Islamic Environmental ethics - Shari’ah Law - Qur’an - Hadith - Twahid - Umma Principles
1. Trusteeship Khakifa- Guradianship-
- Understanding that Allah has placed creation in to the trust of human beings
- "The world is green and beautiful, and Allah has appointed you his guardian over it" - involves the appropriate use of the world's resources for the needs of humankind but in
a way which nurtures and sustains the environment.
- The environment is seen not as the property of human beings but as their responsibility to care for and nurture.
2. Unity and integrity of creation Twahid
- unity and absolute oneness of Allah yet by extension it includes the unity and oneness of that which is created by Allah
- The unity of Allah is clearly reflected in the integrity of the created world - demands that the integrity of the created world is maintained and respected. 3. Accountability – Akrah
- Muslims understand that they will be judged by Allah for the way they have undertaken their responsibilities.
- Muslims believe that they will be questioned by Allah on the way they carried our their responsibilities towards all aspects of creation.
Sources
1. Qur’an- numerous specific references to ecology and also contains important principles which are able to be applied to the environment
2. Hadith- Contains important statements
3. Shari’ah Law- includes many teachings which explains the application of the principles of the Qur’an into daily life.
4. Sources of Authority- interpretation and provides clear teaching and direction to Muslims in their relationship with the environment
The Qur’an and the Environment 1. Custodian
- "It is He that has made you custodians, inheritors of the earth" (surah 6:165). clearly state the relationship between humankind and the rest of creation. It also
highlights that this relationship of responsibilityhas been ordained by Allah or in other word is the will of Allah.
- This surah enunciates the principles of human beings as "khalifa" or custodians of the earth.
- Another example setting out this relationship is found in surah 45:12-13 which speaks of all that is the heavens and the earth being subjected to humankind.
- While human beings have the use of the resources of the world, they do not have a right to exploit or destroy these resources.
- Their use of the world's resources should be in keeping with the nurturing and sustaining responsibilities of their guardianship.
3. Diversity and balance in nature
- The Qur'an clearly conveys the important elements of the diversity and balance that exists in nature:
"And the earth-we have spread it out wide, and placed on it mountains firm, and caused life of every kind to grow on it in a balanced manner, and provided means of livelihood for you as well as for all living beings whose sustenance does not depend on you. " (surah15:19).
- Human beings have a fundamental responsibility to use the world's resources in a way which does not diminish the diversity of creation or threaten the balance and harmony that exists.
4. Human Beings in relation to creation
- The degree of control that human beings can exercise over creation is tempered by the Qur'an recognising that human beings are only one aspect of the wonder of
creation.
- "Greater indeed than the creation of man is the creation of the heavens and the earth." (surah 40:57).
This text clearly speaks against the possibility of reckless or complete domination of the natural world for the benefit of human beings. In fact it has been used to show that an anthropocentric view (human centred) of creation is incompatible with the teaching of the Qur'an.
- The environment is depicted in the Qur'an aspraising and exalting Allah.
"Have you not seen that unto Allah pays adoration whosoever is in the heavens and whosoever is in the earth, and the sun, and the moon, and the stars, and the hills, and the trees, and the beasts, and many of mankind ..." (surah 22:18).
- Another example from the Qur'an conveying a similar idea is found in surah 17:44 "The seven heavens and the earth and all therein praise him and there is not a thing but hymns his praise. See! He is ever clement, forgiving."
5. Relationship of creation and creator
- Creation was bequeathed by Allah and reflects Allah’s greatness
- Thus creation holds a sacredness which stems from this relationship with Allah - Failing to honour this sacredness in the environment is to deny Allah’s will and glory
which is the goal for all adherents to follow.
- Many texts emphasise Allah as the creator and conveys human beings as the GUARDIANS of creation.
Some of these texts focus on specific elements such as the rain (surah 21:30) and vegetation (surah 56:63).
1. Concern for the environment
- The Prophet Muhammad shows clearly the concern for the natural environment and by his example, Muslims are encouraged to treat it with respect, and nurture it with care, and avoid exploiting it (concern for future generations)
- HADITHS reiterates the teaching of the Qur’an that humans are given the responsibility and obligation of guardianship over the natural environment.
2. Sacredness
- Sura "the whole earth has been created a place of worship, pure and clean".
there is an affirmation of the sacredness of creation and an implicit warning against its defilement.
