Environmental Responsibility and Islam

Environmental Responsibility and Islam 

Our environment is currently facing grave challenges, such as climate change, pollution and excessive waste production, and these issues affect not just us but the generations that come after us. In Islam, taking care of the Earth isn’t just encouraged—it’s a responsibility given to us by Allah. This role calls us to actively protect and preserve the world around us as our actions can make a direct positive impact on our surroundings.

The spiritual obligation and moral responsibility of nurturing the environment is blatantly entrusted to mankind, crowned as stewards (Khalifah) of the Earth, we must ensure proper protection and maintenance of nature. If we take recycling as an example, it is a simple and effortless habit to incorporate into our daily lives. As simple as, segregating our household waste into non-food remains and recycling metals, plastics, and glass. 

In extension, reducing waste and conserving valuable/ natural resources would exponentially reduce our carbon footprint and undo some of the damage being done due to our day-to-day activities. Taking paper as an example, the natural resources depleted for the production of paper rank more valuable only for the paper to be used once, or worse wasted. To be the editor of your habits portrays you as a respecter of Allah(SWT)'s creations and blessings graciously bestowed upon us. 

Neglecting conservational ways of operating and openly exploiting the resources, followed by polluting has been proven to increase garbage disposal in landfills. Open landfill sites are a major source of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, which are released straight into the atmosphere. Studies reveal that about 20% of all methane emissions from human activities come from these unmanaged waste sites.

Another major contributor to excessive amounts of carbon emissions is the mismanagement of human waste. According to UNICEF, around 60 percent of the world's population—4.5 billion people—either have no toilet at home or one that doesn't safely manage human waste. Moreover, nearly a third of women worldwide lack access to a safe toilet, endangering their health and exposing them to harmful situations.

In situations like these, products such as a portable bidet can offer a practical solution. The ABDEEZ Portable Bidet, for example, allows individuals to clean themselves effectively without relying on disposable items like wet wipes or toilet paper. Since it can be reused, it helps to reduce waste, contributing to both personal hygiene and environmental responsibility.

The climate crisis and its constant worsening echoes a grim warning of how humankind has strayed away from environmental care and ultimately disrespecting the creations of Allah(SWT). It is of utmost importance we take action immediately, not only to preserve the quality of life in the present but to also secure good relations with Allah(SWT) by avoiding disrespecting him. Therefore, actively engaging in conservation, whether through recycling or other sustainable practices, embodies a devotion to preserving the beauty and integrity of the world Allah has entrusted to us.

An integral aspect of Islam, of environmental stewardship, aligns flawlessly with Islam’s fundamental teachings of protecting and maintaining the integrity of nature. Muslims are expected to be mindful and uphold moderation and conservation with their interactions with nature. Avoiding any kind of wasteful and extortion methods that would ultimately exploit the natural resources gifted by Allah (SWT). 

The Hadith of the beloved Prophet (PBUH) and the Holy Quran time and time again mention the gravity of this responsibility. One of the Prophet (PBUH)'s Hadith states, 

“The world is beautiful and verdant, and verily God, the exalted, has made you His stewards in it, and He sees how you acquit yourselves” (Saheeh Muslim).

The Earth, with its sufficient resources to make it livable for humans is a divine offering by The Lord for humanity to safekeep. Muslim’s character (khulq) is one that is inclined to moderation and conservation rather than excess and wastefulness. The Holy Quran instructs us by stating, 

"Eat and drink: But waste not by excess, for Allah loveth not the wasters" (Surat Al-A’raf 7: 31).

Small acts like changing or tweaking your practices or habits may initially seem redundant. However, once these same small acts pile up, they end up weighing far greater. Ultimately, we are all responsible for our own actions, and will be answerable accordingly. This is why it is crucial we focus on our deeds and implement ways to better them. Being mindful of our actions is amplified as the Holy Quran delineates the idea character of a believer,

“The servants of the Lord of Mercy are those who walk gently upon the earth…” (Quran 25:63).

Furthermore, the Quran tells us to avoid causing any sort of mischief or harm to the creations of Allah(SWT), especially since we have been bestowed with the responsibility of environmental stewardship by the Lord, should in no circumstance be taken lightly as we must keep the condition of earth safe in the same form it was handed over to us. 

Additionally, deep in Surah Al-A'raf, we have been instructed to show justice in resource distribution, effectively highlighting another key principle of Islam. 

".....Worship Allah—you have no other god except Him. A clear proof has already come to you from your Lord. So give just measure and weight, do not defraud people of their property, nor spread corruption in the land after it has been set in order. This is for your own good, if you are ˹truly˺ believers." [7:85]

Looking at the modern conditions of the world, Inequitable water distribution has fueled conflict in several Muslim-majority countries. Reflecting on these divine commands and the prophetic example can serve as a guide to inspire equitable solutions.

Another evidence of this command is through the example of the tribe of Thamud, Allah (SWT) does this as he states, 

“And let them know that the water [of their wells] is to be divided between them, with each share of water equitably apportioned” (Quran 54:28) 

This goes to show that although the earth was created to fulfill the needs of humanity, it must never be degraded, polluted, or excessively exploited. Its resources are provided for our use, and should be utilized responsibly, inclusively and sustainably.