By Dr Musa Abdullahi Sufi
As the world grapples with the devastating effects of climate change, the need for innovative and inclusive solutions has never been more urgent. Among the many approaches to tackling this crisis, the role of faith-based principles is often overlooked. Yet, Islam, a religion with over 1.9 billion followers worldwide, offers profound guidance on environmental stewardship, sustainability, and global advocacy.
Rooted in teachings that emphasize harmony with nature, the conservation of resources, and moral responsibility, Islam presents an ethical blueprint for addressing the environmental challenges of our time. From the wisdom of its sacred texts to the actions of modern Islamic leaders, the religion provides a comprehensive framework for fostering global awareness and action on climate change.
Stewards of the Earth: The Islamic Mandate
In Islamic theology, humanity is entrusted with the role of Khalifah—stewards or caretakers of the Earth. This divine responsibility is underscored in the Qur’an: “It is He who has made you successors upon the Earth…” (Qur’an 6:165).
This stewardship is not merely a privilege but a duty, requiring humans to protect the environment and ensure its sustainability for future generations. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also emphasized this responsibility, declaring “The Earth is green and beautiful, and Allah has appointed you His stewards over it.” (Hadith, Sahih Muslim).
These teachings create a moral obligation for Muslims to engage in practices that preserve the Earth’s balance, from resource conservation to combating environmental degradation.
Islamic Teachings in Action
The environmental ethos of Islam is not confined to theological discussions; it is deeply practical and actionable as highlighted below;
Raising Environmental Awareness
Islam encourages believers to reflect on the wonders of creation as signs of Allah’s greatness. Verses in the Qur’an often call attention to the interconnectedness of life and the balance of nature, inspiring a sense of reverence and responsibility. This spiritual perspective has fueled environmental campaigns, educational initiatives, and sermons across the globe, raising awareness about the moral imperative to address climate change.
Sustainable Living
Prophet Muhammad’s teachings on resource conservation are particularly relevant in today’s context of overconsumption and waste. His advice, “Do not waste water, even if performing ablution on the banks of a flowing river”. This Hadith (saying of Prophet Muhammad SAW from Ibn Majah, highlights the importance of mindfulness in resource use.
These principles extend to broader aspects of sustainable living, encouraging Muslims to reduce waste, conserve energy, and adopt eco-friendly practices. Such actions align with global efforts to mitigate climate change and promote sustainability.
Islamic Leadership in Climate Advocacy
The modern era has seen Islamic leaders and scholars take proactive roles in addressing environmental challenges. The Islamic Declaration on Global Climate Change (2015) is a landmark initiative that calls on Muslim-majority countries to transition to renewable energy, reduce carbon emissions, and uphold international climate agreements.
Renowned scholars like Dr. Seyyed Hossein Nasr have written extensively on the ecological wisdom of Islam. Dr. Nasr argues that environmental degradation stems from a spiritual disconnection and urges Muslims to rediscover the sacredness of nature. His insights resonate with the global call for integrating spirituality into environmental advocacy.
Islamic Nations Leading by Example
Several Muslim-majority countries have emerged as leaders in climate action. Morocco’s Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex, one of the largest solar farms in the world, demonstrates how Islamic values can inspire large-scale renewable energy projects.
Similarly, the United Arab Emirates has invested heavily in green infrastructure, showcasing how innovation and sustainability can coexist within the framework of Islamic principles.
Wisdom of Islamic Scholars and Leaders
Throughout history, Islamic scholars have emphasized the importance of environmental stewardship among them include:
• Ibn Khaldun (14th-century scholar): “The Earth is a garden for humanity; when cared for, it flourishes, but neglect brings ruin.”
• Maulana Wahiduddin Khan: “Islam teaches harmony with nature, not its conquest.”
• Dr. Seyyed Hossein Nasr: “The desacralization of nature has led to its destruction. Islam restores the sacred and reminds us of our duty to protect it.”
These timeless perspectives continue to inspire modern efforts to align faith with environmental responsibility.
Islamic Guidance on Protecting Nature During War
Islam places significant emphasis on protecting the environment, even during times of conflict. The teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) clearly prohibit the destruction of trees and natural resources in warfare. In a well-known Hadith, the Prophet advised against cutting down fruit-bearing trees, saying: “Do not cut down trees, nor destroy cultivated fields.” (Hadith, Sahih Muslim).
This guidance underscores the importance of maintaining balance and harmony with nature, even in the midst of battle. Islamic law also forbids the harming of innocent civilians, the destruction of crops, and the disruption of ecosystems. Such prohibitions demonstrate Islam’s commitment to environmental stewardship, highlighting that the sanctity of nature should be preserved, irrespective of the circumstances.
A Universal Call to Action
The teachings of Islam offer not only a moral compass but also practical guidance for addressing the climate crisis. By drawing on its principles, governments, civil society, and individuals can foster a more sustainable future.
The Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encapsulates this ethos:
“If a Muslim plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, a person, or an animal eats from it, it is regarded as a charitable gift (sadaqah) for them.” (Hadith, Sahih al-Bukhari).
This teaching underscores the spiritual reward of nurturing the Earth, transforming environmental action into an act of worship.
Conclusion
The role of Islam in addressing climate change is both profound and practical. Its teachings, rooted in the sacred texts and exemplified by its leaders, provide a holistic approach to environmental stewardship. As the world faces unprecedented ecological challenges, embracing these principles can inspire collective action and foster a global movement toward sustainability.
Islam’s message is clear: caring for the Earth is not only a religious obligation but also a shared human responsibility. By amplifying this message and working together, we can create a greener, more equitable world for generations to come.