Islamic Perspective on Human-Driven Climate Change

Written by Zahra Ali Syed

The foundation of Islamic Environmentalism is our core belief that Allah is the Creator and He created all known and unknown worlds perfectly with their intriguing ecosystems, mystifying bio-diversity, and the whole mind-blowing cosmic system. Verse 10-12 of Surah Rahman says,

“And He created the Earth for mankind.
Therein are fruits and magnificent date palms.
And also corns, with leaves and stalks for fodder and sweet-scented plants.”

The Earth is a remarkable divine blessing, a serene and secure adobe like a cradle for humanity filled with abundance and beauty. It is estimated that there are over 8.7 million species of plants and animals on this wonderful planet. The biodiversity we see today is the result of 4.5 billion years of evolution. Today biodiversity is at risk. About 1 million plant and animal species are under threat.

Biodiversity loss means the decline in the number, genetic variability, variety of species, and biological communities in a given area. biodiversity loss means a breakdown in the functioning of the ecosystem. Today about one million plant and animal species face the threat of extinction and many of these will go extinct in the next few years. There are five main reasons for it.

1. Changes in land and sea use
2. Direct exploitation of natural resources
3. Climate change
4. Pollution
5. Invasion of non-native species.

Most of these are human-driven. As a Muslim who believes that Allah Subhan watala has created this world for us and made us the guardians of it, are we not responsible for sustainable living?

“Then which of the blessing of your Lord will you deny?”

Surah Rahman seems like a wake-up call to me. Think about how this beautiful planet has enough resources for our present and future generations and has the capacity to regenerate itself, only if we let it. Greed, overconsumption of resources, conflict, regional politics, and growing inequalities have all led to climate change. We, as Muslims, must lead an eco-friendly lifestyle, as this world is the ultimate divine blessing of Allah, the Creator, and we are accountable for how we waste Earth’s precious resources.

“Allah created all kinds of creatures around it (Earth)” Surah Luqman, verse 10

Zahra Ali Syed is an environmentalist and a writer and can be reached at [email protected] . www.instagram.com/zahra.ali.syed . www.facebook.com/zahra.reflects

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