Islam and Ecology – 5 Examples

Islam contains many teachings that relate to ecological sustainability. Here are five examples.

Khalifa – stewardship

Islam teaches that Allah (God) created humans to be guardians of His creation. In other words, nature does not belong to us to do with as we wish, but is entrusted by Allah to our safe-keeping. ‘The world is green and beautiful, and Allah has appointed you his guardian over it,’ taught the prophet Muhammad.

Tawheed – unity

The central concept of Islam is tawheed, or unity. Allah is unity, and His unity is reflected in the unity of humanity and nature. We must therefore maintain the integrity of the Earth, its flora and fauna, its wildlife and environment. Our responsibility is to keep balance and harmony in Allah’s creation.

Akrah – accountability

Islam teaches that we will one day be judged by Allah for how we have discharged our responsibilities following the guidance of Islam. Have we been good trustees, and have we kept nature in harmony? So there will be a day of reckoning.

Avoid waste

It is said in the Qur’an that Allah invites us to enjoy the fruits of the earth, but to avoid excess leading to waste, ‘for Allah does not love wasters.’

Shariah

All these principals have been translated into practical directions for how to live, embodied in the Shariah, the laws of Islam. For example, Shariah law protects animals from cruelty, conserves forests, and limits the growth of cities.

More on Islam and Ecology

The Ecology of Sufism
Islamic call on climate appeals to 1.6 billion Muslims
Mosque greening project
Islamic Faith Statement on the Environment

Islamic conservation in practice

Here is a leaflet that explores Islamic theology on conservation as well as practical ideas for Islamic communities to protect endangered pollinator species in urban areas.

To read an article about Islam and ecology from Professor Abu Sway, click here.

To watch an interview with Professor Abu Sway click here.

For other faith’s statements on the environment, please click here.

The text above was copied with permission from the Alliance of Religions and Conservation (ARC).

ICSD works on a global basis, with current engagement in Africa, the Middle East, North America, and Europe.