Islam has a long tradition of teaching respect for God’s creatures and responsible use of natural resources. Muslims have historically embodied their role as khalifah, or stewards, and how contemporary Muslims are enacting this stewardship through environmental protection. The infographic below shares ways to easily live more sustainably, emphasizing affordable solutions. Whether you change some of your habits, volunteer with a Muslim-led environmental nonprofit organization, or help in another way, you can learn more about Islam’s relationship to sustainability.
The protection of natural resources and respectful treatment of plants and animals has long been a part of the Muslim way of life. Certain verses from the Quran advocate against waste, while certain hadith emphasize the importance of kindness towards other living beings. Historically, Muslims have understood the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) as displaying compassion towards animals as God’s creatures, created protected wildlife preserves, advocated for equitable distribution of water, prohibited disposing of waste in waterways, and forbade hunting for sport. Zaynab, Avicenna, Ibn Arabi, and Jalal ad-Din Muhammad ar-Rumi repeatedly advocated care of plants, animals, and natural resources.
The Islamic approach to environmentalism emphasize care of God’s creations and humanity’s role as khalifah. Many environmental advocates value and are influenced by their faith. An increasing numbers of mosques and Islamic centers are working towards greater environmental sustainability.
Human welfare is impacted by the environment, with pollution tied to greater risks of respiratory and cardiac illnesses, droughts tied to famines and associated conflicts, rising sea levels displacing people from their homes, and climate-intensified disasters leading to injuries and loss of life. Living more sustainably is a way to protect conditions for life, to care for yourself and your loved ones, while also in alignment with Islamic values.
Note: This congregational resource was created as part of the Sustainability In Religion program by Conserve It Forward, a nonprofit organization focused on empowering everyday people through environmental education, and made by religious studies PhD student Avalon Jade Theisen in consultation with Islamic studies professor Dr. Han Hsien Liew.
