Islamic law, or Sharia, has a profound and holistic approach to environmental ethics and sustainability. The principles of Islamic environmentalism are deeply rooted in the Qur’an and Hadith, guiding Muslims to live harmoniously with nature and ensuring the preservation of the environment. Here’s how Islamic law addresses these issues:
- Stewardship of the Earth (Khilafah):
- Role of Humans as Stewards: In Islam, humans are considered stewards (khalifah) of the Earth. This concept implies a responsibility to care for and protect the environment. The Qur’an states: “It is He who has made you successors (khalifah) upon the Earth” (Qur’an 35:39). This stewardship includes managing natural resources responsibly and ensuring their sustainable use.
- Environmental Preservation:
- Prohibition of Wastefulness (Israf): Islam strongly condemns wastefulness. The Qur’an advises against extravagance: “Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of the devils, and ever has Satan been to his Lord ungrateful” (Qur’an 17:27). This principle encourages the conservation of resources and reducing waste in daily life.
- Respect for Nature: The Qur’an and Hadith highlight the importance of respecting nature. The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said, “The world is green and beautiful, and Allah has appointed you as His stewards over it” (Sahih Muslim). This respect includes not harming animals, plants, or natural landscapes unnecessarily.
- Sustainable Resource Use:
- Balance in Resource Utilization: Islamic teachings emphasize moderation and balance in using natural resources. The Qur’an describes the natural world as being created in a state of balance: “And the Earth We have spread out and placed therein firm mountains and caused to grow therein every [kind of] beautiful species [of plants]” (Qur’an 50:7). This balance should be maintained to prevent environmental degradation.
- Efficient Water Use: Water is considered a blessing in Islam, and its conservation is highly emphasized. The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, instructed against wasting water even if one is near a river (Sunan Ibn Majah). This reflects the importance of using water efficiently and sustainably.
- Protection of Wildlife and Plants:
- Rights of Animals: Islam prohibits cruelty to animals and emphasizes their welfare. The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, taught that kindness to animals is rewarded and that unnecessary harm to them is forbidden. This includes providing proper care and not overburdening animals.
- Preservation of Plant Life: Plant life is also protected in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, encouraged planting trees and described the act as a form of charity (sadaqah). He said, “If a Muslim plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, or a person, or an animal eats from it, it is regarded as a charitable gift (sadaqah) for him” (Sahih al-Bukhari).
Husnain Abbasi Answered question August 28, 2024