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Islam has a clear perspective about nature and its resources at its core. The religion advocates for environmental conservation and responsible stewardship of the Earth. Quranic verses and Hadiths stress the concept of Khalifah (stewardship) entrusted upon humans, urging them to be the guardians of the environment, resource preservation and ensuring sustainability for future generations. Islamic beliefs and values provide a comprehensive solution to the contemporary environmental challenges faced by the human race. Islam highlights the importance of muslim matrimony to increase mankind and more caretakers for ecological protection and conservation of natural resources. Islamic law expresses the basic elements of nature such as land, water, forest, fire and light, all belong to living things, not just human beings.
Islamic Principles of Environmental Stewardship
With the guiding torch of the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah, it is easy to promote sustainable development in Islamic countries and worldwide. Allah commands mankind to avoid wrongdoings and wasting resources as these acts cause severe degradation of the environment. Allah (SWT) privileged mankind to exploit natural resources on a guardianship basis, which implies the right to use another person’s land on the promise that it will not be damaged, misused or destroyed. In this essay, we will explore how the Islamic faith encourages sustainable living practices and how these principles can be applied in contemporary times. This blog post helps to analyze how the Islamic faith encourages sustainable living practices and how these practices can be applied in contemporary times.
According to Sahih Muslim, Hazrat Muhammad (SAW), “If a Muslim plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird (any bird), or a person, or an animal eats from it, it is regarded as a charitable gift (Sadaqah) for him.”
The reverence for nature and ecological balance can be narrated from this Hadith mentioned below.
According to Ibn-e-Majah, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “Do not waste water (natural resource), even if you (Muslims) perform your ablution (Wadu’u) on the banks of an abundantly flowing river.”
Islamic Warfare Principles
Islam strictly forbade the killing of plants, animals, fruit-bearing trees, and vegetation during the war for the conservation of the environment. The prohibition aimed at the protection of civilians and ecosystems during war times. These injunctions symbolize Islamic wisdom and efforts to preserve life.
Land Reclamation
The Islamic injunctions about the reclamation of land and equal rights of every creature to get the benefits from the resources of the earth are commendable. The Holy Prophet (SAW) said: “Whosoever brings dead land to life (fruits and vegetables), for him is a reward (blessing) in it, and whatever any creature seeking food eats of it shall be quantified as charity from him“.
Wildlife Protection
Islam provides complete protection to the ecosystem for the coexistence of all the creatures living on the earth. Wildlife and natural resources are safeguarded under Islamic rules by zoning around areas called “hima”. Industrial development, habitation, and extensive grazing are not allowed in these areas. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the Caliphs of Islam, established such “hima” zones as common lands managed and protected by public authority for the conservation of natural resources.
Water Rights
Islamic laws on water conservation are also to promote sustainable agricultural practices including water conservation, crop rotation, and land stewardship. In the Quran (56:68-70), it is said, "Have you seen the water that you drink? Did you bring it down from the clouds, or is it We who brought it down? If We commanded, We could make it bitter (undrinkable), so why are you not grateful?" It represents the significance of water as a divine gift.
Environment Protection
Islam emphasizes environmental conservation for the preservation of resources. To foster the maintenance and conservation of the environment, ISNA provides specialized environment protection programs to spread awareness among people. It is important to realize that the conservation of the environment is a religious duty commanded by Allah. It helps to stop the environmental degradation.
Waste Management
The efficient use of natural resources and waste management is highly important in Islam. In the Quran, Allah says, “Eat and drink, but waste not by excess; “He” (Allah) loves not the excessive”, (Al-A’raf 7:31). Islam lays stress upon the proper disposal of the waste to avoid environmental degradation. The recycling process is also one of the ways of environment conservation and waste management.
Water Purity and Conservation
Islam has clear teachings about using purified water and avoiding the wastage of natural resources. The Prophet (SAW) said, “Don’t waste water even if you are on a running river”. It signifies the importance of water as a natural resource. Water is life for all the ecological creatures. Thus, the conservation of water in the form of streams, lakes, and dams is essential to avoid drought and other environmental damage.
Eco-friendly Forestry
Islamic injunctions on the preservation of trees and plants find their roots in Quranic teachings. The prophet says: “Whoever plants a tree and looks after it with care, until it matures (grows) and becomes productive, will be rewarded in the Hereafter ''. Youth are encouraged to plant trees as a constructive practice and learn more about forest conservation as a subject utilizing merit-based Muslim scholarships. Everyone should plant a tree at least once in a lifetime. Even during the war, Muslim leaders, such as Abu Baker, advised their troops not to chop down trees, destroy agriculture or kill animals.
Public Participation
The conservation, protection and development of the environment is fundamental for a secure ecosystem. The preservation and development of natural resources is a mandatory religious duty to support life on Earth. It’s an individual’s responsibility to protect the environment and the community around them before expecting the same from Allah. Allah said, “Do good, even as God has done you good, and do not pursue corruption (evil deed) on the earth. Allah does not like corrupt souls ”.
Final Words
Islamic principles of sustainable living are well narrated in the teachings of the Quran and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). These principles stress the importance of environmental stewardship, preservation of resources, and moderation in consumption. By adhering to these laws discussed above, Muslims can best contribute to the preservation of the planet Earth and the well-being of the next generations. Furthermore, the integration of the Islamic code into contemporary sustainability efforts can provide valuable results and guidance in addressing the environmental challenges in the face of the modern world.
Written By Mahnoor Zahid
Islamic Principles Of Sustainable Living: How Faith Encourages Environmental Stewardship
Published on July 15, 2024
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Excerpt
Islam has a clear perspective about nature and its resources at its core. The religion advocates for environmental conservation and responsible stewardship of the Earth. Quranic verses and Hadiths stress the concept of Khalifah (stewardship) entrusted upon humans, urging them to be the guardians of the environment, resource preservation and ensuring sustainability for future generations. Islamic beliefs and values provide a comprehensive solution to the contemporary environmental challenges faced by the human race. Islam highlights the importance of muslim matrimony to increase mankind and more caretakers for ecological protection and conservation of natural resources. Islamic law expresses the basic elements of nature such as land, water, forest, fire and light, all belong to living things, not just human beings.
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