Tag Archives: Quran

Muslims and Environment Protection: A Mischance

By | | ,
Leave a comment

The detachment of the modern-day man from the environment can be attributed to the desacralization of nature, and the modernist destitution of the inner state of the soul which, according to the scholar Seyyed Hossein Nasr in ‘Man and Nature’, accounts for the phenomenon of the ‘prostitution of nature’: “For modern man, nature has become like a prostitute ─to be benefited from without any sense of obligation and responsibility toward her.” Eradication of Natural World Mankind has surrounded itself with square walls and barren concrete structures for the sake of creating this artificial industrial world. Its constant need to feed … Continue reading →

Environmental Justice – The Core Essence of Islam

By | | , ,
Leave a comment

Every human being has a right to enjoy a clean and healthy environment. The most crucial aspect in the long-drawn fight against environmental pollution is environmental justice. Environmental justice is of great importance for marginalized, low-income and remote communities as such groups bear disproportionate burden of industrial pollution. Traditionally, grassroot campaigns led by people of color and low-income groups have been the hallmarks of environmental justice movement around the world. Environmental justice has the potential to provide protection in the equitable distribution of environmental benefits to all sections of the society. In the last few decades, the distribution of environmental … Continue reading →

The Importance of Planting Trees in Islam

By | | ,
Leave a comment

There is an inseparable relation between the environment and our soul. Islamic teachings on environment offer a completely integrated view of the Universe where human souls and the environment are all part of one living, conscious whole. The Holy Quran exhorts us to live a balanced, moderate and sustainable life without causing any harm to the Earth. It says, “And do not commit abuse on the earth, spreading corruption.” (2:60) and “And do not desire corruption in the land. Indeed, God does not like corruptors.” (28:77). In the Quranic view, corruption on earth is not confined to only political crimes … Continue reading →

Islamic Perspectives on COP

By | | , , ,
2 Comments

It is a ripe time to reflect briefly on the upcoming COP from an Islamic perspective. By now everyone is well aware of the cause of severe climatic disturbances which affect us all and the poorest and most vulnerable in particular: sheer greed and unbridled, reckless, consumption. Islam has always provided the keys to a harmonious life in which humans refuse to take more from nature than they need for their sustenance and enjoyment. Islam has repeatedly warned about the imbalances and inequalities that would arise if one were not to follow its recommendations. God created the world in balance … Continue reading →

What Does The Quran Say About The Natural Environment

By | | , ,
Leave a comment

For a Muslim, caring for the environment is a part of faith. There are many verses (known as ‘ayahs’) about the natural environment. The Quran describes plants, animals, the elements of rain and wind as resources for use by people and animals. Some features of the natural environment, such as water, are mentioned several times as proof of God’s existence and power. The Holy Quran asks the reader to ‘think, ponder and reflect’ on the natural signs in the world and contemplate their purpose. Read on to know more about the Quran and natural environment: On Rainwater Cycle ‘It is … Continue reading →

Rediscovering the Natural World – The Islamic Approach

By | | , ,
5 Comments

Today more than half the world’s population live in cities. Our increasingly urban lives have ensured an almost total disconnection from the natural world to the extent that it is not uncommon to meet children who believe that milk originates in plastic supermarket cartons. It is as well to be conscious of this as much is left out in their education, both religious and secular, to the extent that we are continuing to cause irreparable harm to the Earth. Muslims are no exception to this, having also adopted urban lifestyles and modern modes of living that reveal an almost complete … Continue reading →

Islamic Principles on Waste Minimization

By | | , ,
6 Comments

Since the beginning of time, waste has been an environmental issue for humans. Waste is often equated with trash, but even before the existence of trash, there was waste. Understanding the various forms of waste can help us identify ways to avoid and reduce it. Muslims have had lessons on avoiding and reducing waste for over 1,400 years and we can all benefit from the guidance offered in Islam through Quranic injunctions and Prophet’s Sunnah. The Holy Quran says: It is He Who has brought into being gardens, the cultivated and the wild, and date-palms, and fields with produce of … Continue reading →

Our Earth: A Gift for Humanity Which Should be Protected

By | | , , ,
Leave a comment

Ecological living is about protecting and preserving the environment of planet Earth, through recognizing the uniqueness of its various eco-systems and species. Every individual habitat supports all manner of life. Awakening of a wider ecological consciousness requires the acknowledgement and celebration of our reciprocal relationship with the rest of the living world. For only we can hear the language of other beings as we can understand the generosity of the earth and learning to give our own gifts in return. Earth was given as a gift for humanity and the human being was created and established on this earth as … Continue reading →

The Concept of Garden in Islamic Culture

By | | , , ,
6 Comments

The Arabic words Hadiqah, riyad, janna, raudah refer to the garden in its classical sense, with different nuances. The words bustan, munia, ruzafa, buhaira, ‘ars refer to the large agricultural or leisure estates generally located on the periphery of towns. These terms and others go to show the diversity of meaning in the concept of garden in the Islamic culture. In Islamic Culture, the garden is above all the essence of elements of Creation: Creation itself is a garden. This garden is at the heart of all the flowering Islamic civilization: beauty, mathematics, architecture, spirituality, poetry, botanic sensibility, hydraulics, biodiversity… … Continue reading →

Environmental Sustainability in Islam

By | | , ,
17 Comments

Islamic beliefs, traditions and values provide an effective and comprehensive solution to the current environmental challenges faced by the human race. Islam has a rich tradition of highlighting the importance of environmental protection and conservation of natural resources. According to Islamic law, the basic elements of nature – land, water, fire, forest, and light – belong to all living things, not just human beings. The Holy Qur’an and Sunnah are a guiding light to promote sustainable development in Islamic countries as well as around the world. Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) commands human beings to avoid doing mischief and wasting resources … Continue reading →

Islamic Framework on Integrated Water Resources Management

By | | , ,
Leave a comment

The Islamic perspective on Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) framework provides a holistic approach to look at the entire spectrum of water management components, i.e, water resources, uses, treatment and resue. Islam provides policies and principles that address all elements of the framework for . At the resource level, Islam teaches that the Universe and humans are created by God. And the source of water is from God, the creator, however, Islam believes in the rational and pragmatic explanations of science. The first verse in Quran is “Read” and there are many references in Quran that urge humans to think … Continue reading →

Hima: Integration of Religion and Conservation

By | | , , ,
3 Comments

Revisiting the earliest days of rural, pastoral- and agriculture-based societies offers thought-provoking answers to solve today’s crises. At the highest levels of international concern, Islam’s formalized system of “Hima,” or Nature Conservation, is receiving optimistic attention. One of the reasons why Hima is an interesting solution for today’s conservation needs is because it developed under a similar set of crises. Relatively speaking, the ratio of human population to accessible natural resources in the days of Moses was just as dire as today’s challenges. It is possible to recognize the development of Hima by following the early days of Prophet Moses, … Continue reading →