We live in a world with rampant environmental degradation and an overconsumption of natural resources. The situation has escalated to a level that inaction today means the end of civilization as we know it in the near future.
An eco-friendly lifestyle is no longer a choice; it is a necessity. Islam teaches us to live in harmony with nature. Muslims should live modestly and refrain from being either too miserly or too flagrant in their spending.
Examining the need for an eco-friendly lifestyle and the Islamic ruling is important. In this green living guide for Muslims, we will look at some practical ways Muslims can incorporate an eco-friendly lifestyle into their daily routine.
The Rationale for an Eco-Friendly Lifestyle
Global temperatures have risen by nearly 1.07 ⁰C from the 1900s to 2010s. While this number may not appear significant, the impact of even a minuscule change in the overall temperature can be devastating for entire habitats. It is estimated that 3 to 3.6 billion people are vulnerable to the effects of rising global temperatures.
Rising sea levels threaten large swathes of coastal areas that are in danger of disappearing underwater. Sea levels have already risen 8 to 9 inches from their 1880 levels. Many plants and animals are on the verge of extinction as their habitats have been transformed due to human activity.
The large-scale exploitation of natural resources and unregulated waste disposal are added to the woes. Excessive production and consumption have led to the exhaustion of many non-renewable resources. Production and consumption also result in the creation of waste that is being disposed of without much concern for the environment.
There is a lot of work that needs to be done. Our existing way of life could be more sustainable in the long term. The future of our planet is critically linked to our present actions and behaviors. As Muslims, we believe that Allah (SWT) has assigned us a duty to protect and save the environment we live in.
Islamic Perspective on Sustainable Lifestyle
Islam is very clear when it comes to environmental issues and living sustainably. Allah (SWT) has made mankind a regent over all other creations. This implies that while we are bestowed with Allah’s (SWT) blessings, we are also responsible for caring for them.
Allah (SWT) created all that is on the earth to sustain life and provide us with comfort. The sun, for example, provides energy to sustain life. Allah (SWT) is the Creator and Provider. While we are free to use natural resources to live a comfortable life, this does not give us the right to exploit and waste resources. Allah (SWT) clearly states in the Holy Quran:
“O sons of Adam, attire yourselves at every time of worship; eat and drink, but do not be wasteful, for God does not like the prodigals.” [7:31]
We are taught to adopt a balanced lifestyle in every aspect of life. More of anything is good. For instance, too much prayer may detract from our worldly duties. Similarly, production, consumption, and doing business are all essential activities. However, we must also abide by a code of conduct. Striving for worldly gain should never override our morals.
The life of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) also lived an exemplary life. When he first declared prophethood publicly and invited people to Islam, he encountered a lot of hatred. This quickly changed into persecution. The Holy Prophet (SAW) stood steadfast in the wake of the open opposition of the unbelievers, even if it meant denial of basic needs, like food and water, for extended periods.
After migration to Madinah, despite being the political, social, and religious leader, the Holy Prophet (SAW) continued to live a simple life. He never indulged himself in material things. The life of the Holy Prophet (SAW) is a blueprint for living a modest and plain yet spiritually fulfilling life.
Practical Steps to Live in Harmony with Nature
Here are some steps Muslims can take to adopt an environmentally-friendly lifestyle:
1. Mindful Consumption
Individually we cannot control the amount of goods and services being produced, but we can bring about a change by altering our spending habits. Mindful consumption forces us the consumers, to ponder our purchasing practices.
Too many of us are indulging in overconsumption without realizing it. The amount of food that goes to waste each day. Landfills are full of clothes, shoes, and accessories that are barely worn once and thrown away because the trends have changed.
Most of us live in capitalistic societies where consumption is the driving force behind the economy. We must change this by questioning what we buy. Do we need the latest smartphone model when our current model is working perfectly fine?
We will automatically cut back on our purchases when we are conscious about them. Material possessions do not satisfy emotional or spiritual needs. However, this is the lie that capitalism sells us. It equates all happiness with material ownership. This is not true, and the sooner we figure this out, the faster we can escape the rat race to own more and more stuff.
2. Opt for Sustainable Brands
When we do consume and buy things, we should choose brands that prioritize the environment. This will incentivize these brands to continue with their mission. Our support matters because eco-friendly brands usually bear a higher cost of production.
Additionally, choosing these brands sends a powerful message to other brands that people’s preferences are changing in favor of companies that care for the environment. This makes going eco-friendly more profitable for companies and incentivizes them to switch to environmentally-friendly production methods.
3. Give Charity
Charity or sadqa is over and above the obligatory alms and zakah that we must give. Not only does giving charity prevent us from overindulging, it also leads to an improved circulation of wealth in the economy.
Inequality leads to a lot of distorted outcomes. For example, when a few rich people own most wealth producers, they are inclined to cater to their needs and wants and produce unnecessary goods and services. These include ostentatious luxury items, like designer handbags.
Reducing inequality leads to a better utilization of scarce resources as more are allocated towards improving the well-being of the majority of people, not just a minority.
The best thing is that sadqa does not have to be monetary. Anything that benefits another person is considered an act of charity. Hazrat Anas bin Malik (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) narrates:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “
If any Muslim plants any plant and a human being or an animal eats of it, he will be rewarded as if he had given that much in charity.” [Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 78, Hadith 43]
Incidentally, planting a tree is another eco-friendly step we can take. It only requires us to spend little resources and is an effective way to preserve the environment. Just remember to plant trees that are local to the area.
4. Support Leaders Pushing for Change
The environment has become a significant political issue, not just nationally but internationally. Public discourse around climate change and environmental degradation is widespread, and many are leading the charge in the right direction.
As individuals, we can bring about a seismic shift in policy by supporting leaders raising environmental concerns. Our support will have a domino effect and eco-friendly policies will be incorporated from the top.
إن التعليم البيئي يعد المفتاح لمستقبل أفضل
5. Educate Others
Most people support preserving the environment and living in harmony with nature. However, they must gain the knowledge or tools to make a difference. Educating others can help them live eco-friendly lives, and collective action is always more impactful.
This is also a form of charity, as we discussed earlier since our good deed’s benefit is being forwarded and multiplied. Teaching others to make even small changes is a decisive step we can take, the consequences of which go beyond our own lives.
6. Nurturing Nature
Allah (SWT) created us to live in tandem with nature. We are hardwired to be the protectors of the environment. The exploitation of natural resources, wastage, and disregard for the environment goes against our nature.
We feel guilty when we waste food or cut down a tree. Once we realize that nurturing nature is innate, we can better follow an eco-friendly lifestyle. Minor changes and steps can have a meaningful impact if only we believe in ourselves and put in the work.
