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 He who sends the winds as heralds of good news before His Mercy. We send down pure water from the sky, so that We can revive a dead land with it, and We give it as a drink to many animals and people We have created.’ (Quran, 25:48–49)
‘And We have sent down blessed rain from the sky and made grow thereby gardens and grain from the harvest.’ (Quran, 50:9)
The Variety of Crops
‘And it is He who sends down rain from the sky. With it we produce the shoots of each plant, then bring greenery from it, and from that We bring out grains in layers.’ ‘And from the date palms come clusters – of its emerging fruit hanging low. And [We produce] gardens of grapevines and olives and pomegranates, similar yet varied. Look at [each of] its fruit when it yields and [at] its ripening.
Indeed in that are signs for a people who believe.’ (Quran, 6:99)
‘Eat and drink but do not be wasteful: God does not like wasteful people.’ (Quran, 7:30)
‘Let man consider the food he eats! We pour down abundant water and cause the soil to split open. We make grain grow, and vines and fresh vegetation, olive trees, date palms, luscious gardens, fruits and fodder, all for you and your livestock to enjoy.’ (Quran, 80: 32–34)
On Animal Life
‘And there is no creature on [or within] the earth or bird that flies with its wings except [that they are] communities like you. We have not neglected in the Register a thing. Then unto their Lord they will be gathered.’ (Quran, 6:38)
Mountains
‘And He has cast into the earth firmly set mountains, lest it shift with you, and [made] rivers and roads, that you may be guided.’ (Quran, 16:15)
Note: This is an excerpt from Suma Din’s latest book ‘The Gift of the World’ published by Beacon Books (UK). The article has been reproduced with the kind permission of Beacon Books.
You can purchase the book directly from this link
