s we near the end of Ramadan this year, it is essential to reflect on the impacts of climate change and the connection between the environment and Ramadan. So, let us take this opportunity to commit to making Ramadan more environmentally friendly and sustainable.
The Holy Quran states that man was created as “the vicegerent on Earth.” Therefore, Muslims believe humans are called to protect, cherish, care for and respect the Earth and all of God’s creation. While fasting is the key element of the blessed month, we must be more aware of the universal principles of mercy, compassion and respect for the Earth that our faith advocates and asks us to implement.
Islamic view of the environment
The exploitation of natural resources is posing a grave threat to the protection of the environment. Islam, which offers solutions to all the ills facing humans, greatly emphasizes protecting the environment. The Holy Quran shows the inherent value of creatures and life and how each creature in nature must be respected and cherished by human beings as their fellow beings. He created this natural world for His purpose, which confers upon the natural environment a sanctity that all believers must recognize.
Islam has attached much importance to protecting the environment, asking its followers not to cut trees, pollute rivers or contaminate the atmosphere. Prophet Muhammad taught people to live on less, to save animal and plant life, and to worship the Creator by being merciful to the creation. “If a Muslim plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, or a person or an animal eats from it; it is regarded as a charitable gift [sadaqah] for him.” (Al Bukhari).
The Prophet had declared a 30-kilometer area around his city of Medina a protected grove, prohibiting the cutting down of trees within its borders. He prescribed picking up litter from the streets as an act of faith. He forbade cutting cedar trees in the desert that provided shade and shelter to animals. He called upon us to be what God intended us to be, which is in harmony with nature. We can sum up the importance of the environment by quoting what the Prophet famously said: “Even if the ‘Day of Judgment’ should arrive and you are holding a sapling in your hand, plant it.”
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Now, let us come to a green Ramadan. Ramadan offers an excellent opportunity to practice what the Holy Quran and hadith tell us. It is time for our scholars and environment experts to educate their congregations on the importance of environmental sustainability.
