Time has come when we must dedicate at least one day a week in our neighborhoods, villages for environment

By: Miraj Zargar

For centuries, religions have profoundly influenced societies, shaping collective values and individual behaviors. In the current industrial era, when humanity is facing a severe environmental crisis, a pertinent question arises: can Islamic teachings contribute to environmental protection? Islam, in fact, advocates for the preservation of nature. With nearly two billion Muslims globally, who make up around 25% of the world’s population, their adherence to Islamic environmental ethics could play a significant role in addressing the global environmental crisis. A study of the Quran, Hadith, jurisprudence, and Islamic mysticism reveals that environmental protection is a fundamental principle in Islam. Although some Islamic governments have overlooked environmental issues, prioritizing developmental projects instead, Islamic beliefs inherently promote environmental responsibility.

As Islam is a comprehensive way of life and a moralistic religion, its ethical philosophy discusses the morality of human actions. Environmental ethics examines how humans interact with nature and the moral implications of their actions. According to Islam, all creations are manifestations of Allah’s wisdom, power, and mercy. The Quran states:

“And when your Lord said to the angels, ‘I am creating a vicegerent on earth,’ they said, ‘Will You place therein one who causes corruption and sheds blood, while we declare Your praises and sanctify You?’ He said, ‘Indeed, I know that which you do not know.'” (Al-Baqarah)

This verse illustrates that humans are Allah’s vicegerents (khalifah) and should maintain balance on earth. However, human selfishness and the excessive exploitation of natural resources have disrupted this balance. The Quran, as the fundamental sacred text of Islam, mentions nature multiple times and designates humans as its guardians or “khalifah.” In Surah Al-Baqarah, humans are declared Allah’s vicegerents, indicating that they should protect rather than dominate nature.

Furthermore, the Quran contains the concept of “Mizan” (balance), as mentioned in Surah Ar-Rahman, stating that Allah has created everything in a balanced system and has prohibited humans from disrupting this balance. This concept aligns with today’s environmental principles, promoting sustainable lifestyles.

The concept of “Tawhid” in Islam is not limited to faith; it also highlights environmental awareness. Since the entire universe is Allah’s creation, harming nature equates to disrespecting His signs. This is why Islamic environmental principles emphasize respect for nature and all creatures within it.

If Islamic teachings are fully understood, it becomes evident that Islam is an environmentally friendly religion. The Quran teaches balance, care, and harmony with nature, while Hadiths provide direct guidance on environmental protection. Sufism adds depth to these ideas, emphasizing respect for nature. Sufi saints view nature as a sign of Allah, and living in harmony with it is a means of attaining closeness to God.

For example, the famous Sufi poet Rumi considered nature a manifestation of God’s beauty, teaching humans to love the earth. Similarly, Ibn Arabi regarded the natural environment as a spiritual experience. Our Alamdar-e-Kashmir has encouraged maintaining environmental balance in many of his verses. For Sufis, adopting a simple lifestyle and moderating the use of natural resources bring one closer to Allah’s pleasure, and Sufism teaches asceticism and contentment, which align with modern environmental principles.

The Quran has provided a comprehensive warning about the importance of water:

“Say, ‘If your water should go away, who could bring you clear water?'” (Al-Mulk)

A true Muslim is one who follows Allah’s commands and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Since the environment is an essential part of human life, Islam has given clear guidelines on how to treat it. But a crucial question arises: are Muslims adhering to these principles? Had they done so, the current environmental crisis would not be as severe. Islam teaches that protecting the environment is necessary because human survival depends on it. Environmental issues such as global warming, climate change, and pollution pose threats to existence. Moreover, Islam views environmental protection as a religious responsibility.

Similarly, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged planting trees and conserving natural resources:

“If a Muslim plants a tree or sows seeds, and a bird, human, or animal eats from it, it is a charity for him.” (Bukhari)

“Whoever plants a tree and cares for it until it bears fruit will be rewarded.” (Musnad Ahmad)

Scientific efforts alone have proven insufficient to halt environmental destruction. Some researchers suggest that incorporating religious principles into this endeavor could be more effective. Non-Islamic researchers also argue that religious communities can significantly influence people’s behaviors since religious directives are often taken more seriously than secular principles. Although the fundamental teachings of Islam are environmentally friendly, some misinterpretations have presented the concept of human dominion as a justification for exploiting nature. The Quran states in Surah Al-Jathiya that Allah has made the earth and the heavens subservient to humans, which some view as evidence of human superiority.

However, when the Quran is read in its full context, it becomes clear that humans have not been granted dominion over the earth but rather a trust that comes with accountability. The Quran prohibits wastefulness and extravagance, indicating that human control over nature is not unbridled but is accompanied by moral responsibility.

Although Islamic teachings encourage environmental protection, some Muslim-majority countries have overlooked environmental issues in their policies. Many governments have prioritized industrial development and economic benefits over environmental concerns, resulting in deforestation, pollution, and the excessive use of natural resources. However, these policies do not reflect the core teachings of Islam; rather, they are implemented due to specific political and economic circumstances. In contrast, several Islamic institutions and environmental organizations are actively working for environmental protection based on Islamic principles.

For instance, in 2015, an Islamic environmental declaration was issued emphasizing the need for action against global climate change. Additionally, many Muslim organizations are engaged in sustainable agriculture, forest conservation, and promoting environmental awareness. Islamic teachings can play a crucial role in modern environmental movements. Throughout Islamic history, gardens and natural reserves were protected through waqf (charitable endowment) institutions. Reviving this tradition could be beneficial for environmental protection. Similarly, principles of Islamic economics, such as halal investment and avoidance of usury, encourage business models that are environmentally friendly. Furthermore, environmental justice is an important aspect of Islamic teachings, emphasizing the fair distribution of natural resources and protecting marginalized communities from environmental pollution.

In the subcontinent, Muslims exhibit a very poor and negligent attitude towards the environment, primarily due to increasing population and religious fanaticism. Our own Kashmir is an extremely delicate region concerning the environment, and it is regrettable to state that the condition we have inflicted upon our environment is nothing short of ingratitude. On a religious level, we are rapidly heading towards sectarian violence and hatred, and our misguided clerics are straying not only from environmental ethics but also from basic Islamic ethics. It is distressing and concerning that mosques, khanqahs (Sufi lodges), and their surrounding water springs and streams have now turned into heaps of filth, while our clerics are engrossed in sectarian fireworks. There is a pressing need for the educated youth to take the environmental crisis seriously and dedicate at least one day a week in every neighborhood and village for the betterment of the environment.