Islam, as a holistic way of life, provides profound guidance on how humans should interact with the world around them. Rooted in the Quran and the Hadith, Islamic teachings offer timeless wisdom that shapes the way Muslims treat others and the environment. As we commemorate Earth Day, it’s a fitting time to reflect on how Islamic principles guide our interactions with the environment.

In this article, we discover how Islamic teachings, as explained in the Quran, provide guidance towards environmental action, drawing on concepts such as Tawhid (Oneness of God), stewardship, justice, equity, compassion, and mercy.

The Oneness of God

At the heart of Islam lies the concept of Tawhid, emphasizing on the belief in the Oneness of God and the interconnection between all living things. Muslims believe that Allah (God) is the Creator of the universe and that this world (Dunya) belongs to Him. 

As the Quran states in Surah Ar-Rum (30:25), 

Which means: And one of His signs is that the heavens and the earth persist by His command. Then when He calls you out of the earth just once, you will instantly come forth.

The Quran also highlights the humans’ role as stewards (khalifah) of the Earth. This was mentioned in Surah Al-An’am (6:165):

“And it is He who has made you successors (khalifah) upon the earth and has raised some of you above others in degrees [of rank] that He may try you through what He has given you. Surely your Lord is swift in punishment, but He is certainly All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” 

There was also a hadith where Abu Sa’id Khudri reported that Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said: “The world is sweet and green (alluring) and verily Allah is going to install you as a vicegerent in it in order to see how you act.” – Hadith Narrated by Imam Muslim. 

Muslims have been given the trust (amanah) and responsibility to safeguard and preserve the environment, ensuring its sustainability for future generations. 

The Emphasis to Avoid Wastage

Islamic teachings emphasize moderation and balance in all aspects of life, including consumption and resource use. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged his followers to adopt a simple and frugal lifestyle, avoiding extravagance and wastefulness. 

In a Hadith narrated by Miqdam bin Madikarib:

“I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) 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.’” – Hadith Narrated by Imam Ibn Majah. 

The practice of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) with regard to conserving our resources can be seen through prophetic narrations. As narrated in a hadith, Anas ibn Malik R.A. reported,

“The Prophet (peace be upon him) would perform ablution (wudhu) with one mudd (half a litre) and would perform a ritual bath with one sa’ (about two litres), up to five mudd (two and a half litres).” – Sahih al-Bukhari 201

This particular emphasis on moderation extends to environmental stewardship, where Muslims are encouraged to utilize resources responsibly and avoid excessive consumption. 

The Notion of Compassion and Mercy

Central to Islamic ethics is the notion of compassion (rahmah) and mercy (rahim). The Quran describes the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as “a mercy to the worlds” (Surah Al-Anbiya, 21:107), highlighting his compassionate nature towards all living beings. 

Which means: We have sent you ˹O Prophet˺ only as a mercy for the whole world.

As Muslims, we should all strive towards following the footsteps and actions of our Prophet; to show kindness and empathy towards animals, plants, and the Earth itself. 

As stated in Surah Ar-Rahman (55:10-13), 

“And the earth He laid [out] for the creatures. Therein is fruit and palm trees having sheaths [of dates]. And grain having husks and scented plants. So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?” 

Practicing compassion towards the environment involves adopting sustainable lifestyles, reducing consumption, and advocating for policies that promote ecological balance and biodiversity conservation.

As we celebrate Earth Day, let us recommit ourselves to the principles of environmental stewardship outlined in the Quran, striving to preserve and protect the Earth for future generations. On top of that, as Muslims, it is our duty to heed the guidance of Islam, and take proactive steps towards environmental stewardship everyday. 

By incorporating Islamic principles into our daily lives and collective actions, we can strive towards a more sustainable and harmonious relationship with the Earth, fulfilling our role as caretakers of God’s creation. Let us embrace the teachings of Islam and work together to protect and preserve the environment for future generations.