah (SWT). This view sees the environment as an interconnected system, where all living beings are interdependent and share a common purpose. Thus, it is the responsibility of humans to protect and care for the environment, as it is a reflection of Allah’s (SWT) majesty and beauty.
Another Muslim scholar who has written extensively on the environment is Fazlun Khalid, the founder of the Islamic Foundation for Ecology and Environmental Sciences (IFEES) in the UK. He has emphasized the need for Muslims to take an active role in environmental conservation and to incorporate environmental ethics into their daily lives. He argues that this can be achieved through education and awareness-raising campaigns, as well as through the development of environmentally friendly practices in industries and agriculture.
In addition to the works of these scholars, there are many practical examples of environmental conservation and protection initiatives that have been carried out by Muslims around the world. For example, in Indonesia, the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) has launched a campaign to clean up the country’s polluted rivers and beaches. Similarly, in Egypt, the Islamic Foundation for Ecology and Environmental Sciences (IFEES) has been working to promote sustainable development and environmental awareness among local communities. Likewise, the Islamic Declaration on Global Climate Change, signed by over 60 prominent Muslim scholars and leaders in 2015, emphasized the importance of environmental protection and called for urgent action to address climate change.
In a nutshell, the conservation and protection of the earth and its environment is an important aspect of Islam. The Qur’an and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) emphasize the responsibility of humans to care for the earth and its resources and to avoid waste and excess. Furthermore, many Muslim scholars and organizations have emphasized the need for Muslims to take an active role in environmental conservation, and to incorporate environmental ethics into their daily lives.
By working together to protect the environment, we can ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy the beauty and resources of the earth and fulfill our responsibility as trustees of Allah’s (SWT) creation.