- By acknowledging that the earth is a place of worship, the Prophet Muhammad is recognising it as a sacred entity. To act in a way that is harmful to the environment is akin to defiling a place of worship which would be a serious affront to Allah and to all Muslims.
3. Acts of Love
- A third example shows the Prophet Muhammad teaching that the planting of a tree or the sowing of a field which provides for the needs of people and of animals is an act of love.
- Humans are to work in harmony with the environment in a caring and nurturing way. - The environment is intended to provide for the needs of human beings and human
beings are meant to work with the environment to ensure its sustainability. "If a Muslim plants a tree or sow and field and humans and beasts and birds eat from it, all of it is love on his part" (Hadith).
The Environement and Islamic Law Shari’ah 1. Shari’ah
- apply the principles enunciated in the Qur'an to specific circumstances and situations which may not specifically addressed in the Qur'an.
- Especially in light of modern issues -accordingly, the application of Shari'ah law is extremely relevant and important in Muslim teaching on the environment.
2. Hunting
- Muslim teaching prevents hunting other than to provide for the needs of the community and not to go beyond it
- there are laws providing for the most humane way of killing animals where it is necessary. There are also teachings about the welfare of animals which relate to the keeping of animals in confinement.
Animals should not be tied up or kept in unsuitably small spaces. They must also be kept in clean and sanitary surroundings.
3. Animal Experiments
- The use of animals for scientific experiments is a matter of some concern and debate. In general, Islamic teaching would oppose experimentation on animals
- other than those that seek to bring genuinely needed benefits to humanity and only then after careful consideration of all alternatives. Testing of cosmetic products on animals is not condoned.
4. Many situations
- These include laws governing the growth and size of cities, appropriate uses for land, prohibitions against overstocking grazing land, the protection
of forests and wildlife and many other issues.
- One of the most interesting elements is the laws that state that forest land, pasture land and wildlife cannot be privately owned. Shari'ah law dictates that these elements are to be owned by the state and managed for the good of the whole community.
5. Modern Issues
- Much of the body of Shari'ah law was developed centuries ago and as such do not fully address the concerns of the modern environmental crisis.
Religion and Ecology
1. Materialism and Secularism
- For Muslims, the current extremes inenvironmental degradation parallel the worst excesses of materialism and secularism.
- It is seen as contempt for the environment and in effect, as contempt for Allah and the natural order
- In seeking self fulfilment in modern times moves away from the sense of community and values central to Islam.
2. Ecological Crisis
- The ecological crisis is seen as both a sign and a symptom of an attitude where the individual seeks to selfishly satisfy their own wants
- Such an attitude is ultimately self destructive as it results in the exploitation of the world's resources, the exploitation of other people and the loss of human dignity and true human values.
- Muslims believe that the solution to the modern environmental crisis will be found only in a radical transformation of values and ultimately submission to the will of Allah WATER- A KEY ISSUE
1. Historical significance- desert environment
- Given that Islam arose in the harsh desert environment of the Arabian peninsular, it is not surprising that water was a cherished commodity and that the religious reflections of Islam often reflect on the element of water.
- Muslim visions of paradise provide images of a desert oasis with abundant refreshing water.
2. As a gift from Allah
- Water is seen as synonymous with life, it is the source of all life and is regarded as a gift of Allah.
- In the context of reminding humankind that they are the guardians of creation they are reminded that water is a gift and to be preserved and used with care.
- It was prohibited to use water excessively or wastefully. During the time of the Prophet there were haraam areas for water supply
3. Ritual Washing
- Is a requirement of Muslim prayer – known as wudu which is purification before each obligatory five times of daily prayer.
- Muslims regard water as one of the things that should be freely available to all and are not permitted to withhold water from one who needs it. According the Shari'ah law, all people have the right to quench their thirst, to water their animals and to irrigate their crops.
4. Water crisis
- The preciousness of water is all the more keenly felt in today's world where so many people lack the basic necessity of clean drinking water.
- In modern context it is difficult for Muslims to reconcile their beliefs in the reality of pollution, poverty that means the denied rights of some.
- In this regard the area of justice intersects with concerns for the environment. 5. Connections
- Islamic ethical teaching recognises that matters such as justice and the environment are integrally connected.
- It also recognises that genuine progress will not be achieved without the element of conversion of individuals and societies.
