by Jalaleddin Fanaei E.
The Global Crisis
The modern environmental crisis, escalating since the industrial revolution, now poses an unprecedented global threat. The incessant growth of environmentally destructive technology has put the planet in grave danger. As noted by the UN, critical issues like climate change, widespread pollution, and resource depletion have become paramount global concerns.
This escalating pollution of soil, water, and air—driven by factors including the excessive use of industrial machinery, chemicals, and toxins—has jeopardized the environment and caused irreversible harm. This situation has alarmed scientists, who have declared a global environmental crisis. This predicament raises a critical question for people of all backgrounds: What role can faith play in addressing this crisis? Specifically, for the world’s nearly two billion Muslims, is environmental preservation a concern in Islam?
The Islamic Framework: A Sacred Duty
Islam, in fact, has a long and robust history of advocating for environmental protection. This emphasis is not a modern reaction but is deeply rooted in divine teachings from the Quran, imbuing environmental defense with a sacred quality.
Beyond the monotheistic worldview that acknowledges the unity and sanctity of all existence, specific Islamic regulations also provide a framework for preserving the natural world.
A Sacred Trust (Amanah) and Stewardship (Khalifah)
According to Islamic teachings, humans are not masters of the earth, free to exploit nature without restraint. Instead, humanity is given the role of a steward (Khalifah) and entrusted with a sacred trust (Amanah).
This perspective prohibits arrogance against nature and obligates respect for the rights of all creatures, regardless of their size. The Holy Quran highlights this by stating that all living beings form communities in their own right:
“There isn’t an animal (that lives on the land, nor a living thing that flies on its wings, but (forms part of) communities like you.” (Quran 6:38)
The earth, water, sky, and all aspects of nature are seen as gifts from God, to be used in a balanced and sustainable manner. This trust extends so far that Islamic jurists historically prohibited the destruction of trees and fields, even on enemy land during wartime, viewing such acts as morally reprehensible.
Natural resources and the environment belong to all people and creatures. As the Holy Quran mentions, “And He has made the earth for all living creatures” (Quran 55:10). Therefore, individuals do not have the right to endanger others or natural resources through their actions. Numerous holy scriptures prohibit deforestation and pollution, such as the command: “… do not cut or burn the trees of the enemy’s land … do not pollute the enemy’s drinking water…”
Contemporary Scholarly Emphasis
This classical understanding is powerfully echoed by prominent contemporary Islamic scholars. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei identifies the root of the problem, stating:
“Neglecting the natural environment is the result of rebellion, self-centeredness, and egotism against nature’s biosphere.”
This statement frames environmentalism as a moral and spiritual imperative.
Similarly, Ayatollah Abdollah Javadi Amoli, in his book Islam and the Environment, argues that environmental problems are “not only physical and ecological, but also moral and spiritual.” He contends that the environment is a divine gift that humans have a duty to protect, stating:
“The person who pollutes the air instead of purifying it, destroys the land instead of repairing it, cuts down trees instead of planting them, and does not care about polluting the seas and lands instead of cleaning them, is not a steward of God’s creation.”
The Theological Foundation: Tawhid and Sanctity
At the heart of Islam’s environmental ethic is Tawhid (the Oneness of God). This monotheistic worldview recognizes the unity and sanctity of all existence as a creation of the one God. The environment is not merely a resource for human use but is viewed as a collection of signs (Ayat) of God, reflecting His harmony and wisdom.
This belief in the sanctity of nature fosters:
- Reverence for all creation.
- An ethic of moderation and sustainability, rejecting wastefulness (Israf).
- A moral obligation to leave the earth in a better state for future generations.
This ecological conscience, deeply rooted in the Quran and Hadith, calls for an aesthetic and spiritual appreciation of nature.
Conclusion
In summary, environmental protection in Islam is not a mere contemporary reaction but a fundamental aspect of faith. It is a sacred obligation rooted in the core concepts of stewardship (Khalifah) and trust (Amanah).
By recognizing nature as a divine gift and a sign of God, Islamic teachings provide a powerful moral and spiritual framework for crafting regulations and inspiring actions that safeguard the natural world—a crucial heritage for all generations to come.
References
- The Holy Quran
- “Global Environmental Outlook.” GEO, 2019, wedocs.unep.org/handle/20.500.11822/27687
- Hor Ameli, M. (1988). Wasa’il al-Shia, Alulbayt Institute, Qom, Iran. [In Arabic]
- Khamenei, A. (2006). https://farsi.khamenei.ir/speech-content?id=47424
- Javadi Amoli, A. (2008). Islam and the environment, E-mag Esra, V.2, Iran, Qom. [In Persian]
- Javadi Amoli, A. (2010). Islam and the Environment, Esra publication, Iran, Qom. [In Persian]
