As the Hajj season approaches, millions of Muslims from around the world will head to Mecca to perform their sacred rituals. In light of this massive gathering of believers, the importance of preserving the environment and adhering to sustainability is highlighted, based on the teachings of Islam, which urge us to protect the earth and refrain from corruption. But, how can every Hajj pilgrim contribute to making their Hajj more environmentally friendly? Below are a few easy, yet effective, ways to make your Hajj sustainable:
1. Reducing the Use of Plastic
Single-use plastics are one of the biggest sources of pollution during the Hajj season. Millions of plastic cups and plastic bags are used and then discarded, leading to massive amounts of waste. Each pilgrim can carry a refillable water bottle, personal eating utensils such as spoons and forks made from eco-friendly materials, and cloth bags instead of plastic ones. It is also preferable to purchase products packaged in paper or biodegradable materials.
2. Choosing Public Transportation
Public transportation, such as modern trains connecting the holy sites or buses dedicated to pilgrims, is an ideal option for reducing carbon emissions and alleviating the traffic congestion that Hajj experiences annually. Many also encourage the use of small bicycles with limited capacity, whenever possible. Walking, whenever possible, is not only a means of transportation; it is also an additional act of worship and an adherence to the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), who loved walking.
3. Conserving Water and Energy
With the rising temperatures in Mecca, many people tend to overuse water and electricity. It is important for pilgrims to use water sparingly for ablution and ritual bathing, and not to leave taps running unnecessarily. Using energy-efficient bulbs and setting air conditioners to moderate temperatures significantly reduces the load on electrical networks.
A vast majority of Hajj pilgrims are not aware of the innate nature of environmentalism within Islam.
4. Responsible Waste Management
Waste accumulating during the Hajj season can harm animals and pollute the air and water. Therefore, every pilgrim should carry a special bag to collect their personal waste and commit to disposing of it in designated places, separating recyclable waste whenever possible. Even a simple act like picking up trash from the road and disposing of it in the appropriate place is a righteous deed with great reward.
5. Supporting Environmental Initiatives
There are many campaigns and initiatives aimed at making Hajj more sustainable, such as environmentally-friendly food distribution initiatives or tree-planting campaigns in Mecca and the holy sites after the Hajj season.
Supporting these efforts, whether through direct participation or by spreading awareness among colleagues, contributes to expanding their positive impact. Some organizations also provide certificates of volunteer participation that can motivate pilgrims to actively engage.
6. Good Intentions and Following The Prophet’s Sunnah
A vast majority of Hajj pilgrims are unaware of the innate nature of environmentalism within Islam. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was a model of moderation and kindness to nature. He forbade extravagance and commanded the removal of harmful things from the road.
Let our intention in every action during Hajj be to please Allah Almighty and to be compassionate toward the earth and its inhabitants. Invoking this intention with every small act – such as littering or reducing water consumption – turns simple environmental acts into great acts of worship. Spread awareness among other pilgrims in a kind and considerate manner about the importance of environmental behavior.
Bottom Line
Hajj is a great opportunity not only to draw closer to God, but also to embody the noble values of Islam in caring for the universe. Let us make our Hajj this year a journey of faith and spirituality, while also a message of love and peace for the Earth God has entrusted to us. Protecting the environment during the Hajj season is a religious and moral duty, combining obedience to God and kindness to His creation.
Note: The original Arabic version of the article is available at this link.
