Boris Johnson describes Mohammed bin Salman as a brave and successful leader    Trump praises Saudi Arabia's role in diplomacy and economic growth at FII Miami    Saudi Arabia's Al-Moqbel appointed WTO General Council president for 2025–2026    Putin thanks Saudi leadership for hosting US – Russia talks    Madinah Chamber of Commerce and Canadian delegation explore investment opportunities    Saudi Media Forum panel highlights Kingdom's vision beyond 2034 World Cup    AlUla Arts Festival 2025 wraps up with a vibrant closing weekend    British Army 'absolutely ready' if ordered to deploy to Ukraine    New York governor weighs Eric Adams' fate after scandals    Japan to increase reliance on nuclear energy in post-Fukushima shift    Russia frees US national held on drug charges    Minister of Media: Saudi Arabia is transforming into an open global laboratory for big ideas Over 2000 delegates attend 4th edition of Saudi Media Forum that kicks off in Riyadh    Al-Ettifaq's Moussa Dembélé undergoes surgery, misses rest of the season    Al Hilal secures top spot in AFC Champions League Elite, set to face Pakhtakor in Round of 16    Saudi Aramco Chief: Jafurah gas field expected to contribute $23 billion annually to GDP    'Real life Squid Game': Kim Sae-ron's death exposes Korea's celebrity culture    Civil Defense warns of thunderstorms in most Saudi regions until Thursday    Al Ahli defeat Al Gharafa to seal AFC Champions League Elite knockout berth    Spouse of Crown Prince launches Misk Heritage Museum 'Asaan' in Diriyah    Conclave and The Brutalist win big at the Baftas    Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan 'out of danger' after attack at home in Mumbai    Order vs. Morality: Lessons from New York's 1977 Blackout    India puts blockbuster Pakistani film on hold    The Vikings and the Islamic world    Exotic Taif Roses Simulation Performed at Taif Rose Festival    Asian shares mixed Tuesday    Weather Forecast for Tuesday    Saudi Tourism Authority Participates in Arabian Travel Market Exhibition in Dubai    Minister of Industry Announces 50 Investment Opportunities Worth over SAR 96 Billion in Machinery, Equipment Sector    HRH Crown Prince Offers Condolences to Crown Prince of Kuwait on Death of Sheikh Fawaz Salman Abdullah Al-Ali Al-Malek Al-Sabah    HRH Crown Prince Congratulates Santiago Peña on Winning Presidential Election in Paraguay    SDAIA Launches 1st Phase of 'Elevate Program' to Train 1,000 Women on Data, AI    41 Saudi Citizens and 171 Others from Brotherly and Friendly Countries Arrive in Saudi Arabia from Sudan    Saudi Arabia Hosts 1st Meeting of Arab Authorities Controlling Medicines    General Directorate of Narcotics Control Foils Attempt to Smuggle over 5 Million Amphetamine Pills    NAVI Javelins Crowned as Champions of Women's Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) Competitions    Saudi Karate Team Wins Four Medals in World Youth League Championship    Third Edition of FIFA Forward Program Kicks off in Riyadh    Evacuated from Sudan, 187 Nationals from Several Countries Arrive in Jeddah    SPA Documents Thajjud Prayer at Prophet's Mosque in Madinah    SFDA Recommends to Test Blood Sugar at Home Two or Three Hours after Meals    SFDA Offers Various Recommendations for Safe Food Frying    SFDA Provides Five Tips for Using Home Blood Pressure Monitor    SFDA: Instant Soup Contains Large Amounts of Salt    Mawani: New shipping service to connect Jubail Commercial Port to 11 global ports    Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Delivers Speech to Pilgrims, Citizens, Residents and Muslims around the World    Sheikh Al-Issa in Arafah's Sermon: Allaah Blessed You by Making It Easy for You to Carry out This Obligation. Thus, Ensure Following the Guidance of Your Prophet    Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques addresses citizens and all Muslims on the occasion of the Holy month of Ramadan    







Thank you for reporting!
This image will be automatically disabled when it gets reported by several people.



