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CHAPTER SUMMARY
CHAPTER 10: ISLAM AND THE ENVIRONMENT
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CONTENTS
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INTRODUCTION
CONCLUSION
INTRODUCTION
Allah SWT has created all things in due proportion. Man is endowed with
freewill and mental faculties for him to explore the universe and nature, and
utilize them to make his life meaningful, comfortable and convenient.
However, Islam has set the limit and borderline that man must not cross.
Allah has warned man not to go against fitrah or make any attempt to
altering it. Allah did so because such alteration might destroy the ecological
balance and eventually harm both mankind and the environment. Since
every creation has a purpose, the environment is also created for its own
purposes. Thus, man, who is supposed to sustain the earth, must use the
environment wisely enough to avoid making mischief on the earth.
Natural Environment
Built Environment
(Hud: 52)
Human beings are the planets most important species, and they are a part of it and in
technology.
The success of humans depends on how well they can understand, control and manage
the earth for their benefit.
Human beings are part of nature, and nature does not exist only for them.
The earths resources are limited, should not be wasted and should be used efficiently for
human beings and other species.
There is one absolute Creator and man is responsible to the Creator for all his actions.
And to Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And ever is
Allah, of all things, encompassing.
(An-Nisa: 126)
2. Khilafah (Vicegerency)
Mankind holds a privileged position among Gods creatures on earth. Man is chosen as
vicegerent and is responsible to take care of Gods creatures. Each individual is given this
privilege in the form of Gods trust. The nature becomes a yardstick of how well a society has
performed its responsibility towards God.
Do you not see that Allah has made subject to you whatever is in the heavens and whatever is
in the earth
(Luqman: 20)
3. Amanah (Trust)
Allah has endowed mankind with reason, physical and intellectual capabilities, knowledge and
resources for them to fulfil their responsibilities on earth. These capabilities are given to human
as a trust (amanah). Mans body and life are given on trust. Man is not the absolute owner of
these entities. Therefore, he cannot abuse or harm them.
Indeed, we offered the Trust to the heavens and the earth and the mountains, and they
declined to bear it and feared it; but man [undertook to] bear it. Indeed, he was unjust and
ignorant.
(Al-Ahzab: 72)
Protection of Animals
Islam also emphasizes Muslims to treat animals well. We are not allowed to kill animals except
for food and avoiding harm. Any unjustified killing of an animal, direct or indirect, is prohibited,
even a small animal or bird. The Prophet said:
"No human being kills a sparrow or [something] larger, without right, except that Allah will
ask him about it (hold him responsible!) on the Day of Judgement." It was said: O Prophet of
Allah! What is its right? He said: "Its right is that you slaughter it and eat it, not that you
decapitate it!"
(Al-Nasa'i, 7/ 207)
In fact, Islam goes beyond any expectations and demands that the psyche of the animal be
taken into consideration. Prophet Muhammad [S.A.W] made it imperative to sharpen the blades
and to hide it from the sight of other animals. Ibn 'Abbas (RA) reported that once a man laid
down a sheep whilst still sharpening his blade; the Prophet [S.A.W] saw and asked:
"Would like to it to die twice? Why didn't you sharpen your blade before laying it down?"
(Al-Hakim)
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Prohibition on Wastefulness
In addition to caring for the environment, Islam also prohibit against wastefulness. Squandering
particularly is condemned by Allah:
O children of Adam, take your adornment at every masjid, and eat and drink, but be not
excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess.
(Al-Araf: 31)
CONCLUSION
Failing to follow the Quranic injunctions, we have, of course, upset the ecological
balance. And it is up to us to set it right again. This will require great effort, and courageous
personal change. We need to do our best to restore and preserve the balance in nature; to take up
our responsibility as viceroys of God and hence as custodians, stewards, and trustees in whose
trust God has placed the resources we enjoy. We need to maintain the ecosystems that harbour
the dazzling array of life forms God has created, including animals, birds, insects, and plants. But
the required personal changes are sometimes simple and manageable. We can easily reduce,
reuse, and recycle waste. We can to a large extent conserve our use of water and other natural
resources. We can in some small way reverse the process of deforestation by planting one tree at
a time. It is time to pay better attention to the principles set forth in Gods message, including
this one: Man shall have nothing but what he strives for (An-Najm: 39).
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