Islamic Environmental Ethics
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Islamic environmental ethics are based on teachings from the Quran and hadith that establish humans as stewards of the earth. The Quran instructs humans to care for animals and nature, use resources sustainably without waste, and recognize humanity as only a small part of God's greater creation. Hadith emphasize kind treatment of animals and conservation of resources like water, even when abundantly available. Islamic principles call on followers to respect the environment and natural resources as a trust from God.
Islamic Environmental Ethics
- 1. Islamic Environmental Ethics describe and explain Islamic ethical teachings on environmental ethics
- 2. What God says… Quran 2:30 “…Your Lord said unto the angels: “Lo! I am about to place a viceroy on the earth…,” and Quran 22:65 “Do you not see that God has made subject to you (humans) all that is on the earth”
- 3. What God says… There is not an animal in the earth, nor a flying creature flying on two wings, but they are peoples like unto you. We have neglected nothing in the Book (of Our decrees). Then unto their Lord they will be gathered. Qu’ran 6: 38
- 4. What God says… "And the earth—we have spread it out wide, and placed on it mountains firm, and caused life of every kind to grow on it in a balanced manner, and provided means of livelihood for you as well as for all living beings whose sustenance does not depend on you. " (15:19)
- 5. What God says… "Greater indeed than the creation of man is the creation of the heavens and the earth." (40:57) By stressing that humans are only a small part of the universe, the Qur'an points out the absurdity of the anthropocentric world-view.
- 6. What the prophet says… “ Everyone of you is a guardian ( khalifa) and is responsible for his charges. The ruler who has authority over people is a guardian and is responsible for them” (Sahih Bukhari 3.46.730). Islam has urged humanity to be kind to nature and not to abuse the trust that has been placed on the shoulders of humans.
- 7. The prophet says… The people asked, “O God’s Apostle! Is there a reward for us in serving (the) animals?” He replied, “Yes, there is a reward for serving any animate being.” (Sahih Bukhari 3.40.551)
- 8. The prophet says… During the prophet’s life, Muslims were instructed that one could not allow one’s beasts of burden (eg: camels) to become hungry (through neglect), or even to overburden them (by loading them too heavily). (Sunan Abu Dawud #2543). These were radical ideas for that place and time.
- 9. Creation as Allah manifest.. Behold! in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of night and day- there are indeed Signs for men of understanding men who celebrate the praises of God, standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides, and contemplate the (wonders of) creation in the heavens and the earth (with the thought): “Our Lord! not for nothing have You created (all) this! Glory to You! Give us salvation from the penalty of the Fire. Quran 3.190-1.
- 10. Principles of Islamic Ethics List seven principles of Islamic Ethics List four sources of Islamic Ethics
- 12. Water conservation If you are still in doubt as to resurrection, consider this: you can see the earth dry and lifeless and suddenly when we send down waters upon it, it stirs and swells and puts forth every kind of lovely plant! " (22:5)
- 13. Water conservation fertility of the soil the unique properties of fresh and sea water the course of rivers the presence underground of springs and aquifers the aquatic origin of life,
- 14. Water Conservation A Muslim is recommended to save water in his ceremonial washing for Prayer even if she has a river at her disposal, according to one tradition of the Prophet.
- 15. Water Conservation “ What is this wastage, O Sa’ ad?” “Is there wastage even in washing for prayer?” asked Sa’ d; and he said, “Yes, even if you are by a flowing river!” – Ibn Majah
- 16. Water Conservation Islamic law requires the establishment of areas within which development is prohibited to safeguard natural resources. These areas could border canals, wells and rivers, to protect aquifers and water from pollution.
- 17. Waste and over consumption
- 18. Waste and over consumption … .But waste not by excess: for God loves not the wasters. - 6: 141.
- 19. Waste and over consumption Lo! the squanderers were ever brothers of the devils, and the devil was ever an ingrate to his Lord. Quran 17.27.
- 20. Waste and over consumption Quran 30:41: “Corruption appears on land and sea because of (the evil) that men’s hands have done, so that He may make them taste a part of what they have done, in order that they may return.” Countless animals and plants are thoughtlessly killed and harvested when people throw out tons of unused food.