When we hear about climate change (melting ice, rising seas, and wild weather) we usually think of science, not religion. But what if faith has something important to say too? What if the Qur’an, revealed over 1,000 years ago, already spoke about protecting the Earth and living in balance with nature? As the world faces big environmental problems, Islam might offer not just prayers, but real guidance on how to care for our planet.
Islam tackles this issue from the very beginning, even before the creation of man. In the Qur’an, Allah gathered the sentient beings present before mankind’s creation and informed them, “Surely, I am going to create a representative on Earth” (referring to mankind). In Islamic terms, we can say that the Earth is an “Amanah,” meaning a trust that Allah has given mankind as his “representatives.” This trust was such an important responsibility that we believe it is the reason Satan became evil; he wanted this trust that was given to mankind. This entire story underscores the importance Islam places upon the responsibility of the Earth.
Islam re-emphasises this concept in the Qur’an when Allah explicitly tells us that he “does not love those that waste.” From an environmental perspective, even laypeople would agree that stopping wastage could potentially be the single factor that reverses the climate crisis. The massive impact of less waste alone could change climate change’s course.
Imagine a world where every drop of water is treated like gold and natural resources are not exploited; rather all is used in moderation. Imagine the savings to the environment. Islam specifically legislates against wastage; even the Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him), said “Do not waste water even if you were at the banks of a river.”
Stopping wastage is an effective preventative measure, however, let us think proactively for a moment. Instead of asking “What do I need to stop?” Islam encourages proactive measures, like answering the question, “What can I START to do?”
Many suggestions can be made, however, the most pertinent perhaps is our focus on the planting of trees. We believe that such an act can benefit someone for thousands of years.
Take, for instance, my personal experience with my own father (may he rest in peace). I affectionately speak about his tamarind tree. It’s a large tree now, and he’s been gone for three years. Islam says that for each person who eats from that tree, my father would be blessed as if he fed that person himself. Each bird that perches, animal that shelters, ant that eats, my father would be blessed (God willing) as though he were alive and did that deed himself. As you can imagine, as a matter of faith, I would guard that tree with my life.
Thus, Islam urges us towards reforestation and the benefit of the Earth. Imagine a world where everyone committed to planting trees, imagine the impact on our climate. This example also illustrates that Muslims place great importance on the well-being of the animals and how they are treated in the circle of life, bringing me to one final point on Islam’s view on climate change; its holistic approach to the Earth.
Climate change affects all humans and all animals, and Islam mandates that we should care for all, including the animals. The Prophet of Islam gave us an example of an extremely sinful woman. She, who sinned daily, saw a thirsty dog and had mercy upon it, quenching its thirst. The Prophet tells us that for this single act, Allah forgave this woman’s sins. Caring for the environment, for animals, is so important that even a profoundly sinful person was forgiven her sins. This testifies to Islam’s focus on benefitting the Earth and all its creatures. Between this and the impact of climate change on animals, a Muslim MUST show compassion for animals. Whether climate change strikes our beloved pets at home, and they need help coping with hotter temperatures, or the scarlet ibis’ home in the wild, a Muslim must intervene and provide ease.
Overall, I think it’s clear that Islam deals with climate change head-on. From overarching conceptual ideas of the Earth being a trust to mankind, to specific, pragmatic guidelines against wastage, encouraging reforestation or supporting animal rights, Islam clearly identifies what must be done to face these existential issues.
In closing, I would urge you, dear reader, with the words of the Prophet who said, “The best of you, are those who are most beneficial to mankind.” To be a better Muslim, you must be a better human, you must benefit mankind, and you must protect this trust given to you by the “Most High.” So, I urge you, go out, stop wastage, plant trees and be a benefit to mankind in the name of God.
Riaz Shageer, FCCA, MAIS, BAIS riaz.shageer@gmail.com
Assistant Imam - Enterprise Community Masjid, and treasurer on the board of directors at the Islamic Home for Children Inc in Gasparillo
The foregoing was a weekly column by EarthMedic and EarthNurse NGO to help equip readers to face the climate and health crisis, and the second in a series on climate change and faith.
