The climate crisis has become a key issue in recent years. Changing temperatures and weather patterns have raised alarm bells worldwide, impacting every aspect of our lives. The average global temperature is 1⁰C above the global average levels before the Industrial Revolution.
At this rate, scientists estimate that average global temperatures may rise by 2⁰C by 2100. This will spell disaster for the environment at large. Even minute changes in the environment can spell an ecological disaster.
Let us investigate how the climate crisis is impacting our lives and what we can do as Muslims to avert the unfolding disaster. It is time to get educated on Eco-Islam for the preservation of our future generations.
The Looming Crisis
As a planet, we are at a crossroads where one path leads to destruction while the other has the potential to turn the tide of time in our favor. Unfettered human activity and excessive exploitation of non-renewable resources have resulted in a crisis that threatens the existence of life on Earth.
With the global temperatures rising, the melting of glaciers and polar ice sheets kicks into action. This is worrying for multiple reasons. Glaciers are a major source of fresh water, feeding many rivers that would otherwise run dry.
It also leads to rising sea levels. This is especially concerning since 40% of the world’s population is located within 100km of various coastlines around the world. Multiple cities are in danger of going underwater if this rise in sea levels continues at the current rate.
Climate change has also been linked to the degradation of soil, a problem further compounded by the rampant cutting down of trees. Deforestation leads to soil erosion, and as the soil loses its fertility, it lowers productivity. This severely undermines food security and leads to shortages.
Overconsumption, disregard for the environment, and unchecked industrialization have put the future of our planet in peril. Climate change has lately become one of the most important policy issues globally. International forums regularly discuss the causes, impacts, and corrective measures relating to climate change.
Furthermore, international agencies have been formed to target specific areas of concern for the environment. The preservation of natural habitats and careful use of natural resources is a top priority. Sustainable living is being encouraged to save the planet.
All of these concerns are pertinent to us as Muslims as well. In Islam, we find countless commandments and examples of sustainability and protecting the environment.
Islamic Directives on Environmental Preservation and Sustainability
Even though the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) came centuries before the Industrial Revolution Islamic directives concerning the environment seem very modern. It is no coincidence since Allah (S.W.T) perfected the religion to suit any era and epoch.
1. Our Duties as Humans
Islam teaches us to live in harmony with the environment. Allah (S.W.T) has created everything and all that is in it. He is Al-Khaliq, The Creator (S.W.T). All things in the world, living or non-living, are created by Allah (S.W.T).
While He created many things, like trees, animals, and rivers, to benefit us, He did not permit us to destroy or exploit them. Humans are named Ashraf-ul-Makhluqat; it is a basic term in Islam that means ‘noblest of all creatures.’ Still, we are not allowed to misuse the gifts Allah (S.W.T) has granted us. Allah (S.W.T) makes this relationship clear to us in the following verses of the Holy Quran:
“We had offered the Trust (of divine responsibilities) to the heavens, the earth, the mountains, but they refrained from bearing the burden and were frightened of it; but man took it on himself. He is a faithless ignoramus. [33:72]
This implies a sacred trust. Allah (S.W.T) has granted us countless favors and blessings. Our duty, as His humble servants, is to benefit from these favors while safeguarding them to the best of our abilities. We should be forever grateful to Allah (S.W.T) as He has shown us mercy and granted us with so many blessings.
It is little wonder that throughout the entirety of Surah Ar-Rahman, Allah (S.W.T) recounts His blessings upon us and asks:
“How many favors of your Lord will you then deny?” [55:16]
Our role as a vicegerent on earth is not just limited to the environment. It extends to ourselves. Muslims are strictly forbidden from engaging in any kind of body modification that is done primarily for aesthetic purposes.
Additionally, there is a clear and strict ruling against suicide. A harsh punishment awaits those who commit suicide as the act is a sign of defiance. Taking one’s own life is a selfish act, encouraged by arrogance and indicative of an ungrateful attitude, all the qualities that are the very antithesis of a Muslim.
2. Environmental Issues in the Light of the Quran and Sunnah
Allah (S.W.T) proclaims in the Holy Quran:
“And remember, when Moses asked for water for his people, We told him to strike the rock with his staff, and behold, twelve springs of gushing water gushed forth so that each of the tribes came to know its place of drinking. Eat and drink, (enjoy) God’s gifts, and spread no discord in the land.” [2:60]
The above verses indicate that while using natural resources is completely fine, it should be done in such a way that is harmonious with nature. The impact of human activity should be limited so that natural processes and habitats can operate and flourish on their own.
Spreading discord in the above verse doesn’t just refer to the infighting and disagreements among the people, which Allah (S.W.T) prevented by providing Bani Israel with twelve springs, one for each tribe, but also safeguarding the natural resources granted to us.
The need for environmental preservation even extends to exceptional circumstances, such as during wars. Muslims are strictly prohibited from harming women, children, the elderly, and the unarmed after a battle is won. They are also not allowed to cut down trees or destroy vegetation in an area they have conquered.
These rules are indicative of the merciful nature with which Muslims must treat people and things that fall under their protection. Suppose Muslims are forbidden from cutting trees and wreaking havoc on the environment of enemy territory. In that case, it is not hard to imagine the level of care they are required to provide to the natural environment that belongs to them.
3. Sirah and a Sustainable Lifestyle
The life of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) is also exemplary of the sustainable lifestyle that Islam preaches. Muslims are always expected to live a moderate life. There must be a balance in all our affairs. This extends to the way we spend money and use resources.
The Holy Prophet (S.A.W) always commanded the believers to live well within their means. He was adamantly against an extravagant lifestyle and this is embodied in the way he lived his life. Even though he was the political, religious, and social leader of Madinah, everything about his life was exceptionally humble. He lived in a simple home, wore simple clothes, and ate simple meals.
Despite the Muslim victories and their rise to power as a formidable force in the Arab peninsula, the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) never chose a luxurious lifestyle. He used to admonish his companions over even the slightest display of extravagance.
The Holy Prophet (S.A.W) forbade wastefulness. Once Hazrat Saad (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) was performing ablution, the Prophet of Allah (S.A.W) instructed him to be mindful of using water. The Holy Prophet (S.A.W) went as far as to say that we should be careful with its use even if we live on the bank of a river.
There are countless such instances from the life of the Holy Prophet (SAW) and his companions. We should follow in their footsteps. A life of extravagance and stinginess are both prohibited in Islam. Moderation in every aspect of life is consistent with the idea of sustainable living.
Eco-Friendly Measures for Muslims
An eco-friendly life is not difficult, especially for a Muslim. We are already encouraged to practice peace and harmony with our surroundings. Here are some practical steps anyone can undertake to help save the environment and adopt a sustainable lifestyle:
- Live well within our means.
- Use resources carefully. Stop wasting resources like water, electricity, gas, etc.
- Use public transport or walking instead of using personal motor vehicles.
- Recycle, reuse and thrift instead of buying new things.
- Plant trees.
- Help raise awareness so others can also become more environmentally conscious.
- Demanding those in positions of power to take legislative measures that protect the environment.
- Use the power of our vote to elect leaders who support an eco-friendly approach.
The Time is Now
Individual actions have collective consequences. The problem we are faced with today is also due to the actions of individuals focused on personal gain and profit. A similar approach but in the opposite direction is needed to combat this crisis. Time is running out, as it is predicted that the problem will become unmanageable if major decisions and actions are not taken immediately.
Muslims are in a unique position that our Islamic values are perfectly in line with the ideas and lifestyle purported by environmentalists. Preserving nature as Allah (S.W.T) has created it is the duty of every believer.
Following the example of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) and his companions, we can make the world a much better place for all. Exploitative production practices, overconsumption, and being wasteful are all contrary to the teachings of Islam.
We must all work towards being better Muslims by being better vicegerents of Allah (SWT) on this earth. It is all ultimately for the preservation of our own species that we must protect the environment.
