Islamic perspective on the environment

As Ramadan has drawn to a close and Muslims around the world have celebrated Eid, our Public Affairs Officer, Asim Ali, discusses the value of environmental stewardship from an Islamic perspective. Asim sets out how Islamic teachings might inspire a new generation of Muslims to value the need to preserve the environment.

The environment sector lacks diversity, both within the profession itself and in how it approaches policy and practice with regard to the green agenda and climate change. Muslims in the United Kingdom have experienced socio-economic and socio-cultural marginalisation as a result of their ethno-religious identities and migratory backgrounds. This has also impacted environmental sustainability within Muslims as socio-economic and socio-cultural marginalisation has often been contributed to poor environment standards, such as sub-optimal air quality levels etc.

Different religions, including Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam, recognise the value of environmental stewardship and urge their adherents to protect the planet and its biodiversity. The teachings of the Prophet Mohammed and the Qur'an, the holy book of Muslims worldwide, state that we should maintain a healthy environment, reduce waste, and exhibit kindness to God's creation which have always been fundamental Islamic trademarks.

According to Islamic teachings, all living things, not just humans, have a right to share in nature's basic elements: water, fire, wood, and light. The importance of preserving the environment and its resources has been underlined by Islam. Islam instills environmental preservation in its followers and Muslims hold the view that God will hold mankind accountable for their actions should they not protect the planet.

Around 200 verses in the Qu'ran are dedicated to the environment and the significance of protecting God's earth which is considered a most priceless creation. For Muslims, this is the most reliable source of information since it fully encapsulates the teachings of Islam. It teaches Muslims that "the creation of the heavens and the earth is greater indeed than the creation of man."

Throughout his lifetime, Prophet Muhammad demonstrated the value of resource preservation, sustainable consumption, tree planting, compassion for all creatures, and upholding a clean and safe environment. Muslims aspire to live according to the example set by Prophet Muhammad, and by imitating his support of environmental sustainability, we can become ambassadors for the preservation of the environment.