The Islamic Perspective on the Environment

The topic of environmentalism and preserving the earth for future generations can be approached from an Islamic perspective. The Quran, the holy book of Islam, contains many verses that discuss the importance of preserving and protecting the environment.

Examples of Verses of the Quran About the Environment

Here are some examples of verses from the Quran that relate to this topic:

1. “And the earth We have spread out, and set thereon mountains standing firm, and produced therein every kind of beautiful growth (in pairs).” (Quran, 51:48)
2. “It is He who has made the earth manageable for you – so traverse through its regions and eat of His sustenance. And to Him is the resurrection.” (Quran, 67:15)
3. “And there is not a thing but that with Us are its depositories, and We send it not down except according to a known measure.” (Quran, 15:21)

The First Verse About the Environment

And the earth We have spread out, and set thereon mountains standing firm, and produced therein every kind of beautiful growth (in pairs). (Quran, 51:48)

This verse from the Quran highlights the beauty and diversity of the earth, its resources, and the balance and harmony in the natural world. It also implies the idea of Tawheed (monotheism), the belief in the Oneness of Allah, and the interconnectedness of all living things.

In relation to environmentalism, this verse can be interpreted as a reminder of the majesty and importance of the earth and its resources and the responsibility humans have to protect and preserve them. It also emphasizes the importance of maintaining balance and harmony in the natural world, as it reflects the balance and harmony in the creation of Allah.

Additionally, the verse also implies the idea of the earth being created with a purpose and a system and the beauty and diversity that exist on it. It is the responsibility of humans to take care of it and to use its resources sustainably.

Furthermore, this verse can also serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving the earth’s biodiversity. It states that the earth has produced “every kind of beautiful growth (in pairs).”

The Second Verse About the Environment

It is He who has made the earth manageable for you – so traverse through its regions and eat of His sustenance. And to Him is the resurrection. (Quran, 67:15)

This verse highlights the idea that the earth and its resources have been made manageable for humans by Allah and that humans have been given the responsibility to traverse through its regions and use its resources for their sustenance. The verse also reminds us that the ultimate accountability for our actions on earth is with Allah.

In relation to environmentalism, this verse can be interpreted as a reminder of Allah’s trust in humans to manage the earth and its resources responsibly and sustainably. It also emphasizes the idea of Khilafah, the concept of trusteeship, which states that humans are responsible for managing the earth and its resources on behalf of Allah.

The verse also reminds us that the ultimate accountability for our actions on earth is with Allah, which could be seen as an encouragement to act responsibly and sustainably, as any misuse or abuse of the earth’s resources will be accounted for in the afterlife.

Additionally, the verse implies that the earth and its resources are not only for humans’ benefit but also for their sustenance and that they should use it to preserve it for future generations.

Furthermore, the verse also implies that the earth and its resources are finite and that humans should use them in a way that is not exploitative and ensures the preservation of the earth for future generations.

The Third Verse

The third verse is:

And there is not a thing but that with Us are its depositories, and We send it not down except according to a known measure. (Quran, 15:21)

This verse highlights the idea that everything in the universe is under Allah’s control, that He provides all resources according to a known measure, and that Allah is the ultimate provider and sustainer of all things.

In relation to the topic of environmentalism, this verse can be interpreted as a reminder that the earth’s resources are not unlimited and that they must be used responsibly and sustainably. It implies that Allah provides the earth’s resources in a specific measure and that humans should use them accordingly and not waste them or exploit them.

The verse also highlights the idea that everything in the universe is under the control of Allah, which means that humans should not take the earth’s resources for granted but rather use them in a way that is in line with Allah’s plan and purpose.

Furthermore, the verse also implies that Allah is the ultimate provider and sustainer of all things. Therefore, humans should use the earth’s resources in a way that is in line with Allah’s will and that preserves the earth for future generations.

Combined, these three verses from the Quran (51:48, 67:15, and 15:21) convey several key themes related to the topic of environmentalism and the responsibilities of Muslims towards the earth and its resources.

