When it comes to Islam’s teachings about Muslims’ relationship with the natural world, Allah (SWT) has given us much to consider. In honor of Earth Day on April 22, we have an opportunity to examine our responsibility to tread wisely and lightly regarding the care of the beautiful world Allah (SWT) has blessed us with.
Islam advocates for conservation and responsible stewardship of all institutions and sacred relationships, be those of the Earth and its habitats, our familial structures and hierarchies within, our communities and members that constitute them, and more. Quranic verses and prophetic traditions emphasize the concept of khalifah (stewardship) and responsibility of caring for everything entrusted to humans and that which we use, from valuing animal life to leaves on a tree. Because Allah (SWT) created everything, there is sanctity in it. The Quran tells us, “…Not a leaf falls but that He knows it. And no grain is there within the darkness’s of the earth and no moist or dry [thing] but that it is [written] in a clear record.” (Quran 6:59)
By understanding Allah’s (SWT) intimate knowledge of every part of His creation, we might be moved to view His creation as sacred and a gift to be grateful for, treasured, and preserved. We might be moved to restore what we use and to aim for balance in our consumption. Yes, we need lumber to build a home, but can we not then plant more trees to replenish the resource? Can we find ways to recycle our trash rather than waste resources making it, then filling landfills and poisoning oceans disposing of it?
As we value our life, so should we value others and the environment in which we all live.
An important Islamic value is the care of one’s body. Religious leaders and scholars advocate that we eat nutritious food, remain active, and get enough rest to achieve and maintain good health. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said a strong believer was better than a weak believer (Sahih Muslim). With better health, the Ibadah you perform can improve in quality and quantity; your prayers can be longer, your fasts easier, you can perform various Islamic work with energy and clarity, and the grueling task and rituals of Hajj would be easier, among many other things. The intention is to please Allah (SWT) by showing you are grateful for this gift He gave, and caring for it as He prescribed. “Verily, your own self has rights over you, so fast and break your fast, pray and sleep.” (Sunan Abī Dāwūd 1369)
But how does this quest for health mesh with our obligation to strive for a heathy planet? It’s important to note that caring for your own well-being extends to that of your fellow man, the animals that coexist with us, and the vegetation that surrounds and sustains us, as we are all connected. The people of Muhammed (peace be upon him) asked, “O Allah’s Messenger! Is there a reward for us in serving the animals?” He said, “(Yes) There is a reward for serving any animate (living being). (Sahih al-Bukhari 6009). This principle is beautifully illustrated in the hadith of the prostitute who was guaranteed forgiveness because she showed mercy to a dog who was thirsty and saved his life by feeding him water. (Sahih al-Bukhari 3321).
Conserving resources
The planet and everything within it is sacred and must be taken care of and appreciated, and certainly not wasted. Israaf, or wasteful expenditure, is a much-discussed term in our deen, and it is considered a great sin. Allah (SWT) says “…and do not squander wastefully, surely the squanderers are the followers of the shaitans and the Shaitan is ever ungrateful to his Lord” (Quran 17:26-27). Here, wastefulness correlates to ungratefulness, another sin. Acknowledging provisions as gifts from our Lord, being grateful for them, and using them appropriately is a way to show respect to Allah (SWT). Even if you perceive the resource to be in abundance, do not assume it’s permissible to use it in excess. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Do not waste water, even if you perform your ablution on the banks of an abundantly-flowing river.” (Ibn Majah) Allah (SWT) instructs us to do everything in moderation, even consuming food: “Eat and drink and do not commit excesses; indeed He does not love those who are excessive” (Quran 7:31). Miqdam bin Madikarib said: “I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) say: ‘A human being fills no worse vessel than his stomach. It is sufficient for a human being to eat a few mouthfuls to keep his spine straight. But if he must (fill it), then one third of food, one third for drink and one third for air.’”
Acknowledging, being grateful for, and sharing His gifts to benefit the natural environment
Sharing what we have is so fundamental that Allah (SWT) established it as a pillar of our faith: zakat. Every year we must assess our wealth and give a set portion to those in need. As with everything Islam decrees, there is reward in donating time, energy, money and anything else we may own, whether by giving a portion away or sharing it. Imam al-Nawawi, author of “Forty Hadith,” commented, “This is an encouragement to share food. Even a little will be enough for this purpose, and there is blessing in sharing with those present.” (Sharḥ al-Nawawi ‘alá Ṣaḥiḥ Muslim 1423) To take it a step farther, there is also sin associated with not sharing. “Here you are – those invited to spend in the cause of Allah – but among you are those who withhold [out of greed]. And whoever withholds only withholds [benefit] from himself; and Allah is the free of need, while you are the needy. And if you turn away, He will replace you with another people; then they will not be the likes of you.” (Quran 47:38)
The Prophet (peace be upon him) explained anything we share or do that benefits people or animals is a form of charity. “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 Muslim)
Blessings are temporary and to be appreciated
As Muslims, we believe everything at our disposal, including our bodies, is an amanah, a temporary trust given to us to be used wisely, to be taken care of, to appreciate, and to be shared. Abdullah bin `Umar narrated, “Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) took hold of my shoulder and said, ‘Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a traveler.'” There is also a command to be mindful of everything we’ve been given, as we will be questioned about it by Allah (SWT). Ibn Abbas reported the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “Take advantage of five matters before five other matters: your youth, before you become old; your health, before you fall sick; your wealth, before you become poor; your free time before you become busy; and your life, before your death.” Muslims understand that to “take advantage” is to cherish our gifts, to use them wisely and to share them with others, with the intention to please Allah (SWT).
This, of course, applies to the earth and everything contained in it. These gifts bestowed upon us, be them land, the water of the seas, or the animals of the forests, are to be looked after for Allah’s (SWT) sake, and never wasted or taken for granted. Let us think about these lessons on Earth Day and every day we are blessed to live this life with the intention of pleasing Allah.”