Man: The custodian of all creation
Published in The Saudi Gazette on 11 - 07 - 2008

THE environmental crisis, which loomed large on the horizon in the 20th century, has not diminished amid the spectre of rising over-consumption, increasing species loss and unprecedented climate change. Across the world we are experiencing the negative impact that human activities have had on nature.
Nature, from which we fulfill our essential needs for air, food and water, has come under increased pressure. Not only have natural resources been overused, but there is also widespread pollution of water, air, and land resources. The impact of destructive technologies, developed with little consideration of their consequences on nature or society, is also prevalent. As the Noble Qur'an states:
“Evil (sins and disobedience to Allah) has appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of men have earned (by oppression and evil deeds), that He (Allah) may make them taste a part of that which they have done, in order that they may return (by repenting to Allah, and begging His Pardon).” (Qur'an, 30:41)
Increasingly, scholars, thinkers and activists are writing about the environmental message of Islam. The Qur'an and the Sunnah abound with wisdom and ethics on human interaction with the natural world. Sadly, there is a lack of awareness and implementation of the environmental teachings of Islam today. Yet more than ever, this message needs to be put into practice. What then, is the ecological message of Islam?
Tawheed, the belief in the oneness of Allah, has been called the bedrock of a Muslim's faith. This concept focuses on the Oneness of the Creator, His Superiority to all else. Muslims affirm this belief in their entire lives, and assert that Allah is the absolute source of all values, and also the Owner and Originator of the entire Universe of which humankind is a part. In ecological terms, humans are therefore not the owners of natural resources.
Humankind has been given a position of a steward or trustee on Earth, often referred to as a vicegerent or Khalifah of Allah.
And (remember) when your Lord said to the angels: “Verily, I am going to place (mankind) generations after generations on earth.” They said: “Will You place therein those who will make mischief therein and shed blood, – while we glorify You with praises and thanks and sanctify You.” He (Allah) said: “I know that which you do not know.” (Qur'an, 2:30)
The interpretation of this concept by Muslim environmental scholars portrays men and women as custodians of the creation, who are provided with bounties that should be enjoyed within limits. This trusteeship must be carried out with justice and kindness to all creation. The interpretation of a Khalifah as a “master or vicegerent, trustee or tyrant” is central to the environmental teachings of Islam. If a Muslim understands by trusteeship that he or she can exploit and abuse natural resources, then they fail to understand the concept of Khilafah. Humankind needs to carry out their role as Khalifah with compassion, kindness and sincerity - with justice (‘adl) and goodness (ihsaan). Our relationship with all of the creation should reflect these qualities.
Moreover, belief in the hereafter and accountability for one's actions further impresses upon the minds and hearts of Muslims that humanity will be accountable for their actions, as well as the things in their care. As the Hadith reads: “The world is sweet and green (alluring) and verily Allah is going to install you as vicegerent in it in order to see how you act.” (Sahih Muslim).
In Islam, all of the creation (khalq) is regarded as signs or ayat of Allah, worshipping and glorifying the Creator, even though humankind cannot perceive this. Nature therefore possesses an intrinsic value apart from its role as sustenance for humankind.
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. (Qur'an, 17:44)
Humankind's relationship with the natural world is further elaborated by the following two principles, that of mizan (balance) and Taskheer (subservience). Taskheer (subservience) does not imply that humans possess the right to dominate or exploit the earth and should not be taken to mean “the ordinary conquest of nature,” but rather, use of the earth's natural resources exercised according to Allah's Will. This includes being mindful of the order and balance (mizan) within nature:
And the heaven: He has raised it high, and He has set up the Balance in order that you may not transgress (due) balance. (Qur'an, 55: 7-8)
When we contemplate the verse in Surah Ar-Rum (30:41), we find that humankind has been forewarned to desist from polluting and destroying the earth and to turn back from evil actions. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the perfect expression of ethical behaviour since his life depicts the Qur'anic message. In terms of environmental care, simple living, moderation, and respect and concern for all creation, his life abounds with examples of the Islamic environmental philosophy.
An oft-cited example from the Hadith, narrated by Abu Hurairah in Sahih Bukhari, illustrates the virtue of being kind to animals. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “A man saw a dog eating mud from (the severity of) thirst. So, that man took a shoe (and filled it) with water and kept on pouring the water for the dog till it quenched its thirst. So Allah approved of his deed and made him enter Paradise.” In the day-to-day lifestyle of the Prophet (peace be upon him), exists a sublime example of moderation and simplicity.
In the last two centuries, the exploitation of the earth's resources reached new heights (or lows). Too often one reads about the depletion of earth's forests, the extinction of plants and animals and the threat of global climate change. Evidence of corruption or fasad, mischief and destruction is widespread. The balance of the natural system has been disturbed. The unquenchable thirst for power and wealth, which underlies much environmental exploitation, is destroying this planet.
In the way of Islam we find a message that embodies the principles needed to guide us out of the environmental crisis we face. Islam is a way of life in which justice, fairness and compassion towards all of the creation is paramount. The challenge is to establish our lives upon these teachings and to swim against the tide of self-interest, greed, materialism and destruction which is plundering our planet and its people.
- Najma Mohamed is an environmental researcher and writer and is based in Cape Town, South Africa. Courtesy: The Muslim World League Journal, Makkah. __


Clic here to read the story from its source.