Muslim environmental position.
Islam and the Environment
The teachings of Islam cover all facets of life. Precepts on the relationship between human beings (either directly or indirectly) and the environment are primarily available in the primary sources of Islam viz. the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (Ahadith). The other two sources of knowledge on the subject matter in focus, are the Ijma (consensus of the scholars) and Qiyas (analogy). However, the Quran and Ahadith are regarded as the pivotal sources of most of the primary literature related specifically to the environment.
The environment, is Allah's creation. The creation of this earth and all its natural resources is a sign of His Wisdom, Mercy, Power and His other Attributes and therefore serves to develop human awareness and understanding of Allah.
Muslims should seek to protect and preserve the environment because by so doing they protect Allah's creatures which pray to Him and praise Him. Humankind might not be able to understand how these creatures praise Allah but this does not mean that they do not do so, Allah says in Quran: (The seven heavens and the earth, and all that is therein, glorify Him and there is not a thing but glorifies His Praise. But you understand not their glorification. Truly He is Ever Forbearing, Oft Forgiving.) (Al-Israa’ 17: 44)
Also among the reasons why Islam seeks to protect and preserve the environment is that Islam, as a way of life, is established on the concept of good (khayr). Therefore it is expected that Islam will protect the environment once it is understood that such protection is good by itself. The Qur'an states: (So whosoever does good equal to the weight of an atom, shall see it. And whosoever does evil equal to the weight of an atom, shall see it.)
In Islam, humans are expected to protect the environment since no other creature is able to perform this task. Humans are the only being that Allah has "entrusted" with the responsibility of looking after the earth. This trusteeship is seen by Islam to be so onerous and burdensome that no other creature would 'accept' it. Allah says: (Truly, We did offer AlAmânah (the trust or moral responsibility or honesty and all the duties which Allâh has ordained) to the heavens and the earth, and the mountains, but they declined to bear it and were afraid of it (i.e. afraid of Allâh's Torment). But man bore it. Verily, he was unjust (to himself) and ignorant (of its results).) (Al-Ahzab 33: 72)
One of the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is Laa darara wa laa diraar – there shall be no injury nor perpetuation or reciprocation of injury (Malik) In terms of the environment humanity is constrained from harming animal or plant life.
The earth is not for one generation but for every generation, past, present and future and that would include humans as well as other creatures on this earth.
We Muslims view climate change as a problem when humanity has deviated from its natural state towards the endless pursuit of superficial attractions.Associated with this process is an economic injustice, which the material wealth of the world are placed into the hands of a few, whilst simultaneously causing the future to be discounted. The increased proportion of greenhouse gases and the changing climate that follows is one of its unpleasant fruits. The need for greenhouse gases to be reduced is urgent, yet global emissions continue to rise.
Muslims must condemn and act against multinational corporations and regimes destroying nature in addition to the cynical economic system. One way of undertaking such action would perhaps be to join the emerging global movements and networks demanding economic and environmental justice, as long as these movements act according to Islamic and democratic principles.The process of climate change is taking place, and global CO2 emissions are climbing at an increasing rate. Islam encapsulates an environmental ethic that helps outward behavior to be more aligned with conservation principles. It also encourages spiritual development, which is believed to help nurture an inner state that eases the actualisation of these values.
MUSLIM STATEMENT ON CLIMATE CHANGE
SHEIKH. DR. MUHAMMAD RIDWAAN GALLANT
MUSLIM JUDICIAL COUNCIL
