Abusing the environment: an Islamic perspective

Islam expresses great concern for the environment. A number of verses in

the Quran and the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (may Allah exalt his
mention) have addressed this issue. Islams solution to environmental
problems lies in mans adaptation of its guidance. Allah has stated that He
made all the material objects on earth for mans use, not for his abuse.
Allah Almighty has not prevented humankind from enjoying a luxurious
standard of living, but this should not be maintained by damaging and
abusing natural resources. This is clearly stated in a number of verses in
the Quran. Allah says (what means):"But seek, through that which Allah
has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and (yet), do not forget your
share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire
not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corruptors. " [Quran
28:77]
The Quran and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) contains
instructions for Muslims to preserve the environment, which includes not
cutting down trees unnecessarily. In this respect, Prophet Muhammad
(pbuh) pointed out that there are benefits in planting trees, which will last
until the Day of Judgment. This is illustrated in the saying of the Noble
Prophet(pbuh) : "If the Hour is imminent and anyone of you has a palm
shoot (to plant) in his hand and is able to plant it before the Hour strikes,
then he should do so and he will be rewarded for that action."
Allah has ordained severe punishments for those who damage and abuse
natural resources. He says (what means): Eat and drink from the
provision of Allah, and do not commit abuse on the earth, spreading
corruption."[Quran 2:60]
"Corruption has appeared throughout the land and sea by (reason of) what
the hands of people have earned, so He (i.e. Allah) may let them taste
part of (the consequences of) what they have done that perhaps they will
return (to righteousness). [Quran 30:41]
Ibn Mas'ood, may Allah be pleased with him, reports, "While we were on a
journey with Allah's Messenger(pbuh) he went a short distance from
where we had encamped. There we saw a small bird with two of its chicks
and caught them. The bird was fluttering when the Prophet(pbuh) came
back, so he(pbuh) asked, 'Who has distressed it by taking its chicks ?'
Then he(pbuh) asked us to return the chicks. There we also saw an anthill
and burnt it out. When the Prophet(pbuh) saw that, he asked, 'Who has
burnt it?' When we informed him that we had done it, he said, 'Only the
Lord of fire has the right to punish with fire.
Allah says in the Quran (what means): "And there is no creature on (or
within) the earth or a bird that flies with its wings except that they are
nations (communities) like you." [Quran 6:38]
We infer from the Prophets statement and this Quranic verse that all
living things are partners to man in existence and they deserve our

respect. We must be merciful toward animals and strive to ensure the

preservation of different species.
Islam forbids wasting water and using it without benefit. The preservation
of water for the nourishment of humankind, animal life, bird life and
vegetation is a practice that gains Allahs pleasure.
In his article "Islam and the Environment," Arafat El Ashi, director of the
Muslim World League in Canada, [www.al-muslim.org] writes, "Human life
is sacred in the sight of Islam. No one is permitted to take the life of
another person except as life-for-life."
Under Islam, El Ashi states, "It [is] incumbent on every Muslim to
contribute his/her share in improving greenery. Muslims should be active
in growing more trees for the benefit of all people." Even during battle,
Muslims are required to avoid cutting down trees that are useful to people.
Humankinds stewardship of the earth entails a profound responsibility.
Other living species, as mentioned above, are also considered by Allah to
be communities. Creation itself, in its boundless diversity and
complexity, may be thought of as a vast universe of signs of Allahs
Power, Wisdom, Beneficence and Majesty. The responsibility of humankind
is to keep Allahs creation undistorted. The environment is a trust
presented by Allah to humankind and its abuse is a misuse of Allahs
trust.