On Wednesday night, l attended a very well attended event at the London Central Mosque (The Islamic Cultural Centre) to hear what Islam has to offer on the Environment as the ICC launched its Environment & Sustainability Policy. Please use this attached link to hear what was said by the speakers on the night.
Now Islam places a strong emphasis on environmental stewardship, viewing humanity as caretakers of the earth and its resources. This responsibility, known as “Khalifah” (stewardship), is a fundamental aspect of the faith, requiring Muslims to protect and preserve the environment for future generations. The Quran and Hadith contain numerous verses and teachings that highlight this duty, emphasising the importance of sustainable practices and responsible resource management.
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Khalifah (Stewardship):
Islam teaches that humans are appointed as stewards or vicegerents of the Earth, entrusted with its care and management on behalf of God. This concept, derived from the Quran, emphasises that humans are not owners of the Earth, but rather caretakers responsible for its well-being.
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Amanah (Trust):
The Earth and its resources are considered a trust from God, and humans have a duty to manage them responsibly. This includes protecting the environment from harm and ensuring its sustainability for future generations
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Mizan (Balance):
Islam emphasises the concept of balance and harmony in creation. Humans are encouraged to maintain this balance by avoiding excess and wastefulness, and by acting with moderation and conservation in their use of natural resources.
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Quranic verses:
Numerous verses in the Quran highlight the human role as stewards of the Earth. For example, Surah Al-Baqarah (2:30) states, “It is He who has made you successors upon the earth,” according to Sedekahsg. Other verses emphasize the importance of protecting the natural world and avoiding corruption and destruction.
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Hadith:
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also emphasised the importance of environmental stewardship. A well-known hadith states, “The world is verdant and beautiful, and Allah has appointed you His stewards over it,” according to EcoMENA. Other hadiths encourage tree planting, greenery preservation, and kindness to animals.
As for the practical Implications, please see below;
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Resource Management:
Islam encourages the sustainable use of natural resources, including water, soil, and energy. This includes avoiding wastefulness, practicing moderation, and developing technologies that minimise environmental damage.
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Pollution Prevention:
Muslims are encouraged to minimize pollution and waste, and to avoid practices that cause harm to the environment.
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Conservation of Biodiversity:
Islam places a high value on the conservation of biodiversity, including plants, animals, and other natural resources. This includes protecting endangered species and preserving natural habitats.
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Kindness to Creation:
Islam teaches that all of God’s creation deserves respect and kindness. Muslims are encouraged to treat animals with compassion and to avoid cruelty to any living being.
In essence, Islam’s environmental teachings call for a holistic approach to environmental stewardship, encompassing both individual actions and collective responsibility. It emphasises that caring for the environment is not just a matter of environmental protection, but also a fundamental aspect of Islamic faith and practice.