Summary of the Three Verses

The first verse (51:48) highlights the beauty and diversity of the earth and its resources and the balance and harmony that exists in the natural world. It also implies the idea of Tawheed (the belief in the Oneness of Allah) and the interconnectedness of all living things. This verse serves as a reminder of the majesty and importance of the earth and its resources, and the responsibility humans have to protect and preserve them.

The second verse (67:15) highlights the idea that the earth and its resources have been made manageable for humans by Allah and that humans have been given the responsibility to traverse through its regions and use its resources for their sustenance. It also reminds us that the ultimate accountability for our actions on earth is with Allah. This verse serves as a reminder of Allah’s trust in humans to manage the earth and its resources responsibly and sustainably and encourages them to act responsibly and sustainably.

The third verse (15:21) highlights the idea that everything in the universe is under the control of Allah and that He provides all resources according to a known measure. This verse serves as a reminder that the earth’s resources are not unlimited and must be used responsibly and sustainably. It also highlights the idea that Allah is the ultimate provider and sustainer of all things and that humans should use the earth’s resources in a way that is in line with Allah’s will and that preserves the earth for future generations.

In summary, these verses from the Quran convey the idea that the earth and its resources are a trust from Allah and that humans have a responsibility to be good stewards of these resources, preserving and protecting the earth’s biodiversity and utilizing resources in a sustainable manner.

What Ideas Do These Three Verses Promote?

Furthermore, these verses also encourage and promote the idea of social responsibility and collective action, as the concept of trusteeship and accountability applies not only to individuals but also to society as a whole. They also promote the idea of supporting and participating in initiatives and organizations that promote environmental conservation and sustainability.

In conclusion, these verses from the Quran provide a holistic and comprehensive perspective on the topic of environmentalism and the responsibilities of Muslims towards the earth and its resources. They provide guidelines for actions and the right mindset and attitude toward the earth and its resources, emphasizing the importance of gratitude, awareness, responsibility, and accountability towards the earth and its resources.

Islamic Teachings Related to the Environment:

Islamic teachings strongly emphasize the importance of preserving and protecting the environment. Muslims are taught that the earth and its resources are a trust from Allah and that they are responsible for being good stewards of these resources. This includes conserving and protecting the earth’s biodiversity, protecting the environment from pollution and degradation, and utilizing resources in a sustainable manner.

Some specific Islamic teachings related to the environment include:

1. Tawheed: The belief in the Oneness of Allah and the interconnectedness of all living things, which emphasizes the importance of preserving balance and harmony in the creation of Allah.
2. Khilafah: The concept of trusteeship states that humans are responsible for managing the earth and its resources on behalf of Allah.
3. Zakat: The Islamic concept of giving to those in need includes supporting environmental causes and organizations.
4. Halal and Haram: The Islamic concept of what is permissible and prohibited, which includes prohibiting the use of certain products or practices that are harmful to the environment.

Caring for the Environment in the Hadith

Several Islamic teachings related to the environment are supported by narrations from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his household (Ahlul Bait). Some of these teachings include:

• Conservation of natural resources: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

There is no harm in cutting down a tree for the benefit of Muslims, but it is better to leave it standing.

This narration highlights the importance of utilizing natural resources for the benefit of the community but also encourages the conservation and preservation of resources whenever possible.

Protecting the environment: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

The world is sweet and green, and Allah has made you stewards over it. So, whoever is a steward, let him fulfill his stewardship.

This narration highlights the idea of Khilafah, the concept of trusteeship, which states that humans are responsible for managing the earth and its resources on behalf of God and that they should protect and preserve it.

Responsibility for pollution and waste: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

If the Hour (the Day of Judgment) comes while you have a seedling in your hand and you have the chance to plant it, then do so.

This narration highlights the responsibility of individuals for their actions and their impact on the environment. It encourages taking actions that benefit the environment.

Protection of animals and plants: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

There is a reward for serving any animate being (or living creature).

This narration highlights the importance of compassion and kindness towards all living beings. It encourages the protection of animals and plants. It also implies that any harm caused to any living being, even if small, will be accounted for in the afterlife.

The Prophet (PBUH) also said:

Verily, Allah has prescribed proficiency in all things. Thus, if you kill, kill well; and if you slaughter, slaughter well. Let each one of you sharpen his blade and let him spare suffering to the animal he slaughters.

This narration emphasizes the importance of avoiding unnecessary suffering to animals and being as humane as possible. It could be linked to the way we treat animals and the way we use them for food.

The Prophet (PBUH) also said

The earth is green and beautiful, and Allah has appointed you his stewards over it.

This narration emphasizes the importance of being responsible for the earth and its resources, which could be linked to the concept of sustainable development.

Additional Narrations From the Ahlul Bait Related to the Environment and Conservation

Imam Ali (as) said

The one who plants a tree or cultivates the land, and a bird, or a person or an animal eats from it, it is considered as charity for him.( Wasa’il al-Shia, vol. 14, p. 297)

This narration emphasizes the importance of planting trees and cultivating land, not only for the benefits it provides to the environment and the community but also as a way of doing good and gaining rewards in the afterlife.

Imam Ali (as) said

Do not pollute the water, for it is the source of life for all the living creatures. (Nahj al-Balagha, Sermon 174)

This narration emphasizes the importance of protecting water resources and avoiding pollution.

Imam Sadiq (as) said:

He who plants a tree and takes care of it until it becomes mature and bears fruit is like one who sets a slave free. (Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 101, p. 362)

This narration highlights the importance of planting trees and taking care of them and the rewards for doing so.

Imam Kazim (as) said:

One who plants a tree or cultivates land and a bird, or a person or an animal eats from it, it is considered as charity for him. (Wasa’il al-Shia, vol. 14, p. 297)

This narration emphasizes the importance of planting trees and cultivating land and the rewards for doing so.

Imam Sajjad (as) said

Do not waste water, even if you are at a running stream. (Sahifah al-Sajjadiyyah, Supplication 37)

This narration emphasizes the importance of conserving water resources and avoiding waste.

Imam al-Baqir (as) said

Preserve the earth, for it is your sustenance, and do not pollute it, for it is your abode. (Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 101, p. 362)

This narration emphasizes the importance of preserving the earth and avoiding pollution to benefit present and future generations.

These hadiths from the Ahlul Bait (Prophet’s household) show the importance of preserving and protecting the environment and its resources and the rewards for doing so. They also emphasize the importance of being responsible stewards of the earth and its resources and avoiding pollution and waste. They also highlight the importance of compassion and kindness towards all living beings and the importance of preserving natural resources for the benefit of the community.

These hadiths also promote the idea of sustainable development and the importance of taking actions that benefit the environment, not only for the present but also for the future. They also promote the idea of accountability for actions toward the environment and that any harm caused to the environment will be accounted for in the afterlife.

In conclusion, these hadiths from the Ahlul Bait provide clear guidance for Muslims on how to interact with the environment and its resources and how to be responsible stewards of the earth. They encourage Muslims to act in a way that preserves and protects the environment and to avoid any actions that would cause harm or pollution to the earth. They also promote the idea of sustainable development and the importance of taking actions that benefit the environment for the present and future.

Lifestyle Practices for a Better Environment

• Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle: Reducing waste, reusing products, and recycling materials can help to conserve resources and protect the environment.

• Conserve Energy: Conserving energy by turning off lights and appliances when not in use, using energy-efficient appliances, and driving less can also help to protect the environment.

• Support environmentally friendly products and practices: Supporting environmentally friendly products and practices, such as organic farming, renewable energy, and conservation efforts, can help to promote sustainable living.

• Plant trees and support afforestation efforts: Planting trees and supporting afforestation efforts can help absorb carbon from the atmosphere and provide numerous benefits for the environment and the local community.

• Be mindful of the products you buy: Be mindful of the products you buy and try to avoid products that are harmful to the environment, such as products that are not sustainably produced.

• Support organizations and initiatives that promote environmental conservation and sustainability.

It’s important to remember that Islamic teachings are not only about following certain practices but also about developing the right mindset and attitude towards the environment and the earth, which is one of gratitude, awareness, and responsibility.